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Camping, England, Europe, Hiking, Packing, Scotland, Travel Tips, Wales

My Outdoor Gear Guide For Hiking And Camping In The UK

One of the ways I’ve changed the most since moving to the UK is embracing my love of the outdoors. I love hiking and getting to see so many different landscapes. I’ve also fully embraced camping and have especially loved my camping trips in Scotland! I thought it was about time to do a tell-all and share what gear I bring with me on these outdoor trips. Having proper gear is a must in a country like the UK, where the weather can change in seconds. This is particularly important if you’re on top of a mountain! Here are my must-haves for outdoor gear for my hiking and camping trips in the UK!

My Main Outdoors Gear

Aura 65 Liter Backpack by Osprey

This backpack has been my main backpack for nearly 7 (!!!) years now. It has been with me around the world and is my main backpack for traveling and big hikes. I cannot recommend it enough—it’s my baby. Despite everything I’ve put it through, the backpack still has basically no damage. It’s just scuffed in a few places. Osprey packs are for life, and I’m so glad I was able to invest in mine. They’ve re-designed the pack since mine came out (I bought mine in 2013), so it looks slightly different—but it’s still an excellent backpack.

Buy it on Amazon here.

30L Day Pack by Berghaus

Ideally, I’d like to get a smaller Osprey day bag for shorter hikes (hopefully later this year!). But at the moment, I’m using a 30L backpack by Berghaus, which I love. It’s really durable, has clip-ins for hiking poles, and water bottle pockets on both sides. There are two main pockets inside the backpack, the smaller one has organized pockets for smaller items. This is a great option for a day pack. Adam and I have had this for over 2 years and it still doesn’t have any damage.

Buy it on Amazon here.

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Water Bottle (Eddy by Camelback)

In the future, I’m hoping to get a water bottle that also sterilizes water to make it safe for drinking water (I’ve got my eye on a Water-to-Go bottle). But I’ve been using a variety of Camelback water bottles for 10ish years, all 750ml bottles. The main downsides I’ve found is that sometimes they can leak (boo!), and you need to stay on top of cleaning the mouthpiece otherwise it gets gross pretty fast. But it’s a solid water bottle for enjoying the outdoors!

Buy it on Amazon here. Buy replacement valve here.

Mountainsmith Roamer Hiking Poles

What was my life like before I used hiking poles?! These are my savior, and if you do lots of hiking you need these. They take so much pressure off of your knees, particularly when descending. You get so much more stability from using hiking poles. I cannot recommend them enough. I’m currently using a pair of Mountainsmith Roamer hiking poles.

Buy similar on Amazon here.

Hiking Boots

I invested in a pair of Scarpa Mistral hiking boots and they are simply incredible. I hiked all of Hadrian’s Wall in them without a single blister. I had a pair of Peter Storm boots that served me well for a few years, but I am glad I spent the money on a really good pair. Regardless of which brand you go with, a pair of comfortable hiking boots is a MUST on any hiking or outdoors adventure. Waterproof boots are also a must in the UK where you’ll frequently encounter boggy ground, mud, and lots of rain. Don’t skimp on boots—it’s important to invest in a good pair that will take care of your feet.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Waterproof Raincover by Osprey

Another essential outdoor gear item for the UK is a waterproof backpack cover. I have this one from Osprey in a Large (covers packs 50-75L), although there are different sizes and of course lots of different brands. Simply put, it rains a lot in Britain. You will need to be able to cover up your gear to make sure it doesn’t get soaked as well.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Dry Bag by Osprey

There are also another various sizes and brands for dry bags. But having a dry bag gives another level of security to your possessions to keep your most important things dry. I have a small 20L dry sack which can fit the basics (wallet, camera, phone, portable charger, etc.). This is also great for going to the beach—you will want to make sure you keep things dry and (hopefully) sand-free!

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

Outdoor Gear For Navigation

Ordnance Survey Maps

If you’re planning on going hiking or camping anywhere in the UK, the first thing you should do is get an OS map for the area. OS maps are incredibly detailed (most are 1:25,000 scale). These are indispensable and a must for any hike or outdoor trip. The only downside is that there are a lot of different areas you may need to buy maps for—there are 4 maps for the Lake District, 2 for the Peak District, 2 for the North York Moors, you get the idea… Here are the maps that I use the most:

OL4: The English Lakes, North-Western Area (Amazon)

OL5: The English Lakes, North-Eastern Area (Amazon)

OL6: The English Lakes, South-Western Area (Amazon)

OL7: The English Lakes, South-Eastern Area (Amazon)

OL1: The Peak District, Dark Peak Area (Amazon)

OL24: The Peak District, White Peak Area (Amazon)

OL 26: North York Moors, Western Area (Amazon)

OL 27: North York Moors, Eastern Area (Amazon)

OL 2: Yorkshire Dales, Southern and Western Areas (Amazon)

OL 30: Yorkshire Dales, Northern and Central Areas (Amazon)

OL 17: Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, Conwy Valley (Amazon)

OL 16: The Cheviot Hills, Jedburgh and Wooler (Amazon)

I also strongly recommend the OS Maps app. A subscription costs £29/year, but I use this app literally all the time, on every single hike. You can plot out routes on the app, save routes, and – when you’re actually out hiking – you can easily follow routes. This is one of the most important apps I have on my phone. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the UK, this app is a lifesaver.

OS map and compass on a wooden table.

Compass

Ever since I did my Navigation Course in the Peak District, I’ve actually used my compass for measuring distances. A good compass is imperative for navigating in the UK, and you should definitely have one in your kit. That being said, I definitely recommend actually knowing how to use a compass, so if you want to learn more I’d definitely recommend Pure Outdoors for their Navigation Course!

