The Cumbrian Hiking Essentials Kit List
Whether you’re going for an evening stroll up your local fell or setting off on a multi-day expedition across the highest peaks, there is a core set of essentials you will need to take with you to ensure you can keep yourself, and those around you, safe in any situation that arises on the mountain. Luckily for us, there is a plethora of slick, tried-and-tested, well-designed pieces of kit that make this job simple. You could spend months fine-tuning your essentials pack, so we’ve done the hard work for you and whittled this saturated market down to the best of the best…
WATER
Whatever the weather, staying hydrated is a key priority, you’ll be burning a lot of energy and losing a lot of water through sweating. Dehydration reduces your ability to make safe decisions and decreases your resilience to other problems that may arise. If you’re out for a whole day, you’ll need to take at least 2 litres of water per person and it’s worth taking a Camelbak Reservoir for this, although for a 4-hour walk or less, 1 litre per person should suffice - try a trusty SIGG Bottle.
MAP
Use a reliable, up to date, detailed OS Map… and more importantly, know how to read it! Check that the entirety of your planned route is on the map, you don’t want to wander off the edge!
COMPASS
This ancient ‘technology’ is well worth getting your head around, it could very well be the skill that gets you out of a sticky situation one day… We recommend getting a reliable, transparent framed compass so you can line up your bearings over the map itself.
HEAD-TORCH
Even the best-laid plans can go awry… with darker nights approaching, it’s always a good idea to bring a head-torch and spare batteries. You never know what might happen up above the clouds, you might bump into an old friend and time runs away with you, or end up helping a fellow walker with an issue - be smart, be prepared, and bring a good quality head-torch, waterproof if possible.
SURVIVAL BAG
This is one of those bits of kit you hope you never need to use, but it’s always worth taking just in case. In harsh conditions, this essential survival bag can protect you from severe hypothermia or worse. On a lighter note, these can be used as bivvy bags for a warm summer night, wild-camping under the stars. This pack includes a whistle too. Some packs don’t, so make sure you include a good emergency whistle in your kit bag if you haven’t already!
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Being able to call for help in an emergency is vital, and your phone is the obvious choice. But there are lots of locations in Cumbria where there is no signal, or your phone may run out of battery, get too cold, too hot, or get wet… so it’s worth considering an alternative. Try a good satellite phone or Personal Locator Beacon.
WATCH
You can’t beat a classic Casio for durability, but if you’re after a data-centred watch that offers you more than the basics, then the Garmin Instinct tells you the weather, your heart rate, and personal health data, as well as being thermal, shock and water-resistant.
FIRST AID KIT
Carry at least one complete set with your group so that you can deal with blisters, minor scrapes, suits and grazes, and aches and pains. You don’t want little niggles getting in the way of your day so make sure you can deal with them with minimal fuss.
RUCKSACK
Now, this is one of those open-ended questions with a different answer for every individual. You want to get the right balance of comfort, weight, adaptability, and suitability to the activity. Rucksacks are designed differently for men and women, but either way, you’ll want a waterproof cover, hip straps if it’s a big day out, and lots of pockets for organisation and easy access.
SUNGLASSES
The weather can change in an instant up on the fells, and whether it’s a snowy winter day or a scorcher, then eye protection is essential. Get some good quality polarised sunglasses to make sure you can still enjoy those beautiful views for many more years to come!
ENERGY / FUEL
Much like the batteries in your torch or phone, your body will eventually run out of energy, so it’s important to keep well-fuelled for the adventure. CLIF Bars are a favourite within the outdoor community, and with good reason - they come in a variety of great flavours and deliver that energy kick to your brain and muscles, just when you’re running low.
WATERPROOF JACKET
The importance of having a good waterproof to hand out on the Lakeland fells couldn’t be understated. When buying a waterproof, make sure there’s room for your underlayers, but that the fit is snug enough that it can act as an insulating layer too. You can be setting off in glorious sunshine, but then seemingly out of nowhere, a giant storm can set in and you get drenched! Staying as dry as possible is integral to having a happy, safe adventure, so make sure you’ve re-waterproofed your old jacket, or upgraded your current cag to something more elements-proof!
THERMAL LAYER
Those close thermal layers are so important for regulating temperature in the variable weather you may encounter on a day out in the fells. There are plenty of brilliant designs out there for every style and build, but if you’re in the Lakes then there’s only really one brand that balances sustainability, style, and quality, and that’s Ascendancy Apparel. This Cumbrian clothes brand is becoming increasingly recognised for its durability and commitment to keeping it local.
Of course, there are plenty of extras you can take with you, but that will entirely depend on your group size, ability, and what adventure you are undertaking! You may want to think about taking a group shelter, camping equipment, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and many other seasonal items. Have fun out there, stay safe, leave only footprints, and never head out without having the essentials, or the Mountain Rescue will surely have something to say!