What to take when hiking in the mountains

When setting out for a hike, mountaineering or even a climbing excursion in the mountains, moors or hills, much care and caution must be taken when it comes to packing and planning. Like with most adventure sports, you are far from home, shops and civilization. Your resources are solely what you and your fellow hikers have on your backs. Here's a check list of what you must not forget to bring to make your adventure a brilliant one!

The Essentials

Backpack/Ruscksack

First and foremost, a good backpack is always the hiker's first priority. It must be comfortable, practical and easy to wear without straining the back (look for one with a strap for the waist to take weight off the back and shoulders).

Loo roll

When it comes to hygiene, while most are prepared to rough it a bit, loo roll is one commodity that will be hard to go without. It's also unquestionably useful for many things, from tissues to lighting fire. However, when out in the bush, one must remember that depending on where you are, used toilet paper may attract wildlife and we should try to leave as little trace as possible so it may be necessary to clean up after yourself.

First Aid Kit

A First aid kit with gauze, plasters and other essentials. Deoderant is a good idea for applying to feet for avoiding blisters as well as special socks.

Multi-tool

A Swiss Army Knife or similar: These knives are a classic for a reason. I'm sure if you have one, you'll never be caught without it. With various different models from the basic penknife to one with everything from a can opener to screwdriver, they can be used to get you out of practically every quandary and their small size and low weight are great for hiking and keeping your load-out to a minimum.

Snacks and meals

Food. You may include some sweets and trail mix. It´s always necessary to keep your energy levels up. For more information on what to take foodwise, read further about hiking nutrition.

Water

A Water bottle (or multiple bottles): The best on the market these days are stainless steel bottles because they are light weight and better for you than plastic. Water must always be drunk when doing exercise so make sure you always stock up.

Interesting things to take

String

A little kit of laces or string and safety pins. This basic items are brilliant for fixing an infinite number of problems that you never know may come along the way.

Plastic Bags

First of all, when out in the wilderness we should always have the utmost respect for the environment. Picking up after yourself and leaving nothing other than footprints behind should always be your motto. Little rubbish bags are great for picking up non-biodegradable waste but they can also be handy in many other situations, especially as they are waterproof (great for situations like using for an improvised rucksack cover!).

A torch

Even if there is a full moon, a bit of extra light at night is handy. There are new ones that don't even need batteries so there's no chance you'll ever get left out in the dark, unless of course you lose the light.

Appropriate Clothing

Lots of layers. There are oodles of expensive brands of outdoor clothing but one of the best pieces of advice is to dress in layers. That way you can easily adjust to changing temperatures of that of the weather and your body. Also layers are very effective in keeping warm in that the air between the layers heats up which in turn keeps you warmer.

Waterproof Layers

A rain jacket or plastic ponch because we all know what British weather can be like and no one enjoys being damp.

Hiking Poles

These poles, although they may look a bit ridiculous at times, are brilliant for working 90% of your body's muscle, for endurance and for absorbing shock when walking downhill.