Essential Gear: Our top five must-haves for hiking adventures

Embarking on a hiking adventure is an exhilarating experience that allows you to reconnect with nature and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just starting out, having the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

While there are many essentials to consider, one very important aspect that often gets overlooked is clothing. The right clothing can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, protection, and overall performance on the trail.

So, gear up and let’s explore our top five essentials when it comes to hiking attire!

The power of a good jacket

A good jacket is an absolute game-changer. It’s not just a piece of clothing; it’s your shield against the elements and your trusted companion on the trail. Here’s why investing a high-quality jacket is crucial:

• Weather Protection: It’s unpredictable out there, and hiking often means facing various weather conditions. A good jacket acts as your first line of defence against rain, wind, and unexpected temperature drops. When shopping our site, look for waterproof or water-resistant materials like our wax jackets that use British Millerain Waxed Cotton – find your perfect men’s or ladies wax jacket today
• Breathability: A good jacket is designed to offer breathability, allowing moisture and excess heat to escape. If this is something that is important to you, shop our jackets that offer built-in ventilation systems, like our Jack Murphy Waterproof Lambourne Cape Coat.
• Layering Versatility: Hiking conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous regions. Look for a jacket that offers insulation or consider a wool jumper that is comfortable to wear underneath as a layer. Check out our blog: ‘5 Benefits of of including a Knit Sweater in your Travel Kit’ https://www.walkerandhawkes.com/5-benefits-of-including-a-knit-sweater-in-your-travel-kit/
• Durability: Hiking can be tough on clothing, with branches, rocks, and rough terrains testing the endurance of your gear. Make sure you choose a jacket made from high-quality materials. We’ve been perfecting our craftsmanship since 1982 and we’re proud to be working with the finest fabrics in the world – which we’d trust to see us through any adventure!

“Love my new coat. This was a replacement for my last Jack Murphy coat which I’d had for 10 years plus. The coat is definitely waterproof and great quality.  The coats do come out big in size to allow for warm clothing underneath.  If you buy it, you will not be disappointed!!”

Jo Wood, Ladies Jack Murphy Waterproof Malvern Cape Coat

The vital role of good boots

When it comes to hiking, the importance of good boots cannot be overstated. They are not just footwear, they are your foundations for a successful and enjoyable hiking experience. Here’s why investing in a pair of high-quality boots is crucial for your next hike:

• Foot support and stability: For those uneven and rocky pathways. 
• Protection: Keep your feet safe from sharp rocks, protruding roots and thorny bushes. 
• Comfort: The right boots will make the world of difference when it comes to a comfortable walk. 
• Traction and grip: A solid grip is essential for maintaining stability and preventing slips and falls. 
• Durability: Quality boots are constructed with robust materials and reinforced stitching, making them capable of withstanding the rigors of hiking for many adventures to come.

Gear up for your next hiking adventure by shopping our top-quality hiking boots, designed to provide exceptional support, protection, and comfort on the trails.

Head-to-toe protection

Packing your Bag for the hike

When preparing for your hike, packing the right essentials can make a world of difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here’s a short section on what to pack for your adventure:

• Navigation tools
• Water – and lots of it!
• Snacks and meals
• Clothing
• First Aid Kit
• Sun protection
• Insect repellant
• Emergency shelter
• Lighting – a good torch (not your phone)
• Multi-tool or knife
• Personal toiletries
• Communication devices
• Trail snacks (yep, more)
• Optional extras – camera, binoculars, trekking poles

Remember to research the trail and conditions you’ll be hiking to ensure you pack everything you need.

Sharing the journey

Embarking on a hike can be an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but the joy of the journey can be amplified when you have good company by your side. While solo hikes have their merits, there are lots of great reasons to bring a companion along with you. 

From shared memories to safety, motivation, fun, and learning, the presence of companions on a hike can make the journey enjoyable, rewarding, and meaningful. 

If your dog is up to the fitness challenge and you feel confident that they can manage the trail, then one of our favourite hike buddies has got to be our dogs. Hiking responsibly with our dogs creates cherished memories and a special bond that only shared adventures can provide. 

“Spent a whole day in strong, mildly obscured sun, air temp 28’c+, and found it comfortable and well balanced, it sat and stayed even when bending over.”

Paul Boothroyd

If you’re searching for your next hiking destination, look no further! Check out what the Walker and Hawkes team think are the best hiking locations in the UK.