Beginner’s Guide to (Serious) Walking Kit
Walking is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, connect with nature, and challenge yourself physically. And there is no better place to enjoy a beautiful walk than Eryri (Snowdonia). With more and more people taking an interest in getting out into the countryside and stretching their legs, we wanted to provide you with an informative beginner’s guide to the kit and equipment you will need to stay safe and maximise your enjoyment.
A quick note on “essential” walking kit
While this comprehensive guide covers a wide range of essential kit, it is important to note that your kit list will vary depending on the nature of your walk. For instance, a three-hour hike around a familiar, local loop may not require a map and compass. But it is definitely a good idea to bring them if you are navigating the Snowdon Horseshoe for the first time.
If you are ever unsure, it is always best to over-pack (within reason) and prepare for any eventuality. As you gain experience, you will refine your pack list and know what equipment you need for various types of walks. If walking becomes a real passion, you may even end up creating a ‘grab bag’ containing all your walking essentials. So everything is always ready to go and you can head out the front door with minimal fuss whenever the fancy takes you.
We also recognise that this list may seem overwhelming (and somewhat expensive) at first. But don’t worry. You can find a lot of the kit second-hand on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, ask your friends if you can borrow some of their equipment. The only thing we don’t recommend borrowing is footwear. Because shoes and boots make a massive difference to your enjoyment.
Footwear
For most people, footwear is the single most important piece of kit you will purchase. A pair of sturdy hiking boots or shoes arguably make the biggest difference to your walk and often determines how much you enjoy the experience. When a keen walker finds the perfect pair of boots, they cherish them and care for them with absolute commitment.
Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for finding the perfect pair of boots. You can read online reviews, devour endless amounts of marketing spiel, and compare manufacturers’ product specifications, but the only way of knowing whether a boot or shoe is for you is by wearing it. Everyone’s feet are different. And that means what works for one person may not work for another.
However, there are some things to look out for. Generally, you want a boot or shoe that:
- Provides ankle support
- Offers good grip and traction
- Is waterproof or water-resistant
- Benefits from some breathability (especially when walking in warmer temperatures)
Some brands and retailers allow you to try footwear and return the boots if they do not work for you. It is a great way to establish whether you have the right shoe. There are also some pretty good boot-fitting services out there. Cotswold Outdoor is a great example. Finally, if there is one item we recommend spending a little more on, it is footwear. It makes all the difference and will provide many years of service if cleaned and cared for regularly.
Clothing
Dressing appropriately for your walk is a definite must. We see a lot of people climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in jeans. And it is no fun at all. Especially if it rains. Ideally, you want clothing that is:
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Comfortable and non-restrictive
Layering is key to staying warm/cool and comfortable in changing weather conditions. And a waterproof shell and insulated layer are critical if there is the slightest chance of rain or colder weather. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, either.
We also want to take a quick moment to discuss ethical and environmental concerns. While there are a host of ethical questions to contend with, one of the most prevalent issues is perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Many manufacturers still utilise PFCs to waterproof items, despite knowing that they cause significant human health and environmental issues. These include high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, cancers and reproductive problems in humans. They have also been linked to changes in otters’ immune systems and polar bears’ brain function (Ethical Consumer). Due to their longevity, they are known as ‘Forever Chemicals.’ Wherever possible, we advise you to avoid products with PFCs in and look for a safe alternative.
The Ethical Consumer website has a great guide to outdoor clothing and it lists its top PFC-free outdoor brands as Páramo, Vaude, Alpkit and Fjallraven. Fidra is possibly the best resource for PFC-aware consumers, so check it out for more information, too.
Backpack
A well-fitting backpack ensures you can carry all the rest of your walking equipment in comfort. Look for a backpack with adjustable straps, padding, and multiple compartments to distribute the weight evenly and keep your gear organised. Capacity and size can vary significantly, so think carefully about what you need to take, the distance you will cover and how much you think you can carry comfortably.
At RAW, we typically recommend at least a 25-litre backpack for summer conditions and a 35-40-litre backpack for the winter. And don’t forget your waterproof rain cover. If your bag did not come with one, a bin liner works a treat and benefits from being very affordable!
Water and food
Staying hydrated is vital on a long walk. But it’s also easy to forget to drink while walking and judging the amount you need can be tricky. Plan ahead and determine whether there are opportunities to refill your bottle(s) or whether you will need to bring enough for the entire walk. On longer, wilder walks, you may even require a water purification system to ensure access to sufficient water.
For our Yr Wyddfa excursions, we ask participants to bring two one-litre bottles with them. Drinking bladders are becoming increasingly popular as well. However, they make it easy to drink too much without realising, so you should always carry at least one bottle, just in case you race through your bladder too quickly. In the winter, a thermos flask with a hot drink is also a good idea.
Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks and meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike. Consider options like trail mix, energy bars, dried fruits, and dehydrated meals that are easy to carry and provide the necessary nutrition. Though it may be tempting, don’t overdo the sugar. It will lead to energy spikes and troughs. And remember, eating little and often is the way to go.
Navigation and communication
When walking in new areas or potentially dangerous environments, navigation and communication equipment. To be honest, we take them with us on almost all our walks for two main reasons:
A map, compass, GPS device and a smartphone can get you out of a tricky spot and keep you safe if the worst was to happen.
Using a map and compass is just super fun. Maps look amazing, they help you plan your adventures, and they help you engage with the environment, landscape and trail networks around you in new and exciting ways.
Of course, you also need to know how to use your navigation and communication tools. So make sure you practise! If you really want to hone your skills, check out our Mountain Skills course.
First aid kit and emergency equipment
Accidents happen, so we always recommend carrying a basic first aid kit. It should include bandages, adhesive tape, disinfectant, pain relievers, tweezers, a tick remover and any personal medications.
Even if you plan to finish your hike during daylight hours, you should carry a reliable light source. A headlamp or flashlight can be invaluable if you encounter unexpected delays or have to hike in low-light conditions. Don’t forget to pack a few extra batteries, too.
Finally, make sure you have your essential emergency items. These include a whistle, a multi-tool, a fire starter and a space blanket. Some walkers pack a tarp or group shelter for emergency protection should they be forced to spend a night outdoors, but that is entirely up to you.
Equipping yourself for a RAW Adventures excursion
If you are participating in a RAW Adventures walk, course or challenge, we always send out a kit list beforehand. It’s an excellent resource if you need more help choosing your equipment. The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy is also a brilliant source of information. When it comes to outdoor gear, we know the choice on offer can be intimidating and confusing. The JB Outdoor Academy is a fantastic way of making those tricky kit decisions.
Which brings us to our final point. When buying your equipment, it is tempting to trawl the internet for absolute bargains from big online retailers. But there are a lot of independent, local shops out there that play a significant role in the outdoor, hiking and climbing communities. Buying from them is one way of supporting the people who live in, look after and care for some of our most valuable natural spaces.
So, shop local and prioritise sustainability whenever you can.
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