Hill Walking Kit List

Our expert guide to hill walking essentials

Summer Hill Walking Kit List

It has been a great start to the summer hillwalking season in the UK this year. While we would still strongly advise packing your waterproof; suncream, sun hat and sunglasses have been important additions to our excursions into the hills.

Come rain or shine, our expert guide explains the hillwalking essentials you need for a classic day in the hills.

The layering system for hill walking

A hill walkers outdoor wardrobe is made up clothing that works together to keep you warm and dry. The layering system for hill walking comprises:
  • base layer to be worn next to your skin and wick sweat away from your body
  • mid-layers keep you warm and help transmit excess body heat through to your
  • Waterproof shell is your wet weather protection. Waterproof to stop water getting in and breathable to let water out so you don't sweat up like a plastic bag.
  • walking trousers that are comfortable, wind resistant and quick drying

Hill Walking Waterproof Shell

Getting cold and wet can lead to hypothermia so a waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers are probably the most essential bit of walking kit. The Argonaut is a high performance 2.5 layer breathable waterpoof ideal for hill walking. Balance is our most versatile 3 layer waterproof jacket: it’s waterproof to hold off all-day mountain downpours and is highly breathable to keep you warm and dry as you generate heat when clambering up hillsides. Parallax and Nautilus waterproof over-trousers complete the all weather protection for year round hill walking in the UK.
Waterproof mountaineering jacket for high altitudes and Scottish winters
£239.99 £279.99
Waterproof mountaineering jacket for high altitudes and Scottish winters
£239.99 £279.99
The complete waterproof jacket for mountain activities
£179.99 £229.99
The complete waterproof jacket for mountain sports
£179.99 £229.99
Hillwalking waterproof cut for maximum protection and coverage
£169.99 £199.99
Hillwalking waterproof cut for maximum protection and coverage
£169.99 £199.99
Fully recycled and recyclable 3-layer waterproof for all seasons
£118.99 £169.99
Lightweight, fully recycled, 3-layer waterproof jacket
£139.99 £169.99
Durable, lightweight and packable performance for all activities
£84.99 £119.99
Durable, lightweight and packable performance shell for all activities
£84.99 £119.99
Ultralight and breathable protection when moving fast and light
£159.99 £199.99
Ultralight and breathable protection when moving fast and light
£159.99 £199.99
3-layer waterproof overtrousers for hiking and serious mountain use
£119.99 £149.99
3-layer waterproof overtrousers for hiking and serious mountain use
£119.99 £149.99
Lightweight waterproof trousers with a breathable 2.5 layer fabric
£94.99 £119.99
Waterproof mountain biking shorts in a hardwearing 3-layer fabric
£29.99 £34.99
Lightweight, waterproof half-zip with a active cut for fast and light movement
£99.99 £149.99
Lightweight waterproof half-zip jacket with a slim cut designed for fast and light movement
£99.99 £149.99
Waterproof mountain biking shorts in a hardwearing 3-layer fabric
£24.49 £34.99
A classic windproof softshell jacket for hikes, scrambles and climbs
£89.99 £119.99

Hill Walking Base Layers

A moisture wicking base layer like the Koulin and Vayper will stop you getting cold and clammy and traps a thin layer of insulating air next to the skin to back up your mid layer. Merino wool can be the most comfortable natural fibre base layer. Its natures technical fabric: naturally wicking, anti-microbrial and temperature regulating. Outdoor multi-activity shirts are ideal for walking, trekking, riding and general outdoors activity. Ours our treated with Polygiene, a natural anti-microbrial treatment so you dont need to wash them as often. By contrast, cotton absorbs lots of moisture and take an age to dry, meaning you can get very cold very quickly. A good wicking base layer is the foundation of the whole layering system – wicking underwear will change your life too!
Wicking and fast-drying base layer tee with Polygiene®
£23.99 £29.99
Wicking and fast-drying long-sleeved zip neck base layer with Polygiene®
£27.99 £34.99
Ultralight, silk-feel from 100% recycled fabrics and Polygeine®
£31.99 £39.99
Ultra-lightweight, corespun merino long sleeve base layer
£44.99 £52.99
Premium 160 gsm ultrafine merino long sleeve base layer
£41.99 £59.99
Naturally anti-microbial superfine merino long-sleeved base layer
£51.99 £64.99
Merino leggings for cold weather layering
£51.99 £64.99
Trail running leggings with stash pockets
£33.99 £39.99
3/4 length trail running leggings with stash pockets.
£27.99 £34.99
Wicking and fast-drying base layer vest with Polygiene®
£17.99 £22.99
Wicking and fast-drying base layer tee with Polygiene®
£19.99 £24.99
Ultralight, silk-feel from 100% recycled fabrics and Polygeine®
£27.99 £34.99
Ultra-lightweight, short sleeve corespun merino base layer
£37.99 £44.99
Pure ultrafine merino wool base layer, 160gsm
£39.99 £49.99
Soft, blended tee with high wicking and fast drying performance
£27.99 £34.99
Moisture-wicking and fast-drying boxers, soft polyester blend
£9.99 £12.99
Breathable and odour-resistant Merino undershorts
£35.99 £44.99
Soft, blended long sleeve tee with high wicking and fast drying performance
£33.99 £39.99
1/2 zip lightweight micro-fleece or thicker base layer
£36.99 £49.99
Trail running leggings with stash pockets
£39.99
3/4 length trail running leggings with stash pockets
£14.99 £34.99
Comfy Merino wool boxer shorts, corespun for durability and fit
£20.99 £29.99

