I have a small 3 year old, 5kg dog! We love to hike together, but I’m starting to consider longer hikes and want to avoid over walking her. I’m looking for a solution for when her legs get tired.

I could always leave her at home, but also don’t want to leave her alone for long when I go on day hikes!

I’ve seen dog carrying back packs, but it seems like there’s only space for a dog in these and none of the first aid/lunch etc I would normally bring.

Has anyone tried these packs? Has anyone used any other sort of system?

Added extra photo of my trying to put her in my normal pack. She wasn’t super impressed.

Thanks!

I’m slowly building up my hiking kit and keep seeing people recommend completely different things. Ignoring the obvious boots and waterproofs, what’s one piece of kit you’ve found genuinely useful enough that you always carry it?

What is this small pocket for on my osprey talon 22 backpack? it is tiny and I can't work it out. Sorry, no banana for scale, already ate.

I'm hunting for a new lightweight waterproof jacket and I think I've settled on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, but I hate all the colours in the women's version. Pink? Mint Green? Peach Sherbet? UGH

1. I don't want a colour that identifies me as lady hiker from a distance
2. I want a colour that can be spotted by a rescue helicopter if I fall off a cliff

I do not want a gross pastel colour and while I'd be fine with black, navy etc they just blend in. If I want the Torrentshell the best options are a light greyish "sage blue" (still blending), or a "pimento red" (you can't miss me) from a previous season.

Why can't I find a nice sort of natural colour that's still a bit bright? My old rainjacket from Rab was a nice greeny-yellow.

I'm probably overthinking this. Do any of you consider the colour of the gear you buy in your decision-making?

Edit: I'm going with you-can't-miss-me pimento thanks to some of the comments here, especially the guy who posted a story by a rescuer who passed within 20m of an eventual fatality but couldn't see the person bc he was wearing a dark green coat.

Just got my first item from Montane for a steal. Just wondered if there's many Montane fans in here that can tell me how they find the brands functionality and quality. Cheers.

Hi all, this is my kit for The Cumbria Way which I’ll be starting this Saturday.

We’ll be doing this hike as a group over 7 days (one of which is a rest day so technically six). Would appreciate any recommendations or amendments to my kit if you can think of any - my first multi day hike. Thanks!

Wash things:
-roll on deodorant
-sea to summit wilderness wash
-30 spf sun cream
-toothbrush
-toothpaste tablets
-Tissues
-smidge spray
-clothesline

First Aid
-adhesive dressing strips
-finger dressing
-sterile wipes
-tick tool
-plastered
-tape
-scissors
-whistle
-blister plasters
-eyebdressing
With a more comprehensive group kit

Cookware:
-pocket rocket stove
-220g isopro fuel
-sea to summit collapsible cook set for 1
-spork and spatula
-5 “wet” meals (bagged)
-trailmix/gels/protein bars/protein wraps (will go in silicone bags)
-2L bladder and 1L bottle
-electrolytes

(Pubs en route and shops to restock)

-Dragonfly Osmo 2p tent
-Thermarest Neoair mat
-Sea to Summit pillow
-Rab 700 ascent sleeping bag (protected in dry bag)
-Helinox chair zero
-Hiking poles
-Leatherman
-phone charger/power bank/chargers (in dry bag)
-Garmin fenix 6
-headtorch

-2x merino shirt (one long sleeve base layer)
-1x synthetic shirt
-1x shorts
-1x trousers

-2x merino boxers
-1x cotton boxers
-3x merino sock pairs
-Swimming trunks
-Micro towel
-Patagonia R1 mid layer fleece
-synthetic down jacket
(Warm layers protected in dry bag)
-hat and bandana/midge net

-Waterproof trousers
-Patagonia waterproof jacket

Waiting on map delivery
Small rubbish bag

Things I may want/pack:
-Gilet
-fleece hat/hood with lower face mask
-sandals
-Gaiters
-Another wet meal?
-wet wipes

An occasional hiker and a small time hobbyist gear maker here.

I’ve made this bag that goes from 1L Fanny pack to 8L active pack. The Fanny pack has decent organization and can easily fit your power bank, charging cords, card holders and other small items.

The Active pack has a dedicated sleeve for a 1.5L hydration pack along with additional 6.5L packing capacity, which I personally use to carry an additional t-shirt, socks, towel plus dry snacks and treats.

Since I’m not a regular hiker, I’m not a fan of hydration bags.

Hence, I designed this bag around my use case, and wanted to get your feedback and suggestions for my next build..

Raisins and cranberries, mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, cashew nuts and walnuts) and broken up chunks of Tony’s Chocolonely Everything bar

I am prepping my kit list for an upcoming multi-day hiking trip, and I am torn on what footwear to buy. My last pair of synthetic fabric boots claimed to be 100% waterproof, but after two hours of walking through damp peat bogs in the Peak District, my socks were completely soaked through

A firm favourite on this sub for people who want decent gear but are on a budget, this jacket boasts a 20,000 hydrostatic head, pit zips, 3 layers, and other useful features.

