What goes in the bag depends on where you are going. A couple of hours near home and a full day across exposed hills need different plans. This list is for an ordinary countryside day walk; winter mountain outings need additional equipment and the skills to use it.
Start by checking what you already own. Comfortable footwear, clothing that works together and a bag you can carry all day matter more than a collection of new purchases. Give the shoes a short trial if they are unfamiliar. Look at the soles as well as the fit — a worn pair may feel comfortable but have little grip left.
The day-walk bag
For most countryside outings, use this as a starting list and adjust it for the route and forecast:
- Waterproof jacket; overtrousers for wet conditions.
- Spare warm layer, kept dry inside the bag.
- Food and water for the outing, with a little extra for a delay.
- Charged phone, navigation and an appropriate backup.
- First-aid kit and your usual medication.
- Working headtorch.
- Hat and gloves when cold; sun protection when needed.
- Whistle and suitable emergency shelter for remote or exposed walks.
The Ramblers' guidance for new walkers is a useful reference for clothing and basic kit. Group organisers may have their own requirements for a particular walk, so read those as well. Bring your own essentials: someone else's spare drink is not a water plan.
A spare fleece needs to arrive dry
Rucksacks can let in water. Protect clothing inside one with a liner or dry bags, and give your phone and other vulnerable items waterproof protection. The Ramblers cover this in their packing advice.
Put the waterproof where you can get at it. Having to pull out lunch, spare socks and half the bag when rain starts is avoidable. Snacks, water and medication you might need on the walk should be easy to reach too.
Try the packed bag before the morning of the walk. Adjust the straps, bend down to tie a lace, take out your coat. You will soon discover the bottle that slips out when you lean forward or the buckle rubbing against your hip.
And try the coat over your warm layers. Can you turn your head in the hood? Can you reach the pockets? It is a quick check to do at home.
Check that the map really is on the phone
Download the route and the surrounding map, where your app allows it. Then switch off the data connection and open them. A route line saved over a blank background will be frustrating when you need to work out which path to take.
Learn an unfamiliar app on a local walk. Away from settlements, carry a suitable backup and know how to use it. If that means a map and compass, the compass needs practice rather than merely a place in the bag. Charge the power bank and pack its cable.
For a remote outing, give someone your route and expected return time. Agree what they should do if you are overdue, and tell them when you are back.
Lunch, water and the trip home
A café on the map might be shut when you reach it. Carry enough food and drink for the walk; treat a café stop as something to enjoy if it works out. Longer days and warm weather need particular thought about water. Check a refill rather than assuming there will be one.
A small rubbish bag earns its space. For drivers, dry shoes and a spare top in the car are pleasant to come back to after a wet day. Keep the warm layer for the walk in your rucksack, though — it is no use sitting in the boot while you are cold on a hill.
Before leaving, physically check the waterproof, filled water bottle, charged phone and available route. It is surprisingly easy to pack everything except the item left beside the front door.
If you have not picked the outing yet, read how to choose a walk. For a wet forecast, there is more in walking in the rain.