Before you go

A General Checklist:

Optional Gear:

Winter Gear:

Backpack

It’s important for your backpack to fit comfortably and to be right size for your activities. A bigger backpack reduces your comfort, which is likely to affect your stamina. Too small and you won’t have enough space for all the gear you want to carry.

When choosing a backpack for your hiking trip there are 3 main factors to consider:

1. How long is your trip
2. What weather
3. How much gear you want to carry

Day backpacks ( 10-30 litres) as the name suggests, the day backpacks are designed for day trips where you don’t need too much gear to take with you. Also, backpacks with a lower capacity are used for trail running or cycling activities.

Weekend Backpacks (30-50 litres) are best for 1-3 day hiking trips. You will have to plan your gear and pack it using lightweight equipment where possible.

Multi-day backpacks (50-70 litres) are designed for 3-5 day trips. These backpacks normally have an internal frame for more comfort and stability. They also usually have more padding and more useful pockets.

Expedition backpacks (70 litres and more) are designed for more than 5 days continues use. These also have an internal frame, more padding and extra pockets. Remember that for winter expedition you need more gear like gaiters, crampons, insulated clothing and 4 season tent. All of this can add a fair amount of weight so it requires good packing skills.

The weight of the backpack you’re carrying shouldn’t be more than a third of your body weight. With a too heavy backpack your balance is affected and it can be hazardous, especially when hiking on slippery or steep terrain.

Buy a backpack that fits you well. An ill-fitting backpack, no matter how practical or durable, never is comfortable on the trail. A comfortable and good fitting backpack can make a heavy load less noticeable. An ill-fitting backpack, on the other hand, can make the load feel heavier than it is.

Rain cover

A rain cover is a vital part of your backpacking gear for keeping your backpack and its contents dry in rainy weather. Many backpacks come with an integrated rain cover that is already built-in the backpack. Alternatively, you can buy rain cover separately for your backpack but check the sizing first. Some manufacturers have rain cover sizing in litres and some as size that covers a range of litres. For additional safety of contents of your backpack use a dry sack for your gear as well.

Footwear

There are many different boots designed for various activities and it can be a bit confusing at first to understand what’s best for you. When choosing boots there are 3 main aspects to consider:

1. Terrain and load you will be carrying- The basic rule is the more challenging terrain and the more heavy load you will be carrying, the stiffer soles and ankle support you will need. The easier your hiking terrain and lighter backpack, the less stiff boots you will want to avoid your feet fatigue and discomfort.
2. Are they waterproof?- Most hiking boots will have some sorts of waterproofing, but some more than others. If you’re planning to hike in a very wet environment choose your boots wisely. There are various waterproof membranes available with one of the most popular of them being GORE-TEX®
3. How they fit – Your boots should have a snug but not a tight fit, allowing you enough space to wiggle your toes. Try them on at the end of the day if possible as that’s when your feet swell and try them on with the socks you’ll be wearing. Most boots will also need breaking in time.

Hiking boots can be classified into these categories

Hiking shoes are low cut footwear that is perfect for trail running or day hikes on easy terrain where you don’t need much ankle support.

Day hiking boots are mid to high cut footwear that have a more flexible midsole. They require less or no breaking in time and they are ideal for short backpacking trips with light loads or day hikes. Because of softer midsoles, these boots are more comfortable for trail use but not recommended for challenging terrain.

Backpacking Boots usually are high cut above ankles, offering more ankle support when carrying heavier loads, and have stiffer midsoles that help on steeper and rockier terrain.

Mountaineering boots are a level up from Backpacking boots. They offer pretty much solid soles making them suitable for various crampon use and perfect for climbing on tricky terrains. These boots won’t be as comfortable to wear as hiking boots, but they will have the ingredients needed to make your ascent a success.

Understanding the boot rating system

There are two boot rating systems – The season rating system and B0-3 rating system. Understand these and it will make it easier for you to choose the right boots for your needs.

Season rating System 

1 Season boots are designed for warm to mild weather conditions. They’re best for well-established paths that don’t require the advantages of stiffer soles or ankle support. These boots are usually constructed from non-waterproof fabric for lightweight and mobility. 1 season boots are not suitable for carrying anything bigger than a large daypack.

2 Season boots will usually be made from lightweight materials with a bit of ankle support. They will have improved grip to soles and some sorts of waterproofing to cope with occasional showers. These boots are still very flexible and best for use on good trails as they don’t have enough ankle support and stiffness to cope with the more treacherous ground. 2 season boots will give enough support to carry a light to moderate-heavy backpack.

