Best Practice Hiking Kit List

Wales Outdoors has an ever growing range of recommended items to both HIRE or to BUY at our Store. If unsure about any hire or purchase, either from us or elsewhere, then do be in touch and we'd be happy to chat to you with regard to your options and give you our recommendations and list of retailers.

In General

Think about kit by starting at your feet and working your way up and try to purchase items good for a range of weathers, so, layering is a good bet unless you want a wardrobe full of specialist gear you only wear a few times a year.

The more you spend the better the kit is. There are a few cheats that save money but if you want long life and reliable then do spend as much as you can afford. This will save you money in the long run. Buy from companies, where possible, that give a lifetime guarantee and be prepared to use that guarantee. My thermarest sleeping mat was replaced with no argument by Cascade Designs after two years of use…

Remember, if you won’t be winter mountaineering in Scotland then you don’t need a £450 waterproof jacket! Your usual use of the kit is what matters. If it’s weekend walking in the Brecon Beacons then a mid range waterproof will be fine.

Think about weight. Lighter is good but will be less durable. Are you solo backpacking? If so lightweight is very important. If not it’s not such an issue.

No boots are waterproof. Some resist water ingress a little better than others but the will all leak over time. Go buy some ‘Sealskinz’ waterproof socks. They are amazing.

Day Hikes

• Socks – Sealskinz

• Boots – Cheap to expensive

• Lightweight walking trousers – Mid range is best

• Tights for under the trousers in winter

• Base layer top – Cheap

• Fleece layer top – Cheap

• Fleece jacket – Mid range is best

• Waterproof trousers – Cheap-ish as rarely worn

• Waterproof jacket – Mid range is best

• Gloves – I prefer mittens

• Hat – Warm and won’t blow away in high winds

• Daypack – 25-30 litres and waterproof is best

• Hydration system – It’s good to drink on the go but a water bottle is fine

• Paper map

• Compass

• Whistle

• Head-torch – A quality waterproof head-torch is good

• Personal first aid kit

• Repair kit (needle/thread)

• Outdoor Active with OS Online Maps – OS maps on your smartphone in the best hiking app that covers all of the world too! See Discount codes below!

• Two trekking poles – Lightweight and mid range

Backpacking

• 55 litre backpack – Simple with as few zips and pockets as possible

• Sleeping bag – You know how warm you need to be. Best to get a 4 season if you only intend to own one bag. Go for the best bag you can afford as pack size and weight will matter

• Sleeping mat – Thermarest is best as they have a lifetime guarantee

• Cooker – Lots of options. Consider pack size and weight.

• Pots – Lots of options. Consider pack size and weight.

• Tent – If solo backpacking go light and expensive. If car camping go cheap. Do contact us for advice if intending to buy a tent as there are so many variables and so many options…

Useful Links

• Wales Outdoors Shop

• Must have Map App https://www.outdooractive.com/en/ with exclusive Wales Outdoors discount! Use code WALES10Z at checkout!

• ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk – top of the range lightweight kit

• rockrun.com – sign up to the newsletter for notifications of excellently priced sale items

• www.alpkit.com – great UK company offering no nonsense and quality mountain kit

• www.gooutdoors.co.uk – unbeatable price match promise and no quibble returns policy

• www.ospreyeurope.com/gb_en/all-mighty-guarantee/ – lifetime guarantee!

• www.cascadedesigns.com – lifetime guarantee!

• www.sealskinz.com/ – waterproof socks!