Essential Hiking Kit Guide by Sarah-Jane Ellis
Those outdoorsy types will walk, run, and hike outdoors no matter the weather. But as September turns to October and summer to autumn, it’s essential to choose the right gear for your outdoor pursuits. Don’t be left out in the cold as the fiendish forces of autumn and winter prove dangerous to hikers.
Advice from a Pro
Leigh from North Wales Guided Walks kindly provides some top advice on choosing suitable kit. Who wouldn’t want his advice as a Snowdon Mountain Warden and qualified Mountain Leader with over 20 years’ walking experience globally?
He recommends considering your level of activity before splashing the cash. For example, you don’t need to spend the earth for light hikes, but mountain walks or scrambling will require a higher level of quality to protect you from the elements. In addition, you should never pay full price for anything as most outdoor shops will give you a discount when asked. Go Outdoors will even price match and provide an extra 10% off if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere.
Lastly, Leigh suggests basing your kit on the layering system. Choosing a base layer for moisture management, a mid-layer for insulation and an outer layer for weather protection should keep you warm and dry in the colder months.
To find out more about Leigh, contact him on 07896 800 938 or search for North Wales Guided Walks on Social Media.
Carry on reading to find out what hiking gear is flying off the shelves this year.
Walking Boots
As rocks dig into your feet and your ankles buckle due to uneven terrain, your feet will hate you. Look after your feet with some of the top reviewed hiking boots, including the Merrell Nova 2 Mid GTX and Berghaus Men’s Hillwalker II GTX. However, the Northwest Territory Inuvik High-Rise or Como by Vango are top options for those in need of something cheaper for lighter hikes.
Most importantly, Leigh recommends getting your boots fitted in a good shop as sizes differ per brand. No one wants a foot full of blisters due to a bad fit.
Waterproof Jackets
Always look for quality, durability, and breathability in a waterproof jacket, as navigating the wild requires a raincoat that will protect you in the long run.
Membrane lined jackets are the most common choice for protection. These jackets are popular due to their perfect balance between waterproofness, breathability, and weight.
The most common type of waterproof membrane is the Gore-Tex, with any brand utilising this trademark technology providing weatherproof jackets. Other great waterproof technology includes the H2No by Patagonia, Outdoor Research’s AscentShell and Columbia’s OutDry.
Hiking Packs
What’s worse than a heavy and horribly engineered backpack? For light hikes, it’s OK to choose a basic design, but for intense hikes, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Junction is a top choice. Holding gold as one of the coolest hiking packs, the 3400 Junction provides the optimum balance between weight, durability, and ruggedness.
However, at around £250, it’s not for everyone. Check out the Osprey Escapist 25L Daysack for a quality pack that won’t disappoint at a reasonable price of £75. Being waterproof, lightweight, supportive, and well-ventilated, it’s obvious why this pack is so popular. But if you need a basic pack for basic walks, Berghaus provide sturdy, comfortable and good value bags. Check out the £30, 20-litre Berghaus Unisex Twnty4Seven Plus pack for fuss-free day hikes.
We hope you enjoyed “Your Essential Hiking Kit – A Guide“. For more of our features on local walks, please click here.
Feature Photo by Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash