Walking in the Mountains has become one of today’s most general outdoor pursuits. Gone is the earlier effigy of a pastime for funnily dressed eccentric old people dressed in woolly hats, hobnail boots, corduroy trousers and tweed jackets. Modern outdoor costume is in truth a multi million pound business that often has more to do with a fashion statement then practical use.

Cutting through the preverbal crap and pushing fashion affirmations to one side, lets take an actual look at what is necessitated for an pleasurable day on the hills. The following Ten Items are essential, not just for ease but for actual survival and safety.

(1) Warm costume consisting of:- Base layer:- Under shirt or T-shirt, beneath clothes and Socks. (Thin liner socks and thicker walking socks) Mid layer:- Fleece or woollen top. Trousers or shorts in the summer (Do not wear jeans, they hold water and will freeze on you in Winter. Cotton also holds moisture so avoid. Man made fabrics such as polyester do not hold moisture and arid much quicker.) Outer Layer:- Waterproof Jacket (Breathable is best for comfort.) Waterproof trousers, Hat, Gloves. Sun hat in the summer.

(2) Footwear:- 2 Season boots for Summer, they are light weight, waterproof, more or less flexible and have good ankle support. 3 to 4 Season boots for Winter, they are tough, rigid soles that may take crampons, waterproof with strong ankle support. Avoid footwear without ankle support. Trainers in winter or on wet grass may be lethal.

(3) Rucksack:- 25 to 35 litre rucksack is idealisti as a day sack. Choose one that has a breathable back support, hip band and adaptable shoulder straps. The more cash you compensate the more features the pack will have. For example, wand pockets, camel pack compartment for water container and external waterproof cover. Dont carry unnecessary stuff in the bag, other than as supposed or expected you may start out to regret bringing along the undesirable weight in your bag

(4) Map and Compass:- In the UK, Explorer maps are ideal, they give splendid detail and are clear to follow. Try to pick a elaborate map of with regards to two and a half inches to the mile, these show barriers and walls that may support as guide lines to follow. Unless the map is laminated, keep it in a waterproof case. Maps will fall detached when wet. There are respective compasses on the market, nevertheless try to get one that has the needle suspended in fluid, such as a Silva Compass. The necessary element is learn how to use a Compass and read a map before venturing onto the hills. Dont rely on just a GPS device. Always take a map and compass.

(5) Safety equipment:- Whistle, Torch with spare battery, (LED last longer) First aid kit, Bivvy bag and a spare set of laces. (These may be employed either for your boots or to tie a broken strap) Rope if you are tackling any rock climbs or crossing streams and rivers. Ice axe in Winter.

(6) Enough feed and drink for the day:- Water or fruit drinks(hot or cold) Avoid Tea or Coffee they aid to dehydrate you. DO NOT TAKE ALCOHOL. Alcohol not only dehydrates you it will aid to fetch on the effects of hypothermia very quickly. Easily digestible foods will get energy into your scheme much quicker. Bananas and dried fruit are a better source of blood sugar then chocolate.

(7) Plan your Route:- Plan your walk and have an substitute route to use if the weather is poor. Don’t take on more then you may cope with. Start with simple walks and build up your accomplishments over a amount of time of time. Build in escape routes into your walk ought to conditions deteriorate. Tell someone where you are going and what time you suppose to return. Leave a note in the glove compartment of your car. (If the car is still in the car park after various days and comes to the attention of the emergency services then at least a route note in the car will give them something to work with.)

(8) Check the weather:- Don’t leave it to chance. Always check the weather outlook a few days before you go. Avoid extreme weather conditions such as high winds and lightning. At the primary sound of thunder, GET DOWN. You may survive getting wet, but it is improbable that you will survive a lightning strike. If you are caught out crouch down on your mat or rucksack at the lowest point you may find, do not hold on to anything metal and wait for the storm to pass.

(9) Comfort:- Use a liner sock underneath your thick sock. This helps to cut down blisters which if left may make your day miserable. Don’t undertake going out in new boots, break them in first. Take a pack of tissues for those essential, personal moments.

(10) Be Prepared:- Have a good nights sleep the night before. Avoid going on the beer the night before. You will be very dehydrated and will tire very quickly. Have a good breakfast before starting. If you are not to worried regarding having the latest outdoor designs or syles in clothing.

Take a look in the discount stores or the respective factory outlet stores who may many times provide you with basi class instrumentation at rock bottom prices. Don’t skimp on the necessary equipment,:- ie. Boots, safety equipment, maps, compasses, waterproofs. They may just save your life. Most of all receive pleasure from the experience. Its not in regards to endurance or taking your body to the limit. Its with regards to finding petranquillity, getting one with nature, enjoying the company of your companions and perhaps having a good night in the pub later on to brag in regards to your days activity, or sitting around the camp fire to the early hours reliving those great moments on the hills.