Essential Packing List for Hiking in the UK

If you are relatively new to hiking in the mountains, working out exactly what you need to pack and gathering it together can be a long process. As you get more and more experienced, you will have a better idea of what you should take and it will all become second nature. If you start going out regularly, you may even put together a grab bag that you can pull out of the cupboard moments before you step out the front door. Until then, here is our essential packing list for day hikes in the UK mountains.

1. Clothing

Getting your clothing right makes a significant difference to the amount you enjoy your hiking experience. While you do not need to invest in seriously expensive technical gear, choosing sensible options and understanding basic layering principles are essential. Hiking in heavy, rain-sodden jeans is never fun. With this in mind, here’s a quick guide to the clothes you should pack for a day in the mountains.

• • Base layer – a moisture-wicking base layer is an extremely effective way to manage your body temperature. Because it moves the sweat away from the skin and facilitates evaporation, it won’t absorb the sweat and get cold or heavy.
• • Insulating mid-layer – packing a light mid-layer allows you to quickly and easily add or remove layers to control your temperature.
• • Warm outer layer – this usually takes the form of a down or synthetic jacket, fleece or wool jumper. It’s your main means of staying warm in colder weather.
• • Waterproof layer – keeps you dry should the heavens open. It also protects other layers, ensuring they continue to perform and keep you warm by preventing them from getting wet.
• • Trousers/shorts – a good pair of technical trousers offer good freedom of movement and are typically made from quick-drying, breathable materials.
• • Accessories – in colder conditions, you may want to pack a hat and gloves. Conversely, warm-weather headwear, such as a baseball cap, can protect you from the effects of the sun.

2. Footwear

Investing in sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes is worth it. Look for footwear that provides strong ankle support and has a durable sole with good grip. While having a breathable pair for summer conditions and a waterproof pair for wet and wintry conditions is nice, we recognise that is not affordable for everyone. If this is the case, opt for the wet weather pair. While they may be hot and uncomfortable when the sun comes out, they will still get the job done. The same cannot be said for summer boots in wet conditions.

3. Backpack

It should go without saying that you need something to pack all this stuff in. Enter the trusty backpack. Modern hiking packs are so feature-rich that selecting one can be an intimidating prospect. Your first concern should be size. For single-day hikes, 20-30 litres is usually about right. For multi-day hikes, 40+ litres is more appropriate. Next, think about the following features:

• • Padded straps
• • Hib belt and support
• • Breathable back mesh
• • Pockets and organisation
• • Rain covers.

4. Navigation

It’s a good idea to take navigation tools whenever you head into the mountains for a hike. Even if you know the area and terrain well, a map can be invaluable if the weather changes quickly, visibility drops and you need to navigate out of danger. Essential navigation aids include:

• • Map and case – select the appropriate map (it should show enough of the local area and be printed at a usable scale) and, if it isn’t already protected, pack it in a waterproof case. There’s nothing worse than a map falling apart in your hands as the rain pours down and you’re desperately trying to find the trail back to the car.
• • Compass – an essential companion for your map, the compass will help you orientate yourself. Knowing how to use a map and compass is just as important as carrying them.
• • GPS device – GPS devices are a valuable navigation tool but shouldn’t replace a map. They can run out of battery and don’t always provide you with quite as much context and information.

5. Safety

While we always hope nothing bad will happen when hiking in the mountains, we can’t bank on that being the case. Safety equipment is essential and you should carry the following items at a minimum.

• • Headtorch – indispensable if you lose the light at the end of the day or find yourself stuck out in the darkness, a good headtorch ensures you spot danger early and helps you stick to established routes.
• • First aid kit – should contain plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes and any personal medications you may require.
• • Thermal/survival bag – these relatively inexpensive thermal bags are incredibly valuable should temperatures drop and you begin to worry about staying warm.

6. Hydration and nutrition

We all need to stay hydrated and well-fed when out hiking. Let those energy levels drop too low, and you put both your day and yourself at risk. You don’t want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere feeling lightheaded, weak or dizzy. Generally, we advise you to carry 2-3 litres of water for a long hike – though this should be more on hotter days. Some people prefer bladders because they are easier to sip from regularly, while others are happy with bottles. It’s really up to you. When it comes to food, pack health and energy-dense snacks like nuts, trail mix, energy bars and dried fruit. If you are out all day, you probably want to think about a light lunch, too.

7. Environmental protection

While these items are only relevant in certain conditions and environments, they are essential in these contexts.

• • Sunglasses – keep the sun from your eyes and prevent you from squinting or frowning all day.
• • Sun cream – protects the skin from harmful UV radiation, which is more of an issue the higher you go.
• • Insect repellent – can keep biting insects away if you’re hiking in areas where they are prevalent.

Hiking in the UK with Climb Snowdon

While you should always pack the core essentials, knowing exactly what you want to bring on a hike takes practice. As you hike on different routes, in different places and different conditions, you will refine and hone your packing abilities until you have them nailed and know what to take every time you step out of the front door.

One of the best ways to practise these packing skills is by joining us on our Climb Snowdon Guided Walks. As well as a friendly, social and supportive atmosphere, our Guided Walks give you the chance to test out your gear and seek advice and guidance from our experienced Mountain Leaders. They are a fun, interesting and educational way to discover Eryri (Snowdonia) and enjoy Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon) spectacular slopes. So why not come and join us?