Walking kit

Yes, some people go walking wearing jeans and trainers, and armed with nothing more than a mobile phone and a Snickers* bar, but we don't advise that if you want to be comfortable and enjoy your walk. This list isn't about us enforcing petty rules on you, it's to help you get the most out of the day and to avoid getting cold, wet, uncomfortable, hungry and blisters. What you bring is up to you (although the walk leader reserves the right to say "I told you so" in a patronising voice if you ignore our suggestions), and we expect you to use your own judgement, bearing in mind the time of year, weather, length and difficulty of the walk.

* other snacks are available, and GYBO does not in any way endorse Snickers in preference to other chocolate bars, yadda yadda

Clothing

Remember that a lot of our walks go to areas that are pretty exposed. It's a lot colder walking along a ridge with the wind whipping through you than it is outside your front door! The weather can be very different between your home and the start of the walk, and can change quickly and dramatically over the course of the day. Don't rely on seeing sunshine in the morning or a good forecast - always come prepared for the weather to turn nasty. Remember that several thinner layers will keep you warmer and drier than one thick layer, and you can vary how many layers you have one as you get warmer or colder.

Clothing that is essential or very strongly recommended:

  • Waterproof jacket with hood, and waterproof trousers
  • Shorts or trousers that will dry quickly - not jeans!
  • Hat and gloves, in the cooler months
  • Sunhat or cap in sunny weather
  • Walking boots or good quality walking shoes
  • The right combination of socks to fit your boots
  • Layers - eg base layer, T-shirt, fleece, coat

You might also want to bring:

  • Gaiters, if rain or mud are likely
  • Walking trousers with zip-off legs
  • Lightweight walking/technical T-shirt
  • Spare clothes and socks for afterwards

Equipment

Equipment that is essential or very strongly recommended:

  • Rucksack with waist straps
  • Waterproof cover for rucksack, or bin bag/carrier bags to keep everything inside dry
  • More food and water than you think you'll need (at least ½ litre of water for every 5 miles, and more on a hot day)
  • Snacks, eg chocolate, sweets, nuts, Kendal mint cake
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Sunglasses and suntan lotion in sunny weather
  • Cash for phone box (remote areas often don't have mobile reception) or bus/taxi if something goes wrong

You might also want to bring:

  • Survival/bivvy bag
  • Torch, especially longer walks in the winter
  • Map, waterproof case and compass
  • Flask of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup
  • Insect repellant
  • Hydration pack (eg Platypus) to allow you to drink without stopping to get a bottle out of your rucksack
  • Towel
  • Walking poles, if you find them useful