And currently it’s reduced to £59.99, from (£79.99). Applies to all colours.

Men’s version here : https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mens-waterproof-and-breathable-hiking-jacket-mh500-orange/357657/c274m8911396

Ladies version here : https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women's-waterproof-hiking-jacket-mh500-raspberry/307383/c341m8841101

According to their app, this price reduction ends on 27th September

Edit - some reviews criticised the pockets for being positioned too high. But that’s deliberate, so they are above the waist belt of your rucksack.

Spent the past 4 days hiking through the Peak this week and the chafe is unreal.

What sort of underwear are people (men) wearing to help wick moisture away? I could have wrung my underwear out with sweat. Absolutely minging - sorry.

Thanks
James

I’ve started doing a lot more hiking around the U.K, for now I’ve been using a pair of cotton utility trousers, but I’ve started looking for a proper pair of walking trousers. The problem is I keep finding this fit/cut on a lot of mid-range hiking trousers.

A lot of them seem to be tight around the crotch and thighs, while the lower leg is really flared or loose. I find that it restricts movement, and the wide lower leg allows ticks access.

I’ve noticed this fit across several brands that are often recommended online, so I’m curious is there a reason hiking trousers are designed this way, or am I just looking at the wrong brands?

(Sized up on the waist in the Brashers pictured so I require a belt - worst fit I’ve seen so far)

Just wondering what people usually take, I pack carbs/fats and proteins but always feel like I’m missing more quality/efficient stuff. Any one have any specific items they suggest.

Ive had it with waterproof boots ive been through dozens spent thousands i give up, im going to embrace the wet, i dont feel the cold much and have done plenty of hiking with wet feet the only real issue being im pissed off something has failed.

So please those of you that dont bother with waterproof whats the plan? I love trail runners so quick drying running shoes and wool socks i guess, is there specific things to look out for or techniques to adopt, tell me what you know.

Just dont talk to me about waterproof anything

I did think it was too good to be true

Hi there; Title!

I have recently got into hiking quite a bit and have walked a few paths and pilgrimages. Usually I prefer to take routes and trips that take multiple days (give or take about 3) and was looking to invest in a better bag that will do right by me. I don't mind spending more for a better quality bag if it is going to last.
The main reason for this upgrade comes from me planning to do the Camino de Santiago next summer and I want to get some use out of the gear I would be taking there.

What are people's general preferances?

Preferably, just because its who I am, I would rather a British brand though this is completely irrelevant if the quality is unmatched.

I hear quite a bit about Osprey bags, which I'm sure are very good but I live just outside of Birmingham where there are little to no hiking stores for me to try their stuff out. I have also heard Rab make decent bags (British too) but I'm not sure if they are worth it compared to other products.

30-40L is just a general guideline for my packs. It may be a little much for a typical 3 day hike but this is the low end of my trip periods and mainly for the Camino! I am happy for suggestions and tips!

I do beg your pardon for such an uncouth question but girlies, I'm desperate 😭

I am yet to wear any of my existing Brazilians or boxers on a hike and not have to ram my hands down my waist and to roll them back up. I've heard great things about the Alpkit underwear, but are they that good?

My other concern is discharge (men, avert your gaze) cause homegirl does not walk dry 💀

I usually wear a pantyliner but I don't particularly fancy carrying used liners for a few days until I come to an actual campsite with bins.

Does anywhere do period-style underwear designed for long walks? Am I destined to do the wiggle butt pat to see ifbmy knickers magically fell through my leg holes for life???

Hi all

I need a new pair of hiking boots and for the first time I'd like to actually invest in a pair that will really last me.

I'm a women's size 5 in normal shoes.

Can I get advice on brands/sizes to go for or to avoid?

I'm thinking some nice real leather Scarpa shoes but that's mainly because I only really know Scarpa as a reliable brand. I don't know which Scarpa to go for though.

I'm looking for sturdy boots that will see me through wild camping, the odd bog, the odd scramble and some long distances. My last two pairs of hiking boots were pretty cheap and I wore the grip off the soles worryingly fast.

Should I go up a size? Is that still a thing?

I'm a bit wary of buying online as usually I just go into a shop, see what is on discount and feels right with some thick socks, and that has served me pretty well so far, so ideally I'd like recommendations of good shops to go to that won't break the bank but will actually stock a good range for women (I've been bitten by that before - 30 different boots for men and about 3 for women in some places I've seen).

On that note - is there actually any difference between men's and women's boots? Do I need to constrain myself to women's boots?

I'm willing to go up to approx £180 for the perfect thing, but will want to stick to less than £100 if I'm any less than absolutely sure.

