Equipment, General Information and Advice

What Equipment Do I Need?

Firstly, some good footwear, a backpack and some waterproof clothing to get you started. If you decide that walking is something you would like to do a lot more of, it is recommended that you equip yourself with leather or Gore-Tex/leather hiking boots that will give you sufficient ankle support. Wool or wool/synthetic blend walking socks are good so when you go to buy your boots, try them on with thick socks so that you can ensure the correct fit. Most shops will provide socks for you to try on your boots. It is important to make sure that your boots fit correctly or you may run the risk of blisters or other very uncomfortable foot problems. Comfort is paramount when you are hiking. Good waterproof outerwear is essential especially in the British climate. Pertex or light-weight Gore-Tex in the summer and heavy-weight Gore-Tex in the winter is recommended.

Suitable Clothing

Safe -  in terms of sure footing, consistent body temperature, keeping dry and protected from wind-chill.

Sensible  - is simply selecting clothing which is appropriate to the ground and weather conditions, both of which may change during the course of the walk! Remember, comfort first, fashion second.

Let's start with FEET. Enjoyable walking depends upon your feet and the condition of your feet depends upon what you wear on them. Sturdy shoes or trainers are possible over flat, easy, dry terrain, however, on uneven, stony or wet ground, walking boots have four main advantages:

• more secure grip;
• keep feet drier for much longer in wet, muddy conditions;
• better support for your ankles;
• greater durability over longer distances.

A Basic Specification for Choosing Boots

Lighterweight Gore-Tex/leather boots are suitable for dry summer walking but a good 'four season' leather boot is recommended for winter.

Socks are important because you must wear them when trying on your boots (shops provide socks for trying boots on with) but the socks the boots are tried on with and that are to be used in the footwear will obviously provide a much better idea of the comfort expected when walking. Socks do make a difference.Two pairs will give better protection from blisters, particularly if you do not walk long distances in the hills often. A thin base-layer (cotton/synthetic) next to your feet can be used with thicker woollen/wool blend (or looped nylon) on top.

Fit characteristics -

• Heel stable, toes not pressing, comfortable not tight - do not compromise on fit.
• Vibram soles are recommended for grip and look for a degree of stiffness to resist hard and uneven surfaces.
• The tongue sewn in as part of the boot to provide water resistance.
• Strong, flexible laces.

Next - The Body: Give equal attention to comfort, flexibility and ventilation. Comfort from never feeling constricted by tight-fitting garments.

Flexibility - wearing layers so that you can add or subtract in response to the conditions to maintain optimum body temperature.

Ventilation, from layering and from zip-up outer garments.

A Basic Specification for Choosing Clothing

Trousers - loose-fitting, (around areas that may cause cramp such as the waist) light, wind resistant (this is not essential since all clothing is, to some extent, wind resistant) and quick-drying.

Outer garment - anorak/jacket/cagoule - waterproof (not showerproof), zip fastening, practical pockets, hooded - Pertex, Event or Gore-Tex fabrics are recommended.

Headgear - a vital piece of kit when it's cold and when it's sunny. You can lose 30%+ of body heat through your head; a hat protects you from sunburn.

Gloves - hands quickly go cold in wind and rain or frost and snow. Cold hands struggle with zips, fasteners and laces!

Spare clothing - perhaps waterproof trousers, socks, shirt/sweater in your rucksack. In cold conditions, its essential to be able to put on an extra layer when you have a lunch stop.

Rucksack

If you are trying low level day walking, choose a lightweight, unframed rucksack with sufficient capacity for food, waterproof clothing, spare clothing, basic first aid kit (optional if with an organised group where the leader has a full First Aid kit) water bottle/s or Hydration Sac (Camelbak or Platypus) - never underestimate the risk of dehydration. Take plastic bags for wrapping permeable items. A rainy day will become depressing with soggy sandwiches and wet spare clothing! Reject unnecessary items; they add weight.

For higher level walking a slighly larger rucksack with or without a frame is recommended. Look out for models with a good waist support and carrying loops for walking poles.

First Aid

Prevention is better than cure. Taking care, being alert to potential hazards, never taking safety for granted are the first line of defence. Loose stones, slippery rocks, exposed roots and barbed wire are all potential hazards. Be wary of windchill and sunburn.

If prevention fails, then use a basic first aid kit from your rucksack:

• Plasters
• Foot pressure pads
• Support bandage
• Insect repellent
• Sun cream
• Scissors

Always act fast on a blister.

NOTE: All Events Together Mountain Leaders will carry first aid kits whether you opt to bring a personal kit along or not. 

Other Helpful Equipment That You May Find Useful

Maps, map case, compass, pencil/pen, watch, head torch, food, water bottle, thermos, plastic bag(s), energy sweets, survival bag/blanket, extra fluid/snacks (if children are with you - cold and heat cause thirst).

General good advice though, considering all of the above, is also never to carry more than you need. It's often been the case when groups have become benighted on the hill due to fatigue, that it was as a result of carrying too much weight in the form of unecessary equipment. At least they had all the equipment to survive a cold night but maybe they wouldn't have needed it if they hadn't been so tired from carrying all the extra weight!

How Far?

Start with short easy walks, perhaps two or three miles, depending on what you consider to be your own fitness level. Setting out a ten mile circuit in the mountains is not for beginners and may probably frighten you off walking for good. Work your way up to something more adventurous perhaps increasing the walk length to five miles over easy terrain. From this base you can then build up your experience and set out on a high level route that requires more experience and greater fitness. Before choosing a particular walk, check for details of how walks are graded, perhaps starting with easy or easy/moderate grades.

When to Go?

Walking is not just for fine summer days, it is an activity for all year round - a good excuse for keeping fit all year.Winter walking has the added advantage that footpaths and walks are often less crowded and you may have them yourself. If venturing out in winter it's vitally important to take more care and plan your day as clothing and footwear become more critical especially as you gain height. Don't forget that daylight time is much less than in the summer and carrying a headtorch is a wise precaution.

Where to Go - Preparation for the Hill?

It's good preparation to do some walking in your local area first if you are new to hiking, or don't head for the hills as often as you'd like.It may not feature the best scenery or the most dramatic views but can provide a way of getting yourself fit for something more exciting or challenging. National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the British coast provide the best places to walk in the UK.

Where to Get More Information?

There are numerous books and websites devoted to walking and you can obtain descriptive routes from most Tourist Information Centres. More details of specific walking and scrambing events organised by Events Together will be available on this website, however our guides will decide on the day which particular routes will be chosen.