Hill Walking Mid Layers

A warm mid layer traps lots of still, insulating air and holds onto the heat your body generates when you’re moving about. You’ll probably end up wearing your shell for good chunks of the day so the more breathable it is, the better. Microfleece like Kelpie partner perfectly with a baselayer and shell as they transfer vapour seemlessly. Fleece tops like the Yakutian have a dense-knit outer face which also gives you some extra wind resistance so it is comfortable worn on its own in the fells. Morphosis gives even more wind protection. Whereas Talini and Katabatic are insulated jackets to keep you warm in colder weather.
The staple micro-fleece layering top for trails
£39.99 £49.99
The staple micro-fleece layering top for trails
£39.99 £49.99
PrimaLoft® Gold Active jacket, breathable outer or midlayer
£149.99 £189.99
The most comfortable shirt you’ve ever owned for an active mountain lifestyle
£75.99 £89.99
The most comfortable shirt you’ve ever owned for an active mountain lifestyle
£75.99 £89.99
Highly breathable hybrid windproof jacket with grid fleece panels
£69.99 £99.99
Highly breathable hybrid windproof jacket with grid fleece panels
£69.99 £99.99

Hill Walking Trousers and Shorts

Walking trousers, well you’d look a bit funny without them! A good pair of wind resistant and water-resistant trousers like the Ardent will keep out those blasts of bitingly cold wind. An active cut and stretchy fabric allow you to stride without restriction. Arnison are year round walking trousers for UK conditions. Teleki are lightweight walking trousers, perfect as the temperature rises and you don't want to overheat your legs.
Lightweight, packable 2.5-layer waterproof trousers
£63.99 £79.99
Lightweight, packable 2.5-layer waterproof trousers
£63.99 £79.99
Warm and waterproof all-day walking trousers
£99.99 £129.99
Warm and waterproof all-day walking trousers
£99.99 £129.99
Performance softshell trousers for winter walking, climbing and alpinism
£109.99 £124.99
Performance softshell trousers for winter walking, climbing and alpinism
£109.99 £124.99
Breathable softshell MTB trousers for riding year round
£79.99 £99.99
Breathable softshell MTB trousers for year round riding
£79.99 £99.99
Soft and stretchy organic cotton climbing trousers
£51.99 £64.99
Soft and stretchy organic cotton climbing trousers
£51.99 £64.99
3-layer waterproof overtrousers for hiking and serious mountain use
£119.99 £149.99
3-layer waterproof overtrousers for hiking and serious mountain use
£119.99 £149.99
Lightweight waterproof trousers with a breathable 2.5 layer fabric
£94.99 £119.99
Lightweight waterproof trousers with a breathable 2.5 layer fabric
£94.99 £119.99
Tough and durable hiking trousers for the UK's mountain summits.
£71.99 £89.99
All-season comfortable hiking trousers with subtle strech for long days in UK's mountain summits.
£71.99 £89.99
Slim-fit Cordura® jeans with hidden superpowers. Tough, stretchy, wicking
£67.99 £79.99
Slim-fit Cordura® jeans with hidden superpowers. Tough, stretchy, wicking.
£63.99 £79.99
Climbing jeans with hidden superpowers. Stretchy, tough and wicking denim
£67.99 £79.99
Technical organic canvas mountain pants for active outdoor life
£59.99 £74.99
Technical organic canvas mountain pants for active outdoor life
£59.99 £74.99
Lightweight, quick-dry zip-off walking trousers for variable summer temperatures
£47.99 £59.99
Lightweight and fast-drying trousers for warm weather hiking
£46.99 £54.99
Lightweight and fast-drying trousers for warm weather hiking
£46.99 £54.99
4-way technical softshell trousers. Breathable, moisture wicking, protective with contoured fit for all day comfort.
£55.99 £69.99
Technical all-day leggings made for hiking, hillwalking, scrambling and climbing
£35.99 £44.99
Merino leggings for cold weather layering
£51.99 £64.99
Merino leggings for cold weather layering
£51.99 £64.99
Trail running leggings with stash pockets
£33.99 £39.99
Trail running leggings with stash pockets
£33.99 £39.99
3/4 length trail running leggings with stash pockets.
£27.99 £34.99
3/4 length trail running leggings with stash pockets
£27.99 £34.99
Mountain biking shorts designed for durability, comfort and practicality
£63.99 £79.99
Mountain biking shorts designed for durability, comfort, practicality and fit
£63.99 £79.99
Softshell shorts with diamond crotch for free movement
£63.99 £79.99
Softshell shorts with diamond crotch for free movement
£63.99 £79.99
Very comfortable and quick drying cycling shorts for gravel and extended adventures
£58.99 £69.99
Very comfortable and quick drying cycling shorts for extended adventures
£58.99 £69.99
Organic cotton shorts for climbing with freedom
£29.99 £49.99
Organic cotton shorts for climbing with freedom
£29.99 £49.99
Technical organic cotton canvas shorts for an active mountain lifestyle
£39.99 £59.99
Technical organic cotton canvas shorts for an active mountain lifestyle
£39.99 £59.99
Lightweight quick-dry walking shorts for hot summer hiking and hillwalking
£31.99 £39.99
Lightweight, quick-drying trail running shorts with Polygiene® odour control
£31.99 £39.99
Lightweight, weather resistant softshell hillwalking trousers
£69.99 £99.99
Comfortable softshell hillwalking trousers with a water repellent coating
£69.99 £99.99
Bouldering jeans with hidden superpowers. Tough, stretchy, wicking denim
£49.99 £79.99
Lightweight, quick-dry zip-off walking trousers for variable summer temperatures
£44.99 £59.99
All-mountain technical trousers for summits, ridges and scrambling
£69.99 £99.99
All-mountain technical trousers for summits, ridges and scrambling
£69.99 £99.99

