What I Take On A One Day Hiking Adventure
Whilst out in the mountains, I often get asked what I carry in my daysack. This is usually followed by, surely you don’t need all that for one day?
So, in this blog, I have complied a list of what I take on a hike, and why. As you read the list, you’ll see that many of the items aren’t there for regular use- they are there just in case there’s an emergency.
Waterproofs – I always carry a waterproof coat and trousers, as we know it rains a lot in the UK and staying dry makes for a more pleasant walk. Beside comfort, being able to stay dry (and warmer) can also help protect against getting hypothermia.
Tip: It’s always best to put them on before getting wet, even though we do all get caught out from time to time!
Food – I take enough food to last me the duration of my hike (I suffer from getting ‘hangry’ which is not nice for anyone). This normally consists of my favourite snack (cashew nuts and raisins) to snack on throughout the day, a nice wrap or sandwich for my lunch and a few cereal bars. I also carry a bag of sweets for when I get close to end or when moral is down a little bit. Everyone choice of food on the mountains varies, just pick what works for you.
Tip: Always pack an extra cereal bar or an extra bag of sweets- just in case the hike takes longer than expected and energy levels dip!
Water/Flask – I always take water with me, sometimes in a hydration bladder, but normally in a bottle which has a filter built-in (this can normally be replenished on route easily). I also take a flask of coffee for the colder/wetter days just as a pick me up.
Torch – I always carry a head torch in a small dry bag, with a set of spare batteries. Even with good planning, anything unexpected could happen and I could end up finishing my hike in the dark. Walking in the dark without a torch would make it very difficult to get off the mountain!
Mobile Phone - I always carry fully charged phone.
Map and Compass – I tend to print off a map of my walk and either laminate it or pop it into a plastic wallet. This is much easier to handle when out in the hills in all weather, and it can be easily placed in my pocket.
Additionally, I always carry a 1:50000 or 1:25000 map in bag as a backup from the ones I carry in my pocket.
Warm Layer – I always carry a spare warm layer, stored in a dry bag at the bottom of my bag. I don’t intend to use it- it’s only there in case I have to be stationary for a prolonged period.
Tip: If you require this layer whilst walking it means you haven’t used the layering system properly, and it’s a good idea to take another look at the clothes you wear when out in the hills.
Hat and Gloves – I carry a hat and gloves on all my walks. These come out as and when needed, normally on the way down when I start to get a bit cooler.
Tip: A cap is a really useful thing to have as it keeps the sun out of your eyes, when it rains putting your hood over it stops the rain dripping into your face.
First Aid Kit and Survival Blanket – These are there in case something goes wrong- it’s always good to be prepared and many minor injuries can be treated quickly if you have a first aid kit to hand. If you can't manage to fix it yourself, the survival blanket is there to keep you warm until rescue arrives
Tip: In summer months I always have sun cream as well.
Storm Shelter– These are great bits of kit in an emergency, helping to keep the elements off you (and useful for having lunch in on cold and wet days). I only take one of these if I have people walking with me.
Tip: They come in various sizes, including a handy 2-person version!
Dry Bag – All above items are put in dry bags to ensure they stay dry. If you don’t have a dry bag you can always use a bin bag, but these are less reliable.
As you can see, a lot of the stuff I take with me I don’t intend to use, it’s there in case I something happens. It’s all about the ‘what if?’. You may be just starting out, or you may be a seasoned mountaineer, but accidents can happen either way. The weather can change fast in the mountains, and a small accident can become more significant because of this, so it’s always better to be prepared.
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