As a new hiker it can be daunting knowing what’s best without going for the most popular and most expensive brands and they aren’t always the best, most comfortable / suitable for you. It’s a very personal preference when it comes to choosing your kit.
First and foremost – boots – this is the hardest and most important thing to get right. I’ve gone through a few brands to get to my favourite pair…
[note these brands are suitable for me: and are just to give you a guide to help you find what is suitable for you!
Decathlon & Go Outdoors offer low price brands to start out. I bought low end priced gear when I started and upgraded at a later date]
So, without further ado!
I look for Style PriceComfortWaterproofGrip sole
KEEN
online approx £100.00
Danner Trail shoe £130
recently purchased Jan 2023 sales, they’re incredibly comfortable. I shall report back on longevity at a later date.
OSPREY backpack – no complaints. Perfect for hiking.
Rook 50 – great when you’re carrying more kit for camping
go outdoors approx £120
Osprey Daylite Plus
go outdoors approx £80
I have the osprey ‘CAMEL BACK’ / hydration pack/ water bladder for water which fits in with the osprey bag perfectly. These are so handy when hiking saving you stopping and taking off your backpack etc.
go outdoors approx £30
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Long Jacket
go outdoors approx £200
Dope blizzard light jacket
dope snow approx £135
Acai outdoor soft shell leggings £55
The above mentioned is what you want to get first really, then move on to the finer details! Which I’ll continue…
Garmin instinct solar 2 smart watch
go outdoors approx £300
Trekmates waterproof phone pouch
go outdoors approx £10
…additional to your boots for the winter, spikes are handy, these can be easily put over your hiking boots to allow extra grip on ice and snow on the mountains.
online approx £20.00
[Crampons – if you have high spec mountaineering boots.]
Retractable walking poles – these come in handy when descending if your knees are tired.
online approx £25.00
Head torch – forklaz – nothing fancy but it does the job! Cheap in comparison to all others.
decathlon £4.99
Socks – sealskins waterproof or any anti blister moisture wicking socks or alpaca wool socks
Gloves – touchscreen tip
dope snow approx £25
Jetboil / cooking system – other brands available
go outdoors approx £100 / from £50
Portable battery power bank – online approx £40
Whistle – sports direct
Compass – sports direct
Pen knife – online approx £10
First aid kit – online approx £10
with additional blister plasters as they are the best. I’ve never needed them since my KEEN boots but always good to have.
W I L D C A M P
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Foam roll
- Pillow
W I L D S W I M / paddle boarding
- Dry bag approx £15 [amazon]
- Swimsuit / Wetsuit approx £50 [I have free spirit wet suit from go outdoors]
- Water shoes approx £20 [I have Free spirit from go outdoors]