3 Season boots will be made with more durable materials, waterproof membranes, and grippy soles that will be good for all-round use. They have stiffer soles than 2 season boots yet somewhat flexible and some models will be compatible with flexible crampons. Though no insulation they are also suitable for light winter use but not for technical climbing.

4 Season boots are very stiff, designed to handle the roughest and most treacherous terrain. Often offering insulation and compatible with most crampons, these boots are perfect for challenging winter hikes. Solid and sharp edges of 4 season boots are perfect for cutting stabilising steps when on more technical terrain, but the stiffness of the boot sacrifice comfort on even ground. This makes them not suitable for anything more but ascents and descents or winter use in the snow.

B0-3 rating system

B0 boots (Not crampon compatible) are flexible and made from lightweight materials and are ideal for use in warmer months of the year. They’re designed for use at low-level hikes or hills with good trails. Their flexible soles give more comfort and you can feel the ground beneath your feet more. For this reason, they are not suitable for rough and technical terrain and also not suitable when carrying heavier loads. B0 boots also don’t support crampons due to the flexibility in their soles and not having rigid enough materials.

B1 boots (C1 crampon compatible) provide your feet with the support they need to tackle more rough mountain terrain and are stiff enough to be compatible with C1 flexible crampons. These are the best boots for long-distance hiking with a heavy backpack.

B2 boots (C2 crampon compatible) are stiffer than B1 boots and are best for use in steeper terrain, ice, and snow. These boots will also be compatible with C2 semi-flexible crampons making them ideal for winter alpine use.

B3 boots (C3 crampon compatible) are designed for nothing else but technical climbing and winter mountaineering. They are extremely stiff and therefore are not suitable for hill walking. These boots will also take C3 step-in crampon

Trousers

When choosing trousers for your outdoor activities here are the main properties to look for depending on your needs

1. Durability – Some activities such as low altitude hill walking or trail running will require less durable trouser materials prioritising more comfort. Most hiking trousers will have a durable fabric with reinforced fabric on the knee area. Activities that involve more scrambling will require more durable materials.
2. Protection – There are waterproof, water-resistant, and non-waterproof trousers. Depending on the season and weather, choose what suits you best. The same goes for trouser insulation for winter hiking.
3. Comfort – You are very likely to wear your hiking trousers for many hours each day so comfort is very important. Try them on before buying and move around, your movement shouldn’t be restricted. There are many trousers with durable yet elastic stretch fabric for maximum comfort.

Styles of trousers

Softshell hiking trousers are the most common style of trousers designed for a wide range of activities. Best brand products are lightweight, windproof, water-resistant or waterproof and extremely durable and comfortable.

Waterproof overtrousers can be stored in your backpack until you need that extra protection from elements and then pulled on easily right over your hiking trousers when it rains. Hiking for extended periods of time in overtrousers is not advisable as you may start to overheat and sweat.

Zip-off trousers are convertible style trousers that can be easily turned into shorts. They are lightweight as well as versatile and normally made of good quick-drying fabric.

Socks

Hiking socks very much are different from casual socks and it’s not advised to go hiking with your everyday socks. Hiking socks are made from a highly breathable moisture-wicking material. This is most commonly a wool or polyester-wool mixture designed to reduce the risk of getting blisters.

Here are the main properties to look out for when choosing socks for your outdoor adventure

Sock fabric

Wool and especially Merino wool is the most commonly used material for hiking and backpacking activities. It’s often mixed with other synthetic fabrics to improve it’s durability and drying properties. Wool provides excellent cushioning as well as moisture-wicking and will retain warmth even if wet. It is also naturally antimicrobial which means that it will remain odour-free for longer than other fabrics.

Polyester is a synthetic material that dries quickly, wicks moisture, and provides good insulation. It’s often blended with other materials such as wool and nylon for an improved combination of warmth, durability, comfort, and moisture-wicking.

Nylon is a synthetic material with great fast drying and durability properties often mixed with other fabrics.

Spandex is a material known for its exceptional elasticity. Hiking socks benefit from having some spandex in their mixture as it helps socks retain their shape and reduce wrinkling.

Silk is known for its excellent natural insulating properties and softness, but it’s not very durable therefore used occasionally in sock liners.

Sock cushioning

In other words, it’s the thickness of the sock that adds some warmth and that little bit of impact protection to your feet. Too thick socks make your feet sweat and this is where you have to find a balance between cushioning and warmth when choosing socks for your activity.

Socks with no cushioning are very breathable and great for use in hot weather. They are lightweight and have very little padding therefore don’t give much impact support to your feet.

