Your first walk in a hill or mountain area is an experience you will almost certainly remember. But poor planning or bad weather (or even a closed tea shop!) can quickly ruin things.

Here are a few equipment tips to help make sure you remember that first foray for all the right reasons.

Look after your feet. Start off by getting a good pair of boots which fit you. They should be suitable for the kind of walking you plan on doing – the rougher the terrain, the heavier duty the boot you will need. Also think about socks; most people use a very thin pair under a thicker pair to help prevent blisters.

Carry a map and compass. Looking for moss on trees, performing tarot readings or asking strangers may all help, but the most efficient way of getting to where you want to go is to learn to use a map and compass (and to remember to pack them). A GPS device or a smartphone can be a useful addition, but you should never solely rely on them. You can download maps or buy memory cards with maps on them, but always carry a hard copy too.

Dress properly. What you need depends on the time of year and conditions –and remember these conditions may be completely different up the hill to what they were where you left the car. Start with a moisture-wicking baselayer then add insulating and windproof layers on top. Pack a waterproof outer layer, and maybe a hat and gloves. Gaiters can be invaluable in boggy British conditions – they look weird, but they’ll help keep your feet dry, and save you from having muddy trousers flapping around your ankles.

Food and drink. Keep fuelled up and you’ll keep on striding, so remember to pack meals plus a few snacks and plenty of fluids.

Be prepared if things go wrong. Every walker should carry some kind of emergency kit. A headtorch can be the difference between getting back to the car safely and a night on the hills, so always take one just in case. A spare warm layer, a first aid kit, and some extra food are also essential – even if you never have an accident, it’s amazing how often you’ll use them. If you are going somewhere remote or high up, or you are expecting bad weather, taking a bothy bag or a lightweight bivvy bag is a very good idea.

Carry it all comfortably. You’ll need a bag to throw everything in, but it doesn’t need to be too big. Also think about poles – they’ll save your knees. Many outdoor shops will give you a discount on clothing and equipment if you can present your BMC membership card.

Finally, remember that the right equipment is one thing, but the right preparation is another. So don’t forget to plan your route and let someone know where you’re going.

Read more about how to start hill walking here.

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've launched a U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work: 

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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