Essential hillwalking gear

Walking in the Welsh mountains can be a risky business for the unprepared hiker. Below are some of the main items considered necessary for the task in summer conditions; and also some items not so necessary which some individuals have been seen to carry.

Possible items

Day trek

Expedition
  1. rucksack
  2. tent
  3. sleeping bag
  4. sleeping mat
  5. cooking pans/kettle
  6. stove & fuel
  7. first aid kit
  8. medicine kit
  9. trowel
  10. loo roll
  11. matches or lighter
  12. kisu (group shelter)
  13. rainproof jacket
  14. rainproof bottoms
  15. food
  16. water
  17. flask
  18. whistle
  19. headtorch
  20. map & case
  21. compass
  22. spare warm layer
  23. spare t-shirt
  24. spare socks/undies
  25. bivvy bag (survival bag)
  26. walking stick
  27. sun glasses
  28. radio
  29. flares
  30. mobile phone
  31. iodine droplets
  32. rope
  33. karibiners & protection
  34. helmet
  35. penknife
  36. gaiters
  37. hat
  38. scarf
  39. gloves
  40. candle
  41. firewood
  42. camo paint
  43. deck chair
  44. machete
  45. soap
  46. plastic bag
  47. duct tape
  48. spare laces
  49. spare compass
  50. camera
  51. Something bright
  52. Sun cream
  53. Sit mat
  1. yes, 20 - 35 litres
  2. no
  3. no
  4. maybe, but doubtful
  5. no, unless brewing up
  6. maybe, if planning to brew up on the hill
  7. yes
  8. yes, if specific medicines are needed
  9. yes, if expected to be caught short on the hill
  10. maybe, you can also use sphagnum moss or leaves
  11. yes
  12. maybe, if going as a group
  13. yes
  14. yes, certainly advisable
  15. yes, good balance, better to bring too much
  16. yes between 1 - 1.5 litres, no more than 2 litres
  17. maybe
  18. yes
  19. yes
  20. yes, 1:25000 or/& 1:50000 (rainproof is best)
  21. yes
  22. yes
  23. maybe
  24. maybe
  25. yes, a good idea for long journeys or group travel
  26. maybe
  27. yes, lightweight and essential in sunny weather
  28. maybe
  29. maybe
  30. yes
  31. maybe
  32. unlikely, are you going walking or climbing?
  33. no
  34. no
  35. yes
  36. maybe, a great bit of kit!
  37. yes
  38. maybe
  39. maybe
  40. no
  41. no
  42. no
  43. no
  44. no
  45. no
  46. yes, to take rubbish home, yes & banana skins!
  47. maybe
  48. maybe
  49. yes, let it live in the far reaches of your rucksack
  50. maybe
  51. Yes, possibly your jacket or survival bag
  52. Yes
  53. Probably
  1. yes, 45-65 litres should be big enough
  2. yes, mountain not urban
  3. yes
  4. yes
  5. yes
  6. yes
  7. yes
  8. yes
  9. yes
  10. maybe
  11. yes
  12. yes, if going as a group
  13. yes
  14. yes
  15. yes, plenty of carbs slow & fast burning, fruit, cheese(fats)etc
  16. yes, 1 - 1.5 litres you should also plan to find water on the hill
  17. maybe
  18. yes
  19. yes
  20. yes, 1:25000 & 1:50000
  21. yes
  22. yes
  23. yes
  24. yes
  25. no, you should have a tent, but some may suggest a bivvy bag also
  26. maybe
  27. yes
  28. maybe (checking weather reports)
  29. maybe
  30. yes
  31. yes
  32. maybe
  33. no
  34. no
  35. yes
  36. yes
  37. yes
  38. maybe
  39. yes
  40. maybe
  41. no
  42. no
  43. no
  44. no
  45. no
  46. yes, take 2, one for rubbish, one for wet clothes
  47. yes, handy stuff
  48. yes
  49. yes, unless other group members have one
  50. maybe
  51. Yes
  52. Yes
  53. You will have a sleeping mat

Obviously the walker is thought to be already wearing clothes e.g. base layer (t-shirt), mid layer (fleece), trousers, boots & socks.

There may be some obvious items that we didn't mention, e.g. coins for the phone or to bribe a local farmer to take you off the mountain on his quad bike, GPS (you shouldn't rely on this, better to spend the £150+ on a navigation course!), waterproof pen & paper (should be in your first aid kit), rucksac liner, water bottle, spoon/fork, etc.

If your still unsure what to take with you seek expert advise before you go.

Summer conditions means no snow or ice on the ground.

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