Getting the best from a walking holiday in the UK means having the right equipment and supplies at your disposal. This will help to ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible, and that you have the support you need to enjoy yourself while you’re on a hike.
Clothing Essentials
In the UK, the weather is notoriously difficult to predict. This might be particularly so if you’re going to be hiking up exposed ridges, and through other kinds of hostile terrain.
Wearing the right clothing can ensure that you’re protected against the wind, while still getting enough air circulation that you aren’t going to turn into a sweaty mess as you make a challenging ascent. This might mean packing a base layer that wicks up moisture, a mid-layer that keeps you warm, and an outermost layer that repels rainwater, while keeping you protected from the wind.
Of course, the most important part of your wardrobe is going to be a high-quality pair of walking boots. Walking boots for men come in many different shapes and sizes. Pick one that’s right for you, and make sure that you have plenty of replacement laces to hand.
Navigation and Safety Gear
If you’re going out into the wilderness, then you might not be able to rely on the maps app on your phone. This is where alternatives, like compasses and paper maps, might be worthwhile. Not only will these items help you to avoid running into trouble – they’ll also provide the entire family with an ongoing lesson in orienteering.
Being able to deal with emergency situations is crucial. Make sure that your backpack includes a fully stocked first-aid kit, including plasters and other supplies that will help you deal with blisters. High-vis clothing and whistles might also be critical if you’re going to be hiking through dark or foggy conditions.
Food and Hydration
Hiking can be tough work, especially if you’re going to be doing it for hours on end. As such, you’ll need energy-dense snacks, like bananas and energy bars, to top up your sugar levels, and keep you motivated.
Of particular importance, of course, is water. Take more than you think you’ll need, in a refillable canteen. If you’re going on a longer expedition, and you know that you’re going to need cooking equipment, then a portable stove and a pan might be essential.
Accommodation and Sleeping Gear
If you’re going to be camping out in the wild, then having the right sleeping bags might make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a poor one. Make sure that the tent itself is lightweight enough that it won’t be an encumbrance when you’re on the road for hours on end.
Entertainment and Miscellaneous Items
Finally, we should consider what you might be doing during your downtime. Electronic entertainment and tools like torches will need to be charged, which means bringing a portable power bank or two.