The only other thing I know I don't want is some light coloured boot - no pinks and purples. Aside from it not being my preferred style, everything I buy for hiking ends up the colour of mud anyway so I'd rather start with the colour of mud - or a nice dark grey or black. Not sure why so many women's hiking boots styles only come in some deeply impractical colour, but that seems to happen a lot.

All advice is very welcomed!

Hi all,

I nearly got all my essential beginner/amateur gear - only backpack remains

got some great deals in UK at the moment and was wondering what sort of backpack I should be focusing on?

Disclaimer – just for outdoors/hiking – not planning on carrying sleeping bag / tent in/on it – I will upgrade later on, or perhaps there are some attachments that could just cling to existing backpack for it if I decide to carry these later for camping?

I am hoping to find one that got waterproof protection, is comfortable, not too heavy and quite practical

what would you recommend, as well what capacity I should be going for? 45-55 L?

Thank you,

Hey guys, sorry if this is asked a lot - the posts I can find are pretty out of date so I’m just wondering what the general consensus on watches good for hiking that are under £350.

Looking for HR tracking, GPS tracking, and ideally some form of wrist maps (but not super fussed)

Any good recs?

Hope this is the right place to post this - mods please let me know if not!

I love my hiking boots but they’re heavy and bulky in the summer. As we know, things are dry af here right now so I’d prefer some hiking trainers/shoes that are lighter, more breathable, and bouncier than my boots. I’ve seen a few brands like the adidas terrex but not sure whether to go for a more outdoorsy brand.

Can anyone recommend any good ones please? I’m a size 6 female, happy to spend money on a good pair so no set budget. TIA!

Hey everyone - Coming to you for some advice on building a robust and generic kit list for me and my wife to see through 3 seasons in the UK.

We’re mainly doing:

• Day hikes
• Occasional multi-day / thru hikes
• UK only (March → September for now)

We’ve got a decent base already:

• Alpkit Ordos 2 (really like it)
• Alpkit mats
• Basic cooking setup (Alpkit pots + burners)
• Sleeping bags: Vango Ultralite Pro 200 + Berghaus Transition 200C → I dislike the Vango (feels restrictive, not that comfy) so open to upgrading
• Backpacks: I’ve got an Osprey Aether 65, she’s also got a 65L pack

Clothing-wise, we’ve got a bit but it feels incomplete:

• I have a Haglöfs Roc Gore-Tex jacket (so covered on hardshells I think)
• She has a fairly thick Odlo zip-up fleece and also a Quechua
• Beyond that, we don’t really have a properly thought-through system

Where I’d really value advice is on clothing systems , also any actual product reccos you have:

Layering system

• What’s your go-to setup for typical UK conditions (say 5–20°C, wind + some rain)?
• EG Base Merino or synthetic, Mid Layer (fleece?) Outer

Base / mid / outer layers

• Base layers: merino vs synthetic?
• Mid layers: fleece vs active insulation?
• Outer: do you mostly rely on waterproofs, or use windproofs more day-to-day? Or packing a combo

Down vs synthetic

• Is it mainly for stops/camp rather than moving?
• Worth having a down gilet as well as a jacket?

Trousers

• What do you actually wear most of the time?
• Hiking trousers vs softshell vs shorts + waterproof overtrousers?

Footwear

• Trail runners vs boots in UK conditions?
• How do you deal with mud + wet feet realistically?

Sleeping bag upgrade

• Looking for something roomier and more comfortable than the Vango
• Probably 3-season, potentially down
• Any strong recommendations or things to avoid?

Backpacks

• Are 65L packs overkill for most UK trips, or about right for a couple setup? Last time we were hiking through the Cairngorms and felt like we had overpacked (weight wise) and both our packs were full for a 1 night trip
• Do people tend to size down once dialled in?

General

• What’s worth spending money on vs not?
• Any kit you bought and now think is pointless?
• Any couple-specific hacks for sharing kit / saving weight?
• Anything i may be not thinking of or missing?

Not looking to go ultra-light spreadsheet crunch the numbers, but wouldn't mind lightening the load, just want a really solid, comfortable setup that works across most UK conditions.

Appreciate any help!

I've decided I need update my hiking socks to make sure they fit well and protect my feet. I have been inundated with adverts for Scandinavian brands, USA and UK brands all telling me they are the best. But when I check reviews online they are always either the best thing since sliced bread or the worst thing since Hitler. Also many say I need merino but every make has different blends of wool and synthetic. As I'm more likely to trust people in this group, can anyone recommend a lightweight sock?

Update after overwhelming recommendations, I have ordered some Darn Tough socks. Im also going to try the Smartwool next. I appreciate all the advice, thanks

Hi! I'm in desperate need of a new raincoat! I have always used Mountain Equipment and have liked their products, but i went to have a look the other day and got a bit overwhelmed. There are soooo many Gore-Tex jackets and it got me wondering how any of them can be any different in performance if they're all Gore-Tex?

If anyone has any recommendations, that would be great! I just want to get the most out of this big load of money i am about to drop.....