| What to take on a Day Walk |
| Clothing |
| Good Boots |
Good quality, waterproof and sturdy |
Boots (or shoes if you prefer) are the foundation on which to build your walking gear. Look after your feet. If they're not happy you won't go very far! |
| Socks |
Inner and outer |
You can get socks that have both a thin inner layer and thick outer layer combined. |
| Trousers |
Lightweight - Not jeans |
Jeans will not dry out quickly enough after a shower, becoming very heavy and uncomfortable |
| Base Layer |
with or without sleeves |
This could be a thin tee shirt or purpose made |
| Inner Fleece |
A thin fleece |
Second layer out from the skin. |
| Outer Fleece |
Heavier fleece |
The idea is to have a number of layers of clothing to trap layers of air as insulation. It is easy to shed individual layers as you warm up. Or add them as you reach higher altitudes. |
| Hat |
Warm hat to keep out the cold and reduce the loss of heat. Sun hat to avoid sun burn and overheating which leads to dehydration.
|
I like a hat with a neb to help keep rain off my glasses. If we're having a sunny day the neb reduces bright glare |
| Gloves |
Thin, breathable fleece inner lining. Waterproof outer |
Gloves and hats can be used to regulate body temperature. |
| Snood |
Bit like a soft, fleecy donut. |
Worn around the neck to block draughts. It is like a continuous scarf. |
| Waterproof Jacket |
Breathable "Goretex" or similar material |
A thin, lightweight jacket helps keep out the wind at higher altitudes. |
| Waterproof Trousers |
As with the jacket, try to find a breathable material. |
As well as being waterproof they will also keep out the wind. |
| Waterproof Gaiters |
Bridge the gap between trouser bottoms and boots |
Channel rainwater onto the outside of the boots. They also help keep mud off socks and trousers. |
| Sustenance |
| Water bottle |
1 litre minimum |
Dehydration is very dangerous. First signs could be a dry mouth, headache and/or dizziness. It creeps up on you but can quickly overwhelm you if you ignore the signs. Obviously on hot days you will need to replace lost fluids more frequently. |
| Flask |
Hot tea or coffee is very welcome. |
A hot drink will help to recover lost body heat in cold weather. Conversely it also cools you down in hot weather! Don't know why but it works for me. |
| Food |
Nice tasting (sweet) |
Packed in plastic bag. Not in a sandwich box.
Dave and Hendrick recommend soft white bread - not crusty rolls. They can be difficult to eat with a mouth dry from exertion. And moist food (they suggest lots of tomato ketchup - but that's up to you!) is easier to eat when you're tired.
|
| Snacks |
For on the move |
e.g. mints/dried fruit to give an energy boost when needed |
| Emergency rations |
Kendal mint cake
2 bars chocolate
|
Again to provide an energy boost or sustenance should you be delayed in your return to base - perhaps due to injury. |
| Equipment |
| Map of your walking area |
Waterproof map case |
You've probably seen people with map cases around their neck. Keeping a map dry and avoiding the need to stop and unpack your rucksack |
| Compass |
use in conjunction with your map |
If you can see two or better, three, landmarks featured on the map, their bearings could help pinpoint your position. |
| Whistle |
Perhaps on a lanyard? |
To attract attention in a rescue situation. |
| Penknife |
multi purpose |
Cut material away from a wound. Cut twigs for a fire or just to get into a pack of biscuits. |
| Torch |
Check batteries before setting off from home. |
May be needed when a delay means a return in the dark. In a rescue situation it could help rescuers find your location in the dark. |
| Matches |
In a waterproof container. |
Hot water will be needed to wash a wound. It may be possible to collect tinder and wood for a fire. |
| Survival bag or blanket |
Reflects radiant body heat |
Reflect searchlight beams which, in a situation of poor visibility makes identification easier |
| First-aid kit |
Be sure to replace any items used |
At home, regularly check the contents and replace any that were used on a previous walk. |
| 12 Tips to Enjoy a Day Walk |
| 1 |
Read your map |
Look out for any prominent features such as a church. The real thing might help you pinpoint your position. |
| 2 |
Read it again |
Really get to know the area your walk will cover. Look for contour lines. Are there any really steep bits? |
| 3 |
Set off on the right path |
Don't just follow other walkers, assuming they are going to the same place as you |
| 4 |
Walk in threes |
If one is injured, one goes for help and one stays to help |
| 5 |
Learn how to give a grid reference |
If the worst happens and you need help, the rescue services need to know exactly where you are. |
| 6 |
Learn how your equipment works before you have to use it |
e.g. satnavs |
| 7 |
Don't rely on one item |
It is not unknown for a compass to stop working! |
| 8 |
Relate the area to the map |
It is very easy to convince yourself that the features around you fit the map |
| 9 |
Take water - not fizzy drinks |
It can be used for washing wounds or boiled to make hot drinks |
| 10 |
Pay attention to where your feet are |
The ground will obviously be uneven and it is easy to slip on wet boulders. You don't need a twisted ankle! |
| 11 |
Check your kit before you leave home |
Especially if you normally keep all your kit packed in the rucksack. Dave says he once got to the Lake District from home in West Yorkshire before realising his outer fleece was left behind! |
| 12 |
Don't get complacent on the way back to the car |
Going downhill you can easily fall |
