The Essential Hiking Checklist for Hikers of All Levels
, by Laurence, 19 min reading time
Discover the ultimate hiking checklist for enthusiasts of all levels with Wood To Water. Ensure a safe & enjoyable adventure every time with our top brand recommendations!
Hiking is a great way to get some fresh air and explore the great outdoors in the UK, but not all hikes should be undertaken on a whim. Having the right gear can make or break an excursion, and our hiking checklist can help you get it right.
We've broken down our hiking checklist into what you need for basic hikes, day hikes, and extended hiking trips to help ensure you don't forget anything crucial for your next outdoor adventure.
Whether you're a hiking newbie or a forgetful, experienced adventurer, our checklist can make your hiking trip more enjoyable.
In This Guide:
Shop our absolute must-have hiking essentials below, with free delivery on orders over £60!
What to Take On a Hike: Basic Gear
As with any outside activity, you need some basic hiking kit no matter what kind of hike you're undertaking. Here are our key pieces of equipment to make hiking safe and comfortable.
1. A Suitable Backpack
A suitable backpack is essential for any hiking trip as it allows you to comfortably carry all your essentials, such as water, snacks, navigation tools, and extra clothing.
Ensuring that your backpack fits well and distributes weight evenly reduces strain on your body, allowing you to hike safely and efficiently.
A well-organised backpack also makes it easy to access your items, ensuring you are prepared for any situation along the trail.
For shorter hikes, the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault backpack is ideal for carrying your supplies for a few hours or even a full day if you're a smart packer. If you're undertaking a longer, multi-day hike, we'd recommend the Highlander Harrier Pack. With a 35L capacity, this rucksack holds everything you need.
2. An Appropriate Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during a hike, making an appropriate water bottle indispensable. A bottle that keeps water cool ensures refreshing hydration throughout your trek, enhancing performance and comfort.
Opt for a bottle with a sufficient capacity to meet your hydration needs without being overly heavy, as excessive weight can cause fatigue. Balancing capacity and weight allows you to trek efficiently without risking dehydration.
Choose a durable, leak-proof bottle to withstand trail challenges while maintaining easy accessibility.
For short and day hikes, the Camelbak Eddy+ is the ideal option. Holding a litre of water, it’ll keep you hydrated throughout your adventure. For extended hiking trails, the Easy Camp Folding Water Carrier is ideal for bringing water to your overnight camp.
Just remember to use water purification methods for fresh water.
3. Comfortable Hiking Shoes
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Look for hiking boots with: Good traction A snug fit that accommodates swelling Proper arch support Waterproofing is also beneficial for wet conditions Breathability helps keep feet dry and comfortable |
Comfortable and supportive hiking shoes are vital for hikes of any length to prevent blisters and protect your joints, enhancing both efficiency and enjoyment.
They provide essential support on uneven terrain, reducing the risk of ankle injuries.
Durable materials extend the life of the boots, ensuring they withstand various trail challenges while supporting your journey every step of the way.
Day Hiking Kit Checklist
If you're going on a day hike, you'll need to take more than what you'd take on a hike that lasts a few hours, but still less than you need for a multi-day hike.
All the things in our day hike packing list are in addition to the basic outdoor gear we mentioned above.
1. Torch & Headtorch
Even on a day hike, a torch and headtorch are essential for safety and unexpected delays. They ensure visibility when navigating through shaded or dense areas and provide crucial light if your hike extends into low light or evening hours.
In emergencies, these tools can help signal for assistance. Having a reliable light source prepares you for unforeseen changes in weather or terrain, contributing to a safe and stress-free hiking experience.
The Alonefire HP20 LED Headlight is a great all-rounder headtorch that's ideal for trekking after dark and pottering around camp. For a lightweight option for day hikes, we recommend the O Light Keychain Torch.
2. Phone & Power Bank
A phone is vital for communication, navigation, and emergency assistance. Combined with a power bank, you ensure your phone remains charged throughout the hike, maintaining access to maps and emergency contacts.
This duo is essential for safety, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas, as it allows you to stay connected and call for help if needed.
3. Lightweight Rain Jacket
A lightweight rain jacket is crucial on a day hike as weather conditions can change rapidly, exposing you to unexpected rain.
It provides waterproof protection while being easy to pack and carry without adding significant weight. The jacket's breathability helps regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable during exertion.
