Equipment Suggestions
An overview of the clothing and equipment you should carry when venturing into the uplands of the UK
Clothing
Dress for the actual conditions & NOT the month or season!. The other important consideration, is NOT to over dress at the start of the day. Use the layering system so you can add or reduce layers depending upon, your level of exercise and the changing weather conditions. Especially, if you are going to be climbing a hill at the start of the day, start off cool, then as you walk up hill you will quickly, heat up. Try not to sweat as then you will quickly cool when you stop. Wear merino wool or synthetic wicking materials, not cotton, which retains moisture.
Basic walking equipment
These are the essential items that really need to be carried, along with the appropriate clothing whenever, you venture out onto the hills. They allow you to navigate, communicate (maybe), and seek assistance and to stay safe.
Backpacking gear
An idea of the type of equipment you should be carrying when intending to camp out overnight.
It is always a contest between weight & comfort.
You do not want to be carrying too heavy a load, that just makes life uncomfortable, but you need have the essentials. Oh! you don’t need to spend thousands ££££. [People cut their tooth brush handle in half to save a few grams then carry 5 cans of beer to drink – priorities]
Gear lists
The equipment can be categorised into different levels: –
E = Essential
R = Recommended
P = These will enhance trip, and worth the extra weight penalty etc
Walking Clothing
- Waterproof & windproof coat E
- Waterproof over trousers R
- Hat / Balaclava / Buff E
- Microfibre / Merino case layer E
- Fleece mid layer E
- Down or synthetic fibre jacket R
- Walking trousers / shorts (NOT jeans] E
- Socks E
- Boots / walking trainers E
- Gaiters R
- Underwear – not cotton E
Additional winter equipment
- Ice axe E
- Crampons / micro spikes E
- Snow goggles R
- Snow shovel P
- Hand heat pads P
Backpacking / Camping / Shelter
- Rucksack E
- Rucksack cover R
- Rucksack liner E
- Tent, with poles & pegs. E
- Footprint R/P
- Tarp R
- Bivi-bag R
- Extra straps R
- Lightweight folding chair P
Photography Equipment
- Camera & lenses
- Filters
- Film / Memory cards
- Tripod
- Batteries
- Carry straps / mounts
- Action camera
- Selfie stick
- Filters
- Powers bank/ extra batteries
- Lens cleaner cloth
- Camera bag
- Drone / controller
- Batteries
Personal Care
- Toilet paper E
- Toilet trowel R
- Tooth brush & paste R
- Antiseptic handwipes R
- Microfibre towel R
- Menstrual health products E
Dog camping
- Collar & lead E
- Harness R
- Tick remover R
- Adder / Viper bells R
- Collapsible bowl R
- Poo bags E/R
- Dog coat R
- Dog sleeping bag R
Walking Essentials
- Map E
- Compass E
- Mobile phone fully charged E/R
- Reading glasses if required E
- Power bank & leads R
- Walking poles R/P
- Water bottle / flask (keep hydrated – so important) E
- A seat mat P
- Head torch E
- First aid kit E
- Emergency shelter R
- Whistle R
- GPS tracker/SOS R/P
- Small pen knife R
- Pen / pencil / Note paper R
[Mobile phone not essential? – a lot of places there is very limited mobile phone signal, and relying on a mobile phone signal may not be an option]
Sleeping sysytem
- Sleeping bag – down or synthetic E
- Sleeping pad E
- Sleeping bag liner P
- Inflatable pillow P
- Sleeping cloths R/P
- Tent light R
- Mini electric pump/ air pump sack R
- Camp shoes R/P
- Eye mask / ear plugs R
- Insulated trousers/shoes for winter R/P
Do not wear your day clothes in your sleeping bag, too much moisture.
Cooking
- Cooker & fuel E
- Wind shield E
- Lighter E
- Knife / Fork / Spoon / Spork E
- Water filter & bag / bottle R
- Plate & bowl R/P
- Mug R
- Cleaning sponge & liquid R
- J-cloth / microfibre cloth R
- Zip lock bags R
- Spatula / mini can opener R
- Small storage bottles R
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