Essential Equipment for Hiking

Essential Equipment – Three Seasons



The following items are normally regarded as essential for high-level three season spring, summer and autumn but excluding winter conditions. Winter conditions in the mountains require additional equipment, normally including ice-axe and crampons, plus the appropriate skills and experience to use them properly:-
□ Waterproof / windproof outer layer (including protection for the legs)
□ Warm inner (base) & mid-layer(s)
□ Suitable footwear (see notes below)
□ Map, compass and watch
□ Torch / headtorch and whistle
□ First aid kit – lightweight and simple
□ Adequate food and drink – drinks bottle – flask of hot drink in cold weather
□ Rucksack to carry it in
Unless summer weather conditions are warm, dry and settled it is advisable to add:-
□ Hat / balaclava and gloves
□ Spare warm clothes (extra layers for very cold conditions or emergencies)
□ Survival bag or lightweight bivvy shelter for group use
□ High energy emergency food - only intended for use in an emergency
□ Resealable plastic bags to keep equipment dry
Depending on the season and the activity, the following may also be required:-
□ Helmet - advisable for some scrambling routes
□ Gaiters
□ Insect repellent
□ Good sunglasses / alpine goggles
□ Sunblock / sunhat
Other useful items include:-
□ Mobile / cellular phone (recommended)
□ Walking poles
□ GPS receiver and spare batteries
□ Camera (and film for film cameras)
Fluid intake – In warm summer conditions dehydration can be a real problem, the body will use much more water climbing than walking on the level. Take plenty to drink, as you become more experienced you will become better able to judge the amount of fluid your body requires under different conditions. Special water bottles (hydration packs) can be fitted to some rucksacks that allow you to drink via a tube on the move.

Choice of what to drink "on the hill" is mostly down to personal preference, but it is necessary to replace the sugars, salts and minerals lost through exercise and perspiration, hence an "isotonic" sports drink with a good balance of carbohydrates and salts may be beneficial and should also reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps.

Weight – avoid over packing your rucksack – choose the items to be taken carefully, don’t take more than required, and reduce the weight carried as much as possible without compromising your safety. Too much weight will slow you down, spoil your enjoyment of the day and make it more likely that you will become benighted! Getting the right compromise is something that comes with experience.

Note: Sourcing from Beacon Map Uk.