Kit List for Mountain Walking
The following kit list of clothing and equipment for mountain walking should be useful in deciding what to wear/take in summer conditions (i.e. no snow or ice is present in any quantity). (If you are going on a mountain challenge event then you will probably want to carry less, so here is a different kit list for an event such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.)
- Base-layer top (Synthetic or synthetic/wool blend. Never cotton – “cotton kills”)
- Base-layer leggings (optional – if you feel the cold)
- Socks
- Trousers (possibly light soft-shell)
- Fleece/insulation layer (x2 if you feel the cold)
- Hard-shell waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Walking boots (if scrambling, then fairly stiff are generally more suitable – B:1 would be ideal
or perhaps B:2) - Gaiters (optional)
- Hat
- Fleece buff or scarf
- Thin thermal gloves (optional)
- Thicker waterproof/insulated gloves (but not ski-gloves)
- Map (Harvey maps are definitely recommended but OS Landranger 1:50000 and/or Explorer 1:25000 are also fine)
- Compass
- Whistle
- Camera and case (optional)
- Mobile phone and waterproof case (optional, but ubiquitous)
- Head-torch plus spare batteries
- Rucksack – probably 30-40 litres (or 50-60 litres if camping)
- Dry-bags for packing stuff in
- Bivi bag/survival bag
- Personal medication (and simple treatments, eg blister kit)
- Trekking poles (optional – if you prefer them)
- Thermos flask and/or hydration pack/water bottle
- Lunch snacks
- WAG Bag for toilet waste
- Notebook & pen
- Simple repair kit (cable ties, repair tape, spare buckles etc)
If camping:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Tent
- Stove
- Cooking equipment – pot, mug, cutlery etc
- Food
- WAG Bag for toilet waste
- Rubbish bags
Recommended reading:
- http://www.mountain-training.org/publications/hill-walking
- http://www.mountain-training.org/publications/navigation
- http://www.mountain-training.org/publications/rock-climbing
Recommended maps:
- Harvey Ultramap Snowdonia North
- Harvey Ultramap Cairngorms
- Harvey Ultramap Ben Nevis
- Harvey Ultramap Lake District West