Socks with light cushioning are great for warm weather use and offer some cushioning in key places of the foot. They offer good moisture wicking and are more comfortable than socks with no cushioning.

Socks with medium cushioning are best for hiking and backpacking use in moderate to cold weather. They offer a good amount of cushioning and warmth to your foot.

Socks with heavy cushioning are best used for longer trips on more rough terrain. They are very thick, offering plenty of insulation as well as impact protection to your feet, and are great for colder days. Heavy cushioned socks are too warm for use in warmer weather conditions.

Sock height

The height of the socks you want will depend on the footwear you’re planning to use. The higher your boot, the higher sock you will need to avoid cuffs of your boot to rub against your bare skin.

Sock fit

Choosing your socks too big or small for your feet will lead to discomfort and most likely a nasty blister.  A sock fits well when it’s snug but not too tight and it’s heel cup lines up with the heel of your foot.

Jacket

Choosing the right jacket can be difficult with so many jackets available with various price tags. If you know what to look for when choosing your new jacket, you can narrow your search down and make your adventure a success.

When choosing a jacket for your outdoor pursuit, consider these 3 factors:

1. The pace of your activity
2. Weather conditions
3. Season

Pace of activity

Even if you get a waterproof jacket it doesn’t mean that you will be dry. When fast-paced activities like climbing or running, the outer layer with poor breathability will lead you to sweat and still getting wet. Use layers of clothing rather than one thick jacket so you can remove one layer when getting too hot and putting it back on again when in need of more warmth. Avoid sweating by all means – it’s easier to change layers than drying your clothes. Read about breathability ratings here

Weather Conditions

If the possibility of rain is very likely, you will need a waterproof jacket. You can buy lightweight rain shell jackets that fold very small and can be stored in your backpack until you need them. Alternatively, get a waterproof multi-purpose jacket with insulation for constant wet conditions and colder weather. There are many jackets out there claiming to be waterproof, but actually are only water-resistant and they start letting water trough if exposed to wet for longer. To avoid this look for higher waterproof ratings. Read more about waterproof rankings here

Season

Choosing a jacket very much depends on the season you’re planning to use it in. If the air is dry but cold you might want to consider a down jacket that is extremely breathable yet warm and very light. In the wet season, you will need to look for one of the waterproof options. For the hot summer season, you might only need a rain shell just in case the weather turns for worse and windproof fleece for chillier nights. Read the full article about various types of jackets here

Base layer

Choosing the right base layer for your outdoor activities is crucial. A good base layer will keep you warm and wick any moisture away from your skin that is usually caused by sweating. Avoid cotton as while it keeps you warm when dry, it’s bad at moisture wicking and soon you’ll be cold and miserable. It also takes a very long time to dry. Here are some base layer materials and their pros and cons:

Mid Layer

The mid layer’s job is to keep you warm – it traps body heat while wicking any moisture towards the outer layer. As mid-layer you can use various types of clothing, depending on your activity – be it a microfleece or lightweight down jacket.

Hats

Whatever the season, you can’t forget to protect your head when heading outdoors. You’re losing significant body heat through your head when it’s cold and a warm hat is a must on a cold day (or night) in the mountains. On the flip side, not wearing a hat on a sunny day will increase your chances of overheating and developing various health problems.

Headnets

A Head net is a must when planning a trip to Scotland and a few other parts of the UK in the warmer time of the year. Head net’s ultra-fine mesh provides an effective barrier against small insects like sandflies and midges. Most designs will fold very small and can be stored away easily until you need them. Scottish midges are known as the Highland menace and are most likely to ruin your holiday unless you’re prepared. Midges usually come out between May and September in large numbers and they cause itching and swelling around their bites. For more information on how to protect yourself against midges read here.

Sleeping bag

A good sleeping bag will keep you warm and cosy during your sleep and also not add too much weight to your backpack when on the move. There are many different sleeping bags on the market that vary in style, insulation, and features – this makes choosing a sleeping bag for your trip more difficult. Here are some points to consider when choosing a sleeping bag:

• In what season you’ll be using your sleeping bag?
• What type of insulation do you prefer?
• Do you mind a snug fit?
• Are you likely to use it in wet weather?

Sleeping bag season ratings

2 Season sleeping bags are designed for the warmer seasons of the year like spring and summer and are not recommended for use in temperatures below 0°C. Their lightweight material won’t let you overheat during warm summer nights.

3 Season sleeping bags are designed for spring to autumn use and are the most versatile option. They will provide plenty of warmth for a cool autumn night, but normally are too warm for use in hot summer.

