First time Mountain Walking ?? What do I pack?

Here’s little old me crumbling under the weight of my rucksack… but what in it?? I assure you I’m not just carrying cheese and nor should you be on your first mountain walking day out!

Kelly’s TEN Top Tips for beginner Hikers!

1. Don’t call it hiking… it’s walking

2. You should pack your rucksack with all weather in mind! Even in the summer it can often be raining on the mountains and sunny on the coast. Be prepared for ANY weather

3. Kit & Rucksack (large enough to comfortably carry what you need)

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof trousers

Hat

Gloves

Suncream

Cap

Sunglasses

Charged mobile

Plenty of water (no cafe on mountain)

Plenty of food

High energy snacks (low sugar, high carb)

Walking shoes or boots

Appropriate clothing

If you already own a head torch then pop in!

A basic blister, plaster and paracetamol kit

*Waterproofs can be expensive but also vital in poor weather…If your jacket leaks, get a £2 poncho from Halfords for emergencies!

4. Good mountaineers hydrate well;

There isn’t always a water source or running stream on the mountain and you would need to filter your water first! Those brown pebbles floating in the stream aren’t always chocolate raisins

It’s a good  idea is to hydrate well in the morning. Forego the usual tea and coffee and sip a pint of water through your usual morning routine. Don’t dehydrate because of toileting anxiety… if you need to wee, wee

5. Eat food

Tenzing & Hillary didn’t summit Everest on a diet of jelly babies

Sandwiches, make 2 each!

Fruit

Nuts

Dried fruit

Oat based snacks

* consume 100 calories an hour!

6. BOOTS

If you own a pair of walking shoes, walking boots, or a trainer that is designed for the mountains then wear them! Don’t buy anything new if you don’t have to. A brand new ill fitting boot will make the difference between it being the best day ever to the worst. Smaller children are better off wearing their regular trainers than hiking in a stiff boot for the first time.

7. Clothing:

Base layer (T-shirt, wicking layer, light shirt)

Mid layer (fleece layer, or in the summer a light long sleeve top)

Warm layer (synthetic type down layer)

Trousers (comfortable cotton trousers, leggings, walking trousers)

Socks (a good sock can be underestimated, a well fitted sock that doesn’t roll down or ‘clump’ )

8. BLISTERS! Avoid at all costs..

Quality socks and well fitted footwear

9. Poo before you leave the house

We all get caught short, hopefully you can duck behind a rock in privacy. If you must go then please take any waste with you. Compost sacks or dog poo bags are handy for the mountain.

10. Leave no trace, stick to footpaths to avoid erosion and check the forecast, the mountain will be there tomorrow. Have a Plan A, B, C to avoid disappointment!

What have I missed??