The “No-B.S” Guide To What Hiking Gear You Really Need

They’ll tell you that if your jacket doesn’t have a proprietary triple-layer breathable membrane, you will instantly dissolve the second a Lake District drizzle hits you.

Let’s bust a myth right out of the gate: The British weather does not care how much your outfit cost. Whether you are planning a Sunday stroll up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), bagging some peaks in the Peak District, or testing out a pre-loved champion like Myles (our resident Mariposa 60 Backpack that you can borrow for your adventures), you only need a few essential items to stay safe, dry, and comfortable. Everything else is just extra weight you have to carry uphill.

Here is the honest breakdown of what you actually need to go hiking in the UK.

1. Footwear: The Foundation of Happiness

Do you need heavy, leather, ankle-high mountaineering boots? Unless you are scrambling up technical ridges in winter conditions, probably not.

• The Modern Reality: Most modern hikers have ditched heavy boots for trail running shoes or lightweight hiking shoes. They breathe better, dry faster when you inevitably sink into a bog, and save you massive amounts of energy. (Fun fact: One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back).

• The Golden Rule: Just wear something with a deep, aggressive tread (vibram or mega-grip soles) because British grass and mud can be slicker than ice. Oh, and buy merino wool socks. Synthetic or cotton socks are a shortcut to Blister City.

2. Clothing: The Onion Strategy (Layers)

The golden rule of UK hiking is that you will likely experience three seasons in a single afternoon. You need to layer up so you can adapt. Absolutely no cotton. Cotton holds onto sweat and rain like a sponge, stays wet, and makes you freezing cold the second the wind picks up on a summit.

• Base Layer: A synthetic or wool T-shirt that wicks sweat away from your skin.

• Mid-Layer: A fleece or a lightweight down jacket to trap heat. Particularly useful when you stop for a lunch break.

• Outer Layer (The Shell): A proper waterproof jacket. This is the one area where you shouldn't buy the absolute cheapest option. It needs to act as a serious windshield and keep out a relentless Scottish downpour. Pack some cheap waterproof overtrousers in your bag, too - getting caught on a ridge with soaked trousers is miserable.

3. Navigation & Safety (The "Don't Die" Kit)

Getting lost on a foggy moor isn't an adventure; it's an administrative nightmare for local Mountain Rescue teams.

• The Tech: Download offline maps onto your phone using apps like OS Maps or Alltrails. Don't rely on signal, because it disappears the second you enter a valley.

• The Backup: A fully charged power bank. Because if your phone dies from cold battery drain, your map dies. If you’re heading up into the high fells or Highlands, a paper OS map and a compass (plus the knowledge of how to use them) are non-negotiable.

4. Pack, Hydration & Fuel

The Pack: You need a comfortable daypack to chuck all your extra layers into. It should sit comfortably on your back without digging into your shoulders. Something around 20L for 3 season hikes and a bit bigger for Winter.

• Water: At least 1.5 to 2 litres. Unlike the Alps, you shouldn't just drink directly from UK streams without filtering, as there's usually a sheep upstream doing things you don't want to think about.

• Food: Pack more than you think you need. Hiking up steep inclines burns serious calories. Leave the fancy items at home and bring high-density energy bars, nuts, or a classic meal-deal sandwich.

The Realist’s Conclusion

The gear industry wants you to believe that outdoor exploration is an exclusive club with a massive financial barrier to entry. It isn’t. Outdoor Revival exists to help lower that barrier to entry by providing a place to buy and sell, quality, pre-owned outdoor clothing and gear.

Before you drop half a month's rent on brand-new kit, see what you can borrow, what you can find second-hand, or participate in gear-sharing experiments (like taking Myles our 60L backpack out for a spin). Good gear is designed to be used, abused, and passed along - not to sit pristine in a wardrobe in London or Manchester.

Grab some decent grippy shoes, a waterproof jacket, download an OS map, and just get out there. The hills are waiting, and they couldn't care less about the logo on your chest.