Packing for your walking holiday

Packing for a day hike

When dressing for your walk, wear weather-appropriate clothing. Moisture-wicking layers will help you stay dry and comfortable throughout the day. On your feet, you’ll need comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes. We also recommend wearing a watch, so you don’t lose track of time (even if your smartphone dies).

Once you’ve got those essentials sorted, here’s what to put in your pack. Of course, every walker is different, and you know your needs better than anyone, so use this list as guidance and tailor it accordingly.

Map and compass
These two items ought to be first on your list for any long walk. If your map isn’t weatherproof, carry it in a map case. Use your map in conjunction with a reliable baseplate compass.

Emergency contact card
Sometimes called an ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) card, this should include contact details for a relative or friend, so that emergency services can reach them in the event of an accident. Keep it in the lid or top pocket of your rucksack. Also include relevant medical information, such as your blood type, underlying health conditions, allergies and details of any regular medication.

Personal items
Some ID, cash and a credit or debit card are good to have – not just for emergencies, but also in case you stumble across an unexpected pub or café!

First-aid kit
Sterile dressings, bandages and plasters – especially blister plasters – are useful in a first-aid kit, as are antiseptic cream or wipes, paracetamol and ibuprofen. If you make up your own kit, put it in a zip-lock bag to ensure the contents don’t get wet. Take any regular medication you need, too.

Head torch and spare batteries
More practical than a hand-held torch, and good to have if a walk finishes later than planned. It can also be used to signal in emergencies. Always carry spare batteries.

Whistle
The easiest way to attract attention in an emergency. Many rucksacks now incorporate a safety whistle as part of the chest-strap buckle.

Water bottle or hydration bladder
Take a large water bottle – at least 1 litre capacity – or a hydration reservoir. These are plastic bladders with integrated drinking tubes, which work with most modern rucksacks and make it easier to stay hydrated on the go.

Food
Take a packed lunch and a selection of snacks, such as fruit, nuts, biscuits and/or chocolate. Pack a bit more food than you need, in case of emergency. Don’t underestimate the restorative power of a bag of sweets!

Repair kit
A few small items can be useful for making emergency repairs to clothing, rucksacks or footwear – think safety pins, cable ties, duct tape and a spare boot lace or length of paracord.

Mobile phone
Although the signal can be patchy in remote areas, it’s still wise to carry a fully charged mobile. It’s also worth registering it with the emergency SMS service before you set out – this allows you to text 999, which often works even if there’s not enough signal to make a call.

GPS device
An optional extra. Never rely solely on your GPS – take a map and compass, too. And consider taking spare batteries or a portable charger, as below.

Portable charger
A portable charger or ‘power bank’ can recharge a dead phone or GPS device. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). A charger rated at 2,500mAh will typically provide about one full smartphone charge. Make sure it’s fully charged before you set out, and don’t forget to bring the right cable for plugging it into your device.

Waterproof jacket and trousers
Even if the forecast is good, it’s worth carrying rain gear, especially if you’re going hillwalking in the UK. Waterproofs are also windproof, which is worth remembering on blustery days.

Waterproof pouch
It’s a good idea to keep your phone and/or car keys in a waterproof pouch, particularly if you’re carrying them in a jacket pocket. Alternatively, stick them in a dry bag.

Sit mat
A nice extra rather than an essential – but no one likes a wet, muddy bottom! Folding foam sit mats or packable waterproof fabric mats are available from outdoor shops.

Survival bag or storm shelter
A useful emergency item when hillwalking. If you’re with a group, a storm shelter (also known as a ‘bothy bag’) is a good alternative.

Trekking poles
Not everyone uses them, but many people find that a pair of walking poles greatly reduces the impact on joints, alleviating soreness and stiffness. Most are either a telescopic or Z-folding design, so can fit in your luggage and be stowed when not in use.

Spare socks
Nothing ruins a walk like wet feet, and changing into fresh socks can also help to prevent blisters.

Hat and gloves
A warm woolly hat or beanie and a pair of gloves are always useful in the hills, even in summer, as windchill can still be a factor.

Bandana or Buff
The walker’s alternative to a scarf, a neck gaiter (often called a ‘Buff’, which is the best-known brand) offers protection from cold, wind and sun, and can be worn in multiple ways.

Gaiters
Although optional, gaiters keep your feet and lower legs dry, while also protecting your walking trousers from tears and snags. They’re especially useful for crossing boggy terrain and walking through long, dewy grass or gorse and heather.

Guidebook
Also optional, but a good guidebook can enhance a walk – as can a nature-spotting guide and/or a journal and pen, in case inspiration strikes…

Rubbish bag
Leave the countryside as clean as you found it – or even cleaner – by taking away your own rubbish, and picking up any litter you find on the trail.

Packing for a multi-day hike

If you’re planning to tackle a long-distance trail you’ll need to carry a few extras, especially if you want to camp along the route.

Sleeping bag
Your bag should have a sufficient temperature rating for the season. Try to ensure it isn’t too heavy or bulky. You may want to use it in conjunction with a sleeping bag liner, which can boost warmth and keep the interior of your bag clean.

Sleeping mat
A mat helps ensure a comfortable night, and also offers vital insulation from cold ground. You could go for a closed-cell foam mat, a self-inflating mat or an air mat. If you choose an air mat, make sure it has enough insulation to provide sufficient warmth for the season.

Camping pillow
Sure, you could just stuff a dry bag with some spare clothes, but who doesn’t love a little luxury? Many modern inflatable camping pillows pack down to the size of a can of pop and weigh less than 100g.

Shelter
If you’re camping, you’ll need some form of shelter – either a tent, tarp or bivvy bag. When packing your tent, don’t forget to check you’ve got the pegs and poles!

Cooking gear
A basic cooking kit might include a lightweight backpacking stove, an aluminium or titanium pot and pan, camping gas, matches or a lighter and a compact mess kit such as a bowl, mug and spork.

Pocket knife or multi-tool
Useful for camp cooking, as well as emergency gear repairs.

Microfibre travel towel
A space-saving way to stay clean on the trail, whether you’re walking from campsite to campsite, going from hut to hut or wild camping.

Toilet kit
In addition to standard toiletries, if you’re wild camping you might need to pack toilet paper in a zip-lock bag, hand sanitiser and a small trowel.

Extra clothes
As well as spare underwear and a fresh base layer, extra warm layers are essential if temperatures drop in the evenings or overnight. An insulated down or synthetic jacket is ideal for pulling on at the campsite.

Extra food and water
You’ll burn plenty of energy on a long walk, so sufficient food is a must. It’s also important to stay properly hydrated. Tea, coffee or hot chocolate are always welcome when camping.

Matthew Jones is a keen hillwalker and backpacker based in Snowdonia. A former staffer at both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he now works as a writer and gear editor for several outdoor magazines and websites.