
Long Distance Hiking Kit List UK: Keep It Light, Keep Moving
Share
Embarking on a long-distance hike in the UK is an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, surprisingly challenging terrain, and the satisfaction of pushing your limits.
Whether you're traversing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands or the rolling hills of the Cotswold Way, one principle remains crucial: keep your pack light.
Believe me, I've been there. A heavy bag not only slows you down but can also lead to sore feet, decreased morale, and a higher risk of injury.
Here’s how to pare down to the essentials without sacrificing comfort or safety.
The Essentials: What to Pack
Shelter and Sleep System
1. Ultralight Tent or Bivy Bag: Opt for the lightest shelter that suits your needs. A one-person tent, tarp, or bivy bag can significantly reduce weight.
2. Lightweight Sleeping Bag: Choose a down sleeping bag with a suitable temperature rating for the season, as down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio.
3. Compact Sleeping Pad: A lightweight, inflatable pad offers comfort and insulation without the bulk.
If you can afford it, staying in hostels, B&Bs and hotels will mean you can skip this section altogether, cutting what is for most people their heaviest bits of kit.
Clothing: Layer Smart
4. Base Layers: Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you dry and comfortable. Merino wool is ideal for its lightweight, odor-resistant properties.
5. Insulation Layer: A lightweight down or synthetic jacket that packs down small but offers substantial warmth.
6. Waterproof Shell: A breathable, waterproof jacket is essential for the UK's unpredictable weather. This will depend on the trail you're doing and the time of weather. If you're doing the West Highland Way in the winter, you'll want to take a robust waterproof jacket and pack some waterproof trousers. Whereas if you're doing the South Downs Way in the summer, you'll likely be fine with just packing a small packable waterproof smock to keep you dry for the odd rain showers.
7. Additional Essentials: Include a pair of quick-dry trousers, an extra pair of socks, a hat, and gloves. Remember, the goal is to layer effectively, not to pack your entire wardrobe.
I always get caught out packing too many things for the evenings, so be careful here. You're going to be tired from a long day's walk and unlikely to paint the town red. Pack accordingly!
Footwear
8. Lightweight Hiking Boots or Shoes: Footwear is a personal choice, but ensure it's well-fitted, broken in, and designed for long-distance walking. Consider non-waterproof, breathable shoes for dry conditions to reduce weight.
Lots of people swear by lightweight trail runners instead of specifically designed walking shoes/boots. I've tried this in the past and it didn't make a massive difference, so on this experimenting will find you the right answer for you.
Cooking and Hydration
9. Compact Stove System: A small gas stove or an all-in-one cooking system is efficient and light.
10. Lightweight Cookware: A single pot or mug may suffice for both cooking and eating. Opt for titanium to save weight.
11. Water Filtration: A lightweight water filter or purification tablets are essential for accessing safe drinking water without carrying it all.
Again, if you're staying in hostels/hotels/B&Bs, you might be able to skip this kit altogether. Just be sure when planning your route that you've got adequate water stops and shops on the route to avoid any stints without food or water.
Nutrition
12. High-Calorie, Lightweight Food: Think energy bars, dehydrated meals, nuts, and seeds. Plan your meals to ensure you're carrying only what you need.
If you are carrying your own cooking equipment, taking some dehrydrated meals is an easy way to make sure you've always got some food to hand.
Navigation and Safety
13. Map and Compass: Even if you prefer digital navigation, always carry a physical map and compass as a reliable backup.
Depending on the trail you're doing, buying a trail guidebook will come with a pull out map that in my experience works a treat. Check the reviews of the guidebook before you buy, there is normally always one stand out, quality guidebook per trail. I tend to look for Cicerone guidebooks.
14. Multi-Function Watch: A watch with GPS, altimeter, and barometer functions can be invaluable, offering navigation aid without the bulk of multiple devices.
I use a Garmin and I find it useful to keep track of my progress throughout the day, but this is by no means required.
15. First Aid Kit: Customize a lightweight kit with essentials like plasters, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
Extras: Choose Wisely
16. Headlamp: An LED headlamp with extra batteries is lightweight and essential for early starts or late finishes.
17. Power Bank: Keep it small. You'll need it for recharging your phone or GPS device.
18. Trekking Poles: They're not for everyone, but they can reduce the impact on your knees and assist with balance, potentially saving energy. If you're anything like me and your knees are starting to throw out a bit of a complaint every now and then, I think these are worth packing, especially for any steep downhill sections.
Packing Tips: Every Gram Counts
- Assess Every Item: Ask yourself if each item is essential. If not, leave it behind. On most trails there will be a shop en-route if you find you really need an item you left at home.
- Use a Digital Scale: Weigh your gear. Seeing the numbers can help you make tough decisions about what to take.
- Pack Multi-Use Items: Gear that can serve more than one purpose reduces the need for extra items.
- Cut packaging. Remove the packaging an item comes in can reduce a lot of bulk so you can fit more into your bag whilst stripping unnecessary weight.
Conclusion
Long-distance hiking in the UK is an unforgettable experience, made more enjoyable by a lightweight pack.
By carefully selecting and testing your gear, you can ensure your load is manageable, allowing you to cover more ground with less effort and enjoy the stunning landscapes pain-free.
Remember, the lighter your pack, the happier your feet, and the further you can go.
Mix this with our top exercises to dial in before you go on your next long distance hike, and you'll be flying along the trail in no time.
Happy trails!
Celebrate your achievements
Have you completed a long distance hike in the UK? Great work. We've created a set of unique patches to celebrate your achievements. Perfect as a memento to remember the hard-earned miles your feet chewed up, or as a gift for someone who completed it (and lived to tell the tale).
You can find out selection of UK National Trail patches here.