Every year, on the first Wednesday of April, is National Walking Day. Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get active, lose weight and become healthier.
This year, in honour of National Walking Day, we decided to comprise a gear list for those thinking of tackling their first long-distance walk.
What to wear on a long-distance walk
If you’re going on a long-distance walk or a hike, it’s important to make sure you take the right items with you and you are dressed appropriately.
Dressing properly for a walk or hike is based on the 3-layer system, also called layering:
Breathable base layer – a next to skin layer that moves moisture away from the skin
Insulating midlayer – worn over the first layer to protect against the cold
Protective outer layer – a jacket that protects again exterior elements such as rain and wind
We have suggested our top layering picks below, along with recommendations for walking boots and backpacks to keep you comfortable on your first long-distance walk.
Walking boots
If you only want to invest in a few pieces of kit, we recommend you buy a good pair of walking boots. Keeping your feet dry, warm and comfortable is pretty crucial for enjoying walks. Walking boots are best as they provide you with ankle support – essential over uneven ground.
Make sure you break in new walking boots before you take on a long walk or hike. Start by wearing them inside the house. Then gradually increase the distance of walks and length of time you wear the boots for.
Our top picks:
5.11 A/T 6 inch Boots
5.11 XRPT 3.0 Waterproof 6 inch Boots
Bates RUSH Mid Boots
5.11 Cable Hiker Tactical Boot
Socks
Once you have your walking boots, don’t neglect your socks. The right pair of socks will make walking much more comfortable. Look for a sturdy thick pair of socks that are breathable and sweat wicking. It is best to avoid socks made of cotton.
Our top picks:
5.11 9 Inch Socks – 3 Pack
5.11 Year-Round Crew Socks
Bates Cotton Comfort Socks – 3 Pack
Base layers
A good base-layer wicks away sweat to help keep you warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s hot, and as dry as possible. Long-sleeve or short-sleeve is down to personal preference, as if I you prefer synthetic or merino wool. The latter is warmer and tends to smell less.
Our top picks:
5.11 Range Ready Merino Wool Long Sleeve Top
5.11 Tropos Base Layer Long Sleeve Top
5.11 Tight Fit Undergear
Mid layers
Your mid-layer is just as important as the outer layer, as it insulates heat and can be used as light cover up when the weather is fine. A fleece jacket is a good choice of mid-layer, which is light, warm, soft and quick-drying.
Our top picks:
5.11 Apollo Tech Fleece Jacket
Condor Quarter Zip Fleece Pullover
5.11 Stratos 1/4 Zip Pullover
Wind and waterproof jacket
You should pack a hooded, waterproof jacket, regardless of the forecast, as the UK weather can be unpredictable, especially on mountain hikes. Your jacket might stay packed in your backpack throughout the entire hike, but it will come in handy when the wind picks up or your unexpectedly caught in a downpour.
Most quality waterproof jackets are also windproof. Your jacket should also be breathable to allow perspiration to escape from inside the garment.
Our top picks:
5.11 XRPT Waterproof Jacket
5.11 Approach Jacket
Trousers
Your trousers should be comfortable and unrestrictive. Avoid jeans, and instead opt for breathable trousers made from quick-drying fabric, that allow for a wide range of movement. You may want to look for flexibility, e.g. trousers whose lower legs unzip to make shorts, such as the convertible trousers featured in our list.
Our top picks:
5.11 Decoy Convertible Trousers
A comfortable backpack
A comfortable backpack that sits evenly on both shoulders is a must. A backpack can only distribute weight evenly if it is worn over both shoulders, so you should use both straps. In comparison, an over the shoulder bag or purse will throw your balance off and could leave you with a sore back. Making sure your backpack is properly packed and fitted will notably improve its comfort, you should pack it with keeping the most weight down the centre in mind.
The best daypack size is around 20-35 litres, with enough room for all your essentials but without any unnecessary weight.
Our top picks:
5.11 AMP12 Backpack
5.11 RUSH24 2.0 Backpack
Viktos Perimeter 25L Backpack
On more casual walks, it’s fine to wear non-walking specific clothing, but if you’re venturing further afield or if the weather looks mixed, it’s a bad idea to rely on clothes that aren’t designed for the elements.
The reason for needing special clothing is that your internal temperature varies so much while walking. This is due to the weather (sun, wind and rain) and in your body’s heat production – rapid on a steep hill climb, moderate when you’re walking on level ground and slow when you slow down. This is why layering systems are designed; to control your body temperature. The right combination will keep you warm and dry even in a downpour and high wind. And if you’re lucky with the weather, your outer layers weigh little in your backpack.
Avoid cotton, including jeans – as once cotton gets wet, it takes to dry, which can reduce body temperature fast, as well as being uncomfortable. Casual trainers won’t give you enough protection underfoot and probably won’t be weatherproof.
What to pack in your backpack on a long-distance walk
How and what to pack for long-distance walking really depends on your destination’s climate, and the distance and time you’ll take.
For the purpose of this pack list, we’ve based it on a one-day hike or long-distance walk in the UK:
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Lunch and snacks
Torch (head torches are best)
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Knife or multi-tool
First aid kit
Hat and gloves
A watch (or other reliable means of telling the time)
Map and compass
Remember, this is a basic checklist. You should check weather forecasts, conditions etc beforehand and consider whether you need to add or remove items to reflect that.
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