4 Season sleeping bags are the warmest sleeping bags and are designed to be used in winters when the air is colder. They’re highly insulated and will trap in heat to keep you warm in temperatures of -5°C and lower.

Sleeping bag comfort ratings

Comfort ratings indicate in what temperatures the sleeping bag will perform at it’s best. These ratings are a great guide when choosing a sleeping bag if you know what temperatures you can expect when camping.

Sleeping bag extreme ratings

Extreme ratings give you an idea in what temperatures you are likely to survive without getting frostbite or hypothermia and shouldn’t be confused with comfort rating.

Insulation

There advantages and disadvantages to both sleeping bag insulation materials – down and synthetic:

Sleeping bag types

Rectangular sleeping bags give you plenty of room to stretch your arms and legs as well as more space for those who change their sleeping position often during sleep. It’s a good option for those who prioritise comfort over weight, compressibility, and warmth as they are bulkier and not as warm as mummy sleeping bags.

Semi rectangular sleeping bags offer a good compromise between warmth and roominess. They also are a bit lighter and less bulky than rectangular sleeping bags.

Mummy sleeping bags are snug-fitting sleeping bags that offer you maximum warmth and weigh less. To change your sleeping position you simply roll over with your sleeping bag rather than inside of it.

Double sleeping bags are designed for couples who plan to sleep together. They benefit from body to body heat but are heavy and bulky.

Sleeping matt

A sleeping matt plays an important part in your sleeping gear setup. Its main function is to increase comfort by acting as a barrier between you and hard ground as well as insulating. Whilst your sleeping bag protects you from losing body heat to the air, the ground actually conducts your body heat away at a much faster rate. There are three different types of sleeping mats – air mats, self-inflating mats, and closed-cell foam mats, obviously each with their pros and cons:

R-value

A sleeping mat’s R-value measures its capacity to resist heat flow through it. The higher R-value, the warmer the sleeping matt. The reason for R-value rather than a temperature rating is because a temperature rating is subjective to individuals and the different conditions. To help you have a rough idea of R-value ratings here is a guide below:

R-values	Lowest suitable temperature	Season
Less than 1	10°C +	Summer
1 – 2.5	0°C	2 season
2.5 – 4	-5°C	3 season
4 and more	-5°C and colder	4 season

*This table should be used as a rough guide only as there are many influencing factors which cannot be accounted for

Tent

For most outdoor enthusiasts tent is a very exciting piece of hiking equipment as it’s like a home away from home. You are likely to own more than one tent that’s ready for your outdoor adventures. For those who are on the lookout for one here’s some guidance on what to look out for when choosing a tent:

3 Season tents

Most tents on the market are 3 season tents suitable for use between spring and autumn. They will vary greatly by style, durability, quality and features, but pretty much all of them will be no good for camping in snow due to their construction and inability to cope with wintery conditions as they’re designed mainly to cope with wet and hot conditions. 3 season tents are lighter and more versatile than 4 season tents, they are usually equipped with ample mesh panels to boost air flow and keep out insects.

4 Season tents

Don’t be fooled by the name that implies that these tents are good for all four seasons of the year as this usually is not the case. These tents are heavier, more durable, with fever mesh features, and are designed to cope with harshest weather conditions and snow. Usually they have a geodesic pole design – round dome shape with interweaving poles for rigid structure. Their flysheet normally will extend closer to the ground, which decreases their ventilation and makes them not ideal for mild weather.

Ultralight tents (UL)

Tent size

You will find that most tents on the market are 2 person tents. That’s because they’re popular among both – solo hikers and couples. And rightly so, you can find good models that doesn’t weigh much and will accommodate 2 people. So why not take advantage of more space for you and your gear if hiking solo? Choosing a one person tent is a nice way to save weight, and it’s the best choice for solo hikers traveling ultra-light or traveling long distances. 3 person tents are best for small families or couples that require more space for their gear. The less popular 4 and 4+ person tents are less common as they are fairly heavy and bulky and will suit best a larger family or group expedition.

Tent durability

The more durable tent, the thicker materials used and the more it weighs. When deciding what’s the best tent durability for you, it’s recommended to choose one according to its intended use. If you’re a casual hiker and not traveling long distances on foot, carrying some extra weight for the increased toughness may be worth it. And on the other end, lightweight traveling will require extra care when choosing a camping spot as a tent will be more prone to tear and wear. Most manufacturers provide a measurement of denier or D, which indicates the thickness of the fabric and can be useful when deciding what tent to buy. The higher the D number, the thicker is tent’s fabric.

