Walking Kit List

Essentials for all seasons

• Walking Boots - Leather or waterproof fabric, and they need to be already broken in.
• 2 or 3 pairs of walking socks. Blisters can be avoided by wearing a thin sock underneath (not cotton).
• Waterproof jacket - breathable waterproof materials like goretex are much more comfortable than non-breathable materials which can end up being just as wet inside due to your sweat not escaping!
• Waterproof trousers
• At least three layers - thin thermal layer or t-shirt made of wicking material rather than cotton next to the skin, a mid weight fleece and a thicker fleece.
• Extra fleece or sweater to put on during a stop.
• A thin top for when it gets hot walking. If you burn easily wear a t-shirt rather than a vest as the sun is stronger at altitude - (again not cotton - sports tops work well)
• Trousers loose enough not to restrict your movement, and maybe shorts for hot weather. Jeans are stiff and restrictive for walking; they also get heavy if wet. If you can get trousers designed for outdoor use they tend to be good at wicking away sweat and are quick drying if they get wet.
• Gloves, hat, neck warmer or ear warmer, especially in spring, autumn and winter but can be needed in wind on higher walks in summer, particularly if camping out.
• Rucksack to carry spare sweater, waterproofs, packed lunch, water bottle, and other bits and pieces.
• Good sized water flask or a plastic water bottle. A Platypus or similar water system is also very handy.
• Sun screen - even in winter
• Lip salve with sunscreen - even in winter
• Sun glasses - in winter you should make sure they wrap well round your eyes at the sides to protect you from snow glare from the ground
• Sun hat or cap in summer if you use one.
• Towel if staying in a youth hostel or refuge.
• Large plastic bag to put inside your rucksack to keep the contents completely dry. No rucksack is waterproof (too many seams!)

Extras for winter snowshoeing

• Duvet jacket - not essential but serves as a good lightweight warm jacket for those frosty cold days.
• Fleecey trousers or leggings are good for warmth and comfort under your waterproof trousers. Or you can opt for ski trousers but it's good to have the option of taking off your outer layer when walking up hill and getting hot.
• Make sure your walking boots are sturdy and give ankle support, rather than some of the more trainer like ones that are fine for summer.

Other useful things

• Walking poles - not essential, but good for balance on uneven ground and they reduce wear to your knees.
• Slippers- so nice for feet in the evening.
• Camera, spare film or memory card and batteries.
• Binoculars
• Map of the area and compass if you like knowing where you are.
• A small sit mat or bit of old camping mat - not essential but good for a bit of comfort when snacking in the mountains!
• Swim suit maybe.
• Games or cards for evenings
• Torch