Hiking packing list

For a day on the hills or a walking holiday where you sleep indoors. It's the kit that keeps you comfortable when the weather turns, and safe if a walk takes longer than you planned.

Carry it even on a sunny day

A waterproof, a warm layer, a head torch and a map weigh little and earn their place the one day you need them. Weather on hills changes faster than it does in the valley, and a twisted ankle turns a three-hour walk into six.

Leave your route with someone at home, and say when they should start to worry.

Your feet do the work

Boots or walking shoes should be worn in before the trip. Wool socks stay warm when they're damp, and a spare pair halfway round makes a wet day better. Put a blister plaster on the first sore spot, not once the blister has come up.

What's on the list

A day walk, mild weather

Papers and money

A bank card
Some cash: Not everywhere takes cards, and a card can be blocked just when you need it.
Emergency contacts on paper: If your phone dies, you'll still have the numbers.

Bags

Rucksack, 20–30 litres
Rucksack liner: Rain covers leak. A big bag inside the rucksack doesn't.

Clothes

Spare pair of socks: Dry socks halfway round make a wet day better.
Walking trousers: Light ones that dry fast. Jeans are heavy and cold when wet.
Fleece or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket: Bring it whatever the forecast says. It's your windproof too.
Sun hat
Neck tube: Sun, wind, dust and a thin hat in one.
Sunglasses

Footwear

Walking boots or shoes, worn in: Never new on a trip. Walk a few days in them at home first.

Food, water and cooking

Water bottles: On a walk, at least a litre and a half. More on hot days.
Snacks: Something you'll still want to eat when you're tired.
Lunch
Small knife

Washing and toiletries

Sun cream: When you're out all day you can burn even when it doesn't feel hot.
Lip balm with sun protection
Loo roll, a trowel and a bag: Dig 15–20 cm down, well away from water and paths. Bag the paper and carry it out.
Hand gel

First aid and medicine

First aid kit: Plasters, a bandage, tape, painkillers and antiseptic wipes cover most things.
Blister plasters: Put one on at the first sore spot, before it turns into a blister.
Insect repellent
Tick remover: Ticks live in long grass and woods. Check yourself each evening.

Phone and electronics

Phone and charging cable
Power bank: Maps and photos drain a phone fast.
Head torch: In case a walk takes longer than you planned.

Finding the way and safety

Map and compass: Phones run out of battery and signal. Know how to use both.
Offline maps on your phone: Download them before you go, while you have wifi.
Your route, left with someone at home: Where you're going, and when they should start to worry.
Whistle: Six blasts, then a minute's pause, is the call for help in the mountains.
Survival bag: It weighs very little and could keep you warm if you're stuck out.
Walking poles: Easier on the knees on the way down.

Bits and pieces

A few zip bags: For wet things, receipts, and a phone in the rain.

Questions people ask

What should I take on a day hike?

Water, food, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, a map and compass or offline maps on a charged phone, a head torch, a small first aid kit, sun cream and a whistle. Add gloves and a hat when it's cold.

How much water should I carry?

At least a litre and a half for a day walk, more in the heat. If there are streams on the way, a filter means you can carry less and top up.

Do I need walking boots?

On rough or wet paths, boots or sturdy walking shoes with a good grip are much safer than trainers. Whatever you choose, wear them in first.

What's the difference between hiking and a multi-day trek?

Here, hiking is day walks or a walking holiday where you sleep indoors. Pick Multi-day trek if you carry everything from hut to hut or camp to camp, and the list adds the sleeping kit.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop, look at the map, and work out where you last knew you were. If you need help, call the emergency services. In the mountains, six blasts on a whistle, then a minute's pause, is the call for help.

Can I print the list?

Yes. Press Print and you get a plain checklist on paper, without the rest of the page.

Lists for other trips

The other tools

Gear list: Weigh your kit and your pack
GPX tools: Open, fix, join and convert route files
3D film of a route: Turn a GPX into a flyby film with your photos
All tools

We make Pebbls, an app that keeps a map and diary of a trip as it happens. You don't need it to use any of this.