You'll want to make sure you're packing the right things when you head off on an adventure, these 8 must-haves should be on everyone's list. Too much or too little and you could find yourself struggling. A lot of what you take on your hike will be weather dependent, like if it’s chucking it down outside, you’ll need waterproofs with you.
Find our free downloadable checklist below! Here are our 8 must-haves that you should always take on every hike.
Map, Compass or GPS
The last thing you want after an hour of walking in the beautiful outdoors is to find out you’re lost and have no idea how to get back to where you started. Although most of us have smartphones with maps, we can’t always rely on having enough signal or battery life for it to work. It’s much better to have a printed map in hand with a compass to accompany you so you’ll always head the right way (as long as you can read the map and know where you started!)
Water. Water. Water.
This is the most important of our 8 must-haves. It’s vital to stay hydrated on your hike, so take plenty of water to keep you going. If you do end up getting lost on your way, the extra water will help you until you get back on track or get help.
Footwear
Your going on a hike, so a lot of walking will be involved; having appropriate footwear is a must. You don’t want to be looking out at amazing views but your sore feet and upcoming blisters are ruining your experience. If you buy new walking boots for your hike, try wearing them in before your big walk so your feet are comfy and pain-free.
Waterproofs
You’ll need waterproofs especially is you’re hiking in the UK! It could be blue skies but a change of wind and the heavens could open. If it’s hot, take thin waterproofs that won’t take up too much room to carry but you have them to hand just in case. It’s better to be dry than soaking wet.
Food
Take high energy food with you on your trails. Fresh fruits and other natural sugars are a good choice. If you end up out for longer than expected it’s always good that have food to keep up morale and energy.
First-Aid Kit
If the worst happens, you want to know you’ll have a little helping hand with a trusty first-aid kit. Hopefully, all you’ll need is a plaster to cover a blister but it’s better to be safe! There are many compact first-aid kits perfect for fitting into rucksacks without taking up too much room.
Light
Like having extra food and water, it’s always good to take along a torch or headlight, just in case you get lost or your walk takes a little longer than expected, you don’t want to be wandering out in the dark. Like with the first-aid kits, there are also many compact torches perfect for hiking.
Clothing
The final of our 8 must-haves for your hikes. You have most things ready and packed but you need to make sure you’re wearing the right clothes. Check the weather before your hike to see how it’s going to be. The colder it is, the more layers you’ll want; the warmer, the less layers. But make sure you’re wearing breathable and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind walking all day in.
Additional Items
- Tools/Repair Kit
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable Backpack
- Quick Dry Towel
- Emergency Shelter
Download our free hiking must-have checklist for you to use here.
So this is our top 8 essentials for every hike, got more of your own? Please let us know. If there are any beautiful places you have been to or know about, get in touch with them! We are always keeping an eye out for new places to take our adventures to. If you have any questions for Lily and me please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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