Boots
Trainers will not suffice! You need a pair of good hiking boots in order to walk safely and in comfort. A good well-fitting pair of boots will prevent blisters, wet feet, slipping over and sore feet. Features to look for in a boot are:
- Ankle Support
- Waterproofed
- Deep Treaded Sole
A good set of boots will set you back about £60 to £90. You will need some thick socks to keep you warm and provide extra layer of protection for your feet.
Water Bottle
Very easy to forget, but a squash bottle costs nothing. Water is essential to a walk, so take 2 litres every day. An alternative to a standard water bottle is a Platypus, which is a plastic bag, which stores up to 2 litres and you drink via a tube, which you can clip onto the straps of your backpack.
Rucksack
A rucksack is required for all walks. A typical size for a day sack will be between 25 and 45 litres. A simple rucksack will suffice and can be made waterproof by using carrier bags or a rucksack liner (essentially a thick plastic bag). If you wish to buy a rucksack, then Karimor, Vango, Lowe Alpine and similar companies have good ranges. For a tough rucksack expect to pay in the region of £50 or more. Choose your rucksack size carefully, things like thick jumpers/fleeces, cameras and waterproofs will add up.
Waterproofs
A simple anorak will keep rain off you, however, for new hikers gore tex or equivalent jackets and breathable trousers are recommended. Waterproof trousers are much easier to put on with a full length zip on each leg for fitting without removing your boots. You can expect to pay £75 to £200 on a decent jacket and approximately £40 on trousers. There is more to jackets than meets the eye so ask for details!
Warm Clothing
Warm clothing is essential to prevent hypothermia, exposure or other cold related condtions. Wool is very warm, but like other natural fibres, such as cotton, wool gets heavy and cold when wet. Synthetic fleeces, polyesters and similar are best, however, they tend to be more expensive. Cotton and wool are sufficient for most of our hiking.
Trousers / Shorts
Almost everyone gets wet or muddy while hiking, so appropriate clothing is essential. Jeans are not acceptable as they rub and get heavy when wet. It is also essential to bring trousers if starting out on a mountain walk wearing shorts. Mountain weather changes very fast and can get very cold quickly. All hikers are recommended to get lightweight hiking shorts and trousers which dry fast.
Torch
A head torch is highly recommended, especially a Petzel Zoom. When staying in a hostel, a torch is less important, and a Maglite or similar is sufficient. Always bring it with you when walking (you never know if you’ll be delayed).
Fleece Jacket
Warm clothing is essential, and fleeces are very warm, light and non-absorbent. They are usually not waterproof or windproof, but dry very quickly and don’t get sweaty. Make sure your fleece and waterproof can be worn together. Fleeces range in price from £30-£100.
Gaiters
Gaiters protect your lower legs from rain, snow, bushes, mud, bog, trees, thistles and nettles. These really are essential for deep snow walking (which isn’t often) and highly recommended for walks involving bogs. Gaiters stop water getting into your boots, but wont work if the water runs down your leg! I really like my pair of Altitude Ventigators from Mountain Hard Wear at £40, but Blacks gaiters can be picked up from £7.
Sleeping Bag
The type of accommodation frequented by the club demands a three season sleeping bag as a minimum. Even summer trips are cold at night. Down bags are warmer and lighter than synthetic bags, but lose this capacity when wet. Any good hiking shop can recommend one and you should expect to pay £70-150.
Safety Bag
A safety bag consists of a thick (usually orange) plastic bag, which in an emergency can be the difference between life and death. It provides an extra layer of insulation and also stops the wind chill factor.
The club provides these for Weekend Trips, but it doesn’t hurt to have your own – they cost approximately 4 pounds [you were had - I paid £1.50. ed].
Compass
The club has compasses, and it is usual to take these with us, however navigation normally requires double checking and anyone serious about hiking should have their own compass. Especially recommended if you intend to borrow a map etc. and hike without the club. The best one to go for is a Silva Mark 4.
Map Case
If you feel like keeping your maps in good condition then a good waterproof map case is essential.
There are a variety of designs, the club uses map cases that have a full waterproof seal, achieved by rolling the flaps together. Map cases should only set you back £10.
Maps
The club provides all the maps that we will need for the trips. However, a map is something that you will need if you plan to go walking seperately from the club.
Make sure you know how to use a map and compass, you never know when you might need it. If you are feeling a bit rusty, come along to a lunchtime and I’m sure one of us can give you a quick refresher.
Camera
Don’t forget what kind of a club we are. We are not athletes out for endurance or training. We go to areas of outstanding natural beauty with nice people that we want to remember. If you take an expensive camera bring plenty of bags to keep it dry!
Lunchbox
A lunchbox is a necessity if you don’t like squashed sandwiches.