Single or double-wall tent?

Tent construction falls into two categories – single wall and double wall and each of them has its pros and cons. A single-wall tent is constructed of waterproof non-breathable single-wall fabric while a double-wall tent is constructed of two walls – the main tent and a waterproof flysheet. Single-wall tents are best for dry, cold weather use and double-wall tents are designed to cope better in wet weather conditions.

Headlamp

A headlamp is an essential piece of kit when going outdoors. You’ll use it when navigating your camp at night, safely hiking in hours of dark, or trail running at dusk. It also will come in handy if you underestimate the time of your journey and have to travel in the dark. Modern headlamps are very bright LED’s that are energy efficient and rugged. They are built for various different tasks – some have a wide field of view best for camp, others will have a narrow beam for long-distance spotting. Some will have both of these features built-in for versatility. Headlamp light output is measured in lumens – the higher number of lumens, the brighter light of the headlamp. The leading headlamp brands are Petzl, Black Diamond, BioLite, Nitecore and Ledlenser.

Map and Compass

Nowadays GPS apps on your phones and GPS equipment for outdoors are arguably a more popular choice for navigating outdoors than the good old map and compass. They are fast and simple to read, making navigation of the most challenging trails easy. Both options are equally good, but if using a GPS devices on your adventures, you must ensure that you have a back up if your device fails or runs out of battery power. Learning to read map and compass properly is invaluable when wandering out of the beaten path.

Fire

Unless you’re going for a day hike or trail running and not planning to camp, you will need a fire to have warm food. Restoring your energy after a long day in the mountains is invaluable. While the use of campfires is restricted in many parts of the UK, a gas-fuelled stove is a fast and efficient way of heating water or cooking. For many of us, a simple lighter or spark igniter will do the trick on most occasions, but they can fail especially if wet. When the weather is at its worst, waterproof/windproof matches is a good option. For those wanting to light a fire like an experienced outdoor enthusiast or looking for a bit more challenge, there is the most reliable fire tool of all – a fire flint that will work in any conditions as long as you have the right skillset and dry fuel to burn.

Water

Having a trip to the mountains or anywhere, in fact, can’t be possible without water. A recommended daily intake of water in the UK for an adult is 1.2 litres (6-8 glasses) according to NHS. You will need even more water when you have a fast paced activity such as climbing, running or backpacking. Luckily for us, there are convenient hydration systems and water filters to keep us hydrated when at the camp or on the move. The water bladder is an excellent hydrating system that lets you rehydrate yourself without removing your backpack and can be used conveniently with most backpacks. You can learn more about best water filters here

Food

Eating is one of many pleasures each of us has and every one of us is different on what we prefer to eat when out on our adventures. That’s why a specific food is not going to work for everyone. The food you take on your adventure will purely depend on your eating habits or diet. Here are some tips on what to look out for when choosing a food for your next adventure:

• Look for food that doesn’t weigh your backpack down too much
• Match the amount you take with the activity you’re planing on doing
• Choose food for a balanced diet
• Don’t take too bulky items
• Choose types of food that doesn’t require much cooking time
• Take only what you will need

Stove

Whether you’re planning an overnight trip or just like to have a warm lunch while on top of the mountain during your day hike, you will require a stove to cook it. Stoves are becoming more powerful and more fuel-efficient, requiring very little cooking time. However there are plenty of various types of stoves on the market and choosing the right one that works for you without making a hole in your pocket, can be difficult. Here are some of the best stoves we recommend

Spork

Spork, as the name suggests is a cleverly designed tool that is neither a fork nor a spoon, but a combination of both. It is very convenient to use and popular among outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to save weight and space in their backpack. Sporks come in various different materials from plastic to durable metal and are very affordable.

First aid kit

Not every person have a first aid kit with them, in fact probably a half of hikers out there don’t have it. However this doesn’t mean you don’t need it. The more dangerous and longer your hike, the more likely you will need it. Before going on your adventure without a first aid kit ask yourself these questions:

• What will happen if I don’t have it and suddenly I need it?
• Does any of my hiking buddies have it?
• Where I will get help if I suddenly need it?

First aid kit checklist

• Plasters in assorted sizes
• Sterile cleansing wipes
• Triangular bandage
• Zinc oxide or Elastoplast tape
• Disposable gloves
• Sterile wound dressings – large and medium size
• Eye bandage
• Little gauzes
• Safety pins
• Compeed for blisters
• Pain killers
• Duct tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Bothy bag