Our hiking kit list – human edition
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COST OF GEAR
It’s taken me years to collect and invest in all of the gear I own and use today. There’s no two ways about it, good kit is expensive, but it’s generally worth the money. If you want to kit yourself out with the perfect hiking set up, here are a couple of things that I’ve tried to do over the years.
- Buy quality gear that lasts. If you buy hiking kit from brands you can depend on, you will save money in the long run because it’ll last for years. Should anything go wrong with your kit, many of these companies offer repairs.
- If you can, buy at the right time. Sales tend to happen after peak periods where you can pick up some real bargains.
RUCKSACK
I really rate Osprey rucksacks. This one is women specific and has an adjustable back panel dependent on your height so you can get that perfect fit.
I chose this model as I loved that it had a separate water bladder pocket (rather than included in the main rucksack pocket). For me, it’s a perfect size for a day pack. At 32 litres this might seem a little big for some, but anyone who knows me will know that I literally pack everything on a hike, from full first aid kit, spare layers, power banks, head torch, spare layers to all my camera gear so it’s about right for me! Note that the below has been discontinued so I’ve linked the replacement Sirrus 34 which has all the same features!
WALKING BOOTS/SHOES
I put a lot of miles through walking boots and trust me, i’ve been through a huge number of walking boots over the years. I’ve had some that have barely lasted 6 months as the sole has just worn away so quickly! I picked up the Danner mountain boots in Cornwall a couple of Christmases ago and they’re the comfiest boots I’ve ever owned. They’re holding up really well too. One thing to bear in mind is they’re not crampon compatible so a stiffer hiking boot is needed to serve that purpose in winter.
In the summer I’m definitely a trail shoe girl, the Salomon Speedcross GTX shoes are a winner in my eyes – I’ve recommended them to so many people now.
One thing to bear in mind with walking boots, is that the fit will be very personal to you so it’s always worth going to a shop like . I personally have a fairly wide foot so some brands just don’t work for me at all.
Danner Mountain 600 Boot
Salomon Speedcross GTX
WALKING SOCKS
I’m really not usually a fan of thicker walking socks, especially in summer. I pretty much rotate between only these three socks. Decathlon socks were a discovery on a hiking holiday in Switzerland a few years ago and I’ve honestly never looked back! I love the high ankle running socks to wear with trail shoes or the hiking socks with normal walking boots.
For a slightly thicker sock, I really don’t think you can beat Smartwool. Plus they have lots of cool patterns they release every year. I’d also highly recommend their ski socks if you’re a skier!
TROUSERS
It’s honestly taken me years to find trousers that work for me but I now have 3 firm favourites that I pretty much rotate between throughout the year. For reference, I’m a size 12 with ‘hockey player thighs’ so have always struggled to find options that fit my legs but don’t gape on my waist!
First up – Sweaty Betty leggings are certainly expensive, but I’m addicted. I’ve lost track of how many pairs I have now, but once they’re on they literally don’t budge. No riding down and constantly pulling them up and the pocket on the leg is perfect for fitting my phone for easy access. I always try and stock up on the 7/8 power leggings whenever they’re on sale as they’re often half price so keep an eye out on their website – they come in a huge number of different colours and patterns!
Another winner from Decathlon up next – their MT900 trousers were a discovery last year and I ended up buying 2 pairs as I really loved them.
Finally, my go to dog walking trousers in winter are the thermal trousers from Acai Outdoorwear. They’re expensive but oh so cosy but they wash like a dream and have lasted me for years.
JACKETS
I keep it pretty simple with jackets – a synthetic down jacket for dry weather, with a waterproof shell for wet weather. I really like Berghaus and Rab and they’re both British brands which is a bonus! I have the Berghaus Nula jacket in 2 different colours and I love it, it’s so warm and really nicely fitted so it goes easily as a layer under another jacket really easily and packs down nice and small.
My actual shell is discontinued now so I’ve linked something similar. Although this is an investment, it’s worth getting a really good shell as these can last you for years and years. You can get some great deals in end of season sales or over on Sport Pursuit which is a free ‘members only’ outdoor clearance site.
Berghaus Nula Jacket
Rab Women's Kangri Jacket
LAYERS
I’ll be honest, I have a fleece obsession. I could probably fill an entire wardrobe with all my fleeces but in the interest of recommendations, the below layers are my absolute favourites that I’d never go without!
Firstly, base layer – I’m a real merino wool convert. I always used to find it so itchy but I’ve really not had this problem at all with Kari Traa base layers. I was drawn in by all of the beautiful patterns too, but having this one of these as a base layer really helps regulate my temperature when hiking.
My all time favourite fleeces are from Patagonia, I have a half zip and a full zip that I pretty much switch between. They do change the colours each season so I don’t think the pink one I have below is widely available at the moment, but I’ve linked the same model.
SAFETY GEAR
There are some things (ok, a lot of things – I’m an overpacker!) that I just never hike without if I’m on a day out in the mountains. Yes, it adds weight to my rucksack but you just never know when you might need these things.
After years of having a very bad head torch, this biolite number completely changed the game. It’s honestly incredible, super lightweight with very long lasting battery and just recharges via usb.
The Anker power bank has been so reliable over the years. When your phone battery drains so much more quickly in colder weather, this is super handy to carry for recharging phones. It can give 4 full phone charges and doesn’t take up much space either.
First aid kit including emergency blanket. I tend to make up my own first aid kit as it works out much cheaper than buying a ready made one.
Hopefully you’ll find this list helpful in planning what you might need on your ideal kit list.
You absolutely do not need everything on this list to enjoy the great outdoors, so get outside and enjoy your adventures with your dogs!