Hill Walking Clothing Accessories

Socks, gloves, hats and sunglasses. The embodiment of the saying 'thats no thing as bad weather only bad clothing'. All hill walking essentials to keep in your pack.
Reversible organic cotton bucket hat for maximum sun protection
£19.99 £24.99
Waterproof hillwalking gaiters, balancing low weight and durability
£28.99 £35.99
Luxuriously soft, lightweight pure merino neck warmer
£20.99 £24.99
Thick and warm boot-length mountaineering sock
£13.99 £16.99
Waterproof gloves that are dexterous and comfortable
£41.99 £49.99
Waterproof crew cut socks with a flexible and breathable membrane
£44.99

Hill Walking Equipment Essentials


It seems odd to take things that you hope you’ll never use when you go out hillwalking, and especially so close to home, but carrying these items about all the time will be worth it if you ever need to use them:
  • Survival bag, for protection from the elements in emergency situations
  • Emergency whistle
  • A watch, or something else that you can use to tell the time
  • First aid kit, fully stocked with a few blister plasters thrown in
  • Spare batteries and battery pack because you'll feel a bit daft if your headtorch or devices run out

Plus a day pack as how else would you get everything up the hill? You want your rucksack to be comfortable, well-fitted, and built for purpose. Mountain and trekking packs like the Presta and the Ledge give you ample room for all your bits and bobs and back supports to help you carry stuff comfortably. It's always a good idea to pack your spare clothing and electicals into a waterproof Airlok dry bag, just in case you get a real soaking.

Walking and Trekking Poles for Hill Walking

Trekking and walking poles reduce fatigue, improve balance on uneven ground and reduce the impact on your legs, knees, ankles and feet by up to 40%. More simply, poles help you walk and run. Poles help you carry a heavy rucksack which is something every backpacker appreciates. They improve your rhythm so you can go faster. We developed the best lightweight trekking poles for support, weight, strength, comfort and ease-of-adjustment whether you are hillwalking, alpine trekking or running an ultra. For more information on using poles read our guide to How To Use Trekking Poles
Shock absorbing, snaplock walking pole to improve motion and reduce knee impact
£19.99 £24.99
150 cm poles for strength and load carrying over rough ground
£33.99 £39.99
Premium full carbon pole for ultra running and alpine trekking
£54.99
Pair of shock absorbing, snaplock walking poles to improve motion and reduce knee impact
£39.99
150 cm poles for strength and load carrying over rough ground
£58.99 £69.99
Premium full carbon poles for ultra running and alpine trekking
£75.99 £89.99
Ultralight folding tarp pole
£29.99 £34.99
Pair of compact rucksack friendly trekking poles
£39.99
Compact rucksack friendly trekking pole weighing in at just 275 g
£23.99
Ultralight folding trekking pole, available in three sizes
£39.99
Ultralight folding trekking pole, available in three sizes
£69.99

Food and drink

We tend to eat like hobbits when we’re out walking. After all, when else do you get to eat breakfast, second breakfast, and elevenses?

Make sure you pack yourself a good meal and take a few extra high energy snacks too. You may not think you’ll eat it all, but you never know what delays you may face when out and about and there’s nothing worse than being hungry on the hill! (If you don’t eat it, at least you’ve got tomorrow’s lunch sorted!)

If you have the space, then taking something like the BruKit will make it easy to whip up a fresh brew or wam food!

Water: We all know the importance of staying hydrated, but it’s amazing how often we forget to take a flask of water with us when we head out for the day! Make sure that you’ve got enough water for your day out. A titanium flask helps you keep your load light.

More Alpkit Guides