We recommend the Highlander Halo Full Zip Tactical Jacket for day hikes.
4. Spare Insulation Layer
A spare insulating layer is essential for day hikes, particularly when climbing peaks, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
This layer helps retain body heat, safeguarding against hypothermia and ensuring comfort amid unpredictable mountain weather conditions.
Having an extra layer ready allows hikers to adjust to changing temperatures swiftly, enhancing safety and warmth during rest stops or in colder, windier summit conditions.
5. Eye Protection & Sunscreen
Even in winter, eye protection and sunscreen are essential for day hikes. Snow and ice can intensify UV exposure by reflecting sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and eye damage.
Sunglasses safeguard your eyes from harmful rays and glare, while sunscreen protects exposed skin against harmful UV radiation. Prioritising these items can prevent sun-related harm.
We recommend using a general sunscreen like the Care Plus Outdoor & Sea SPF 50 and a lip sunscreen like the Sun Protection Lipstick to keep your lips and skin protected.
6. Map & Compass
A map and compass are crucial for day hikes as they provide reliable navigation, especially in areas with poor GPS signals or unexpected route changes. These traditional tools require no batteries, ensuring continuous and accurate use with strong map reading skills.
Understanding terrain features and pinpointing your location enhances safety, preventing disorientation and getting lost.
By planning and tracking routes, a map and compass enable hikers to navigate confidently through diverse terrains, ensuring a successful and stress-free adventure in nature.
The Easy Camp Venture Map Compass is ideal for hikers of all levels. Combined with a map in the Easy Camp Map Case, you'll be able to navigate whatever the weather or conditions.
Long-Distance Hiking Kit List
If you're planning a multi-day hike, you're going to need some extra bits of kit to make your overnight camps more comfortable and restful as well as to fuel yourself properly.
Again, all of these bits of gear should be in addition to the equipment in our basics and day hike checklist.
1. Spare Waterproof Clothing
Spare waterproof clothing is essential for longer hikes as unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected rain, risking hypothermia and discomfort.
Staying dry ensures warmth and protection from the elements, particularly in remote areas where shelter is scarce.
Packing extra waterproof layers provides reassurance, keeping hikers comfortable and safe when faced with inclement weather over extended durations. Maintaining dry clothing is crucial for endurance and ensuring a successful, unhindered hiking experience.
We recommend packing a pair of waterproof trousers, like the Highlander Stow & Go Trousers, and a high coverage waterproof like the NatureHike Waterproof Breathable Raincoat.
2. Easy-to-Pitch Shelter
An easy-to-pitch shelter is vital for staying comfortable overnight during long-distance hikes. It provides quick and reliable protection from the elements, ensuring safety and warmth in changing weather.
With minimal effort needed for setup, these shelters enhance efficiency, allowing more time to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.
Prioritising ease of use helps reduce fatigue, enabling hikers to focus on relaxation and recovery, key for maintaining stamina and enjoyment of the adventure.
The DD SuperLight Small Tarp is ideal for day hikes and solo hikers, while the XL SuperLight Tarp is ideal for larger groups and overnight camping.
3. Enough Food Provisions
On long-distance hikes, ensuring you have enough food provisions is crucial, particularly in cold or wet conditions where energy expenditure is high.
Adequate nutrition provides necessary fuel, maintaining body warmth and stamina, which is essential for combating fatigue and preventing hypothermia.
High-calorie, non-perishable foods are ideal, as they offer sustained energy and pack easily. By prioritising sufficient food supplies, hikers enhance their resilience and capacity to handle adverse weather conditions, ensuring safety and success on their adventures.
Some of our favourite expedition meals include creamy chicken pasta, rice pudding with strawberries, and green gumbo!
4. Sleeping Equipment
Sleeping equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and pillows are crucial for ensuring proper rest during long-distance hikes. Sleeping bags provide insulation and warmth, essential for combating cold nights.
Sleeping mats offer cushioning and insulation from the cold ground, enhancing comfort and sleep quality.
Pillows support head and neck alignment, preventing stiffness and discomfort. Together, these items create a restful environment, promoting recovery and energy replenishment for the following day's challenges.
We love the DD Hammock Quilt for keeping warm at night and the Exped Camping Pillow and Self-Inflating Mat for getting comfortable after a long day of hiking.
5. Comfortable Spare Socks
Comfortable spare socks are crucial on a long hike to keep your feet dry and blister-free, enhancing overall comfort and happiness. Wet feet can lead to blisters and trench foot, impacting hiking endurance and enjoyment.
Spare socks provide necessary warmth, absorb moisture, and ensure foot hygiene, which is essential for preventing infections.
By maintaining dry, comfortable feet, hikers can focus on the journey ahead, ensuring a pleasant and successful adventure in diverse weather conditions.
To avoid blisters, opt for socks with appropriate arch support and padding, like a mid-weight boot sock!
6. Suitable Trekking Poles
Suitable trekking poles are indispensable for comfortable hiking. They provide stability on uneven terrain and reduce strain on joints. They help distribute weight, alleviating pressure on knees and enhancing balance.
When pitching shelters, trekking poles serve as versatile supports, simplifying setup and adding structural stability.
Their multi-functionality makes them an essential addition to any hiking kit, ensuring comfort and efficiency in both trekking and shelter arrangements.
A Classic Micro Walking Pole is ideal if you don't intend to use it while walking. Alternatively, the DD Hiking Pole is an all-rounder that's great for pitching tarps and hiking.
7. First Aid Kit & Survival Gear
First aid kits and survival gear are crucial for handling emergencies on long-distance hikes.
They offer solutions for injuries, illnesses, or unexpected situations. They ensure you can manage cuts, blisters, or sprains and provide critical resources like matches, a whistle, and emergency blankets.
Quick access to these tools enhances preparedness, promotes safety, and minimises risk for you and your group when facing the unpredictable challenges of wilderness adventures.
The BCB Elite Explorer's Kit is our ultimate recommendation for extended hikes and all outdoor adventures. The Mountain Survival Tin is ideal for hikes at altitude.
8. Water Purification Methods
Water purification methods are essential for long-distance hikes, ensuring safe hydration from natural sources.
Techniques like filtration systems, purification tablets, or UV purifiers remove harmful pathogens and contaminants from water, preventing illnesses.
Carrying reliable purification options allows hikers to access clean water consistently, crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health when exploring remote areas. Prioritising water safety is vital for sustaining endurance and ensuring a safe, enjoyable hiking experience.
Our top recommendation for water purification is the Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets, which can be used in any water receptacle. The LifeStraw Peak Personal Water Filter is another great option for water purification on the go.
What Brands Do We Recommend for Hiking?
For hiking, we recommend trusted brands like Bridgedale for durable socks, Bla Band for convenient expedition meals, and Fizan for versatile trekking poles.
Other notable brands include DD Hammocks for reliable sleeping equipment and Aquatabs for water purification.
Choosing well-regarded brands ensures quality, safety, and comfort, enhancing the overall hiking experience by providing gear that withstands the rigours of long-distance adventures while meeting the varied needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
Summary: Complete Your Hiking Gear With Wood To Water
At Wood To Water, you can gear up for your entire hiking trip with ease, where quality meets value for money.
From essential socks and reliable trekking poles to comprehensive first aid kits and water purification methods, Wood To Water offers a wide range of products to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Trustworthy brands and great value for money make us your one-stop shop for all your outdoor needs.
FAQs
What Hill Walking Equipment Do I Need for Hiking?
When it comes to hill walking, specific equipment is needed to address the unique challenges of this activity. Here are five hill walking essentials:
- Walking poles
- Ankle supports
- Waterproof clothing
- Emergency whistle
What is the Most Essential Need in Hiking?
The most essential need in hiking is ensuring safety and comfort. This involves carrying ample water, suitable clothing for weather conditions, a reliable navigation tool, and a first aid kit to navigate safely and handle any unforeseen circumstances.
Do You Offer Free Delivery of Hiking Gear?
Yes, we offer free delivery on all hiking gear orders over £60. Experience convenience and savings while equipping yourself for your next adventure with our premium selection of outdoor essentials.
Do You Offer Fast Delivery of Hiking Equipment?
Yes, we provide fast delivery services for hiking equipment orders, ensuring your gear arrives swiftly. Order before 12 p.m. for same-day dispatch!
What Not to Take on a Day Hike?
Avoid taking unnecessary items like extra gadgets, heavy books, or excessive clothing. Limit your pack to essentials like water, snacks, a map, and a first aid kit to ensure a lightweight and comfortable hiking experience.