Buy it on Amazon here.

If you’re looking for a higher-quality compass, you can buy the Silva Compass on Amazon UK here!


Waterproof Map Protector

Have I mentioned that it rains a lot in Britain?! Because it does. It’s great to have a map to follow paths and find your way, but they are pretty useless when the rain is coming at you sideways and soaking your map. Definitely get yourself a waterproof map protector for any adventures in the great outdoors! I actually use whiteboard markers to draw out my path on the protector, so if it’s not raining heavily it’s even easier to follow (and it wipes off really easily).

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

My Outdoor Clothing

Under Armor Leggings

I essentially live in these 98% of the time that I’m not at work. They are so comfortable, warm, and I legitimately love them more than anything else I own. They are also excellent for layering when hiking. If it’s not raining, I can wear just the leggings. If it is raining, I can just throw on a pair of waterproof rain pants and I’ll still stay dry. I’ve tried a lot of different types of leggings and these are by far the best pair. Oh, and they’re made of thick enough material that they don’t show your underwear! I prefer the full leggings, but for the warmer months it’s nice to have the mid-calf (capri) length too.

Buy the leggings on Amazon here.

Buy mid-calf (capri) leggings on Amazon here.

Waterproof Rain Pants

I use my waterproof rain pants in conjunction with different layers: either my full Under Armor leggings, or my capri leggings. These rain pants do their job very well: they keep your lower half dry. There are of course so many different brands of rain pants, but I have the Peter Storm brand and they work great.

Buy it on Amazon here.


Fleece-lined Waterproof Pants

My leggings-and-rain-pants combination above works well for most hiking in spring, summer, and fall. But for any longer trips (like my camping trip to Scotland last year), and for hiking in the winter, I need a pair of pants that will keep me warm. These fleece-lined waterproof pants are a must for winter hikes and for sleeping outdoors in colder temps. I have the Geo II softshell pair by Regatta Great Outdoors.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Wicking T-shirt

While I love cotton t-shirts, they’re not very practical for hiking and camping outdoors, since they just don’t do a great job with absorbing sweat and water. A wicking t-shirt is a must on any outdoors trip, and on any outdoor gear list. I’ve got a few that I alternate between, and of course there are loads of different styles/brands/colors. At the moment I have a few from Mountain Warehouse and Zenjo—I have several Zenjo ones in different colors!

Buy Mountain Warehouse on Amazon here.

Buy Zenjo on Amazon here.

Long-Sleeve Thermal Top

While I don’t use this as much in the UK, it was a staple of my outdoor running wardrobe in the winter months in Minnesota. However, it has come in handy on camping trips—the main point of it is to keep your top half very warm. This is easy to layer with another top or jacket. I have one by Under Armor that I love.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Half-zip Top

I have two half-zip tops, and I use these way more than the long-sleeve thermal top. My Nike one is probably my favorite—it’s really warm, and it has thumbholes! The trick to keeping warm and dry on outdoors adventures in the UK is all about layers, and this top is excellent for layering. I can wear it over a t-shirt, and underneath a fleece, which is what I do for most hikes.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Fleece Jacket

A good fleece is vital for layering in the great outdoors in the UK. Again, there are so many different brands you can with. My current fleece is a Columbia fleece that I’ve had for over 5 years. As temperatures are usually mild for me as a Minnesotan, even in January in the UK I hike in just my half-zip and fleece jacket.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Maja standing outside the Pink House on Loch Glass.

Rain Jacket

What’s even more important than anything else on this list?! A rain jacket. It rains a LOT in the UK. The weather can change really quickly and having waterproof layers is a necessity for any outdoor hike in Britain. Even if the forecast says it’s going to be sunny all day, you should bring a rain jacket anyway. I have a Rab Eco Downpour and I love it. It’s not cheap, but it’s an excellent rain jacket. My favorite part is that it has zips in the armpits, so it can be super breathable!

Buy it on Amazon here.

Maja with Pen-y-ghent in the background in the Yorkshire Dales, England.

For many years, I had a packable Peter Storm rain jacket. While it’s just a thin outer layer (it’s not insulated), and it certainly didn’t hold up in continued downpours, overall it was a good rain jacket. It’s a good option if you’re on a budget.

Buy similar on Amazon here.

Maja smiling on the top of Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.

Down Jacket

For cooler temps and winter hiking, a down jacket is a must. If you’re going up north to Scotland, you’ll encounter much colder weather (particularly during the winter months). Down jackets are again really easy to layer and are excellent at insulating heat to keep you warm. I have a full winter coat that has lasted me many years through Minnesota winters, and last year finally invested in my baby: my Rab Microlight down jacket. This jacket is amazing and SO worth the money! It is really warm, but I also love that it comes with a packable bag and condenses down quite small. It’s great for my wild camping trips!

Buy it on Amazon here.

Socks

Warm socks can make or break any outdoors trip. I’ve used Smart Wool socks for years, but have recently started using Bridgedale socks too. Whatever socks you use, I always recommend packing an extra pair of socks that will stay dry. Even if your feet get drenched on a hike, you’ll have something warm and dry to change into at the end!

Buy it on Amazon here.

Gloves

I have two different pairs of gloves. One is just a thin pair from Trekmates. I absolutely love these as they keep my hands warm, but they have finger pads that make it easy for me to use my phone still! I also have a thicker, warmer pair which are also by Trekmates (the Windstopper make). These are much better (as well as essentially waterproof) and for hiking in cooler temperatures I’ll bring both pairs just in case. They also have finger pads so I can use my phone with them on!

Buy the thin pair on Amazon here. Buy the thick pair here.

Hat

Of course a hat is essential gear on any outdoor hike or trip. A hat is a great way to keep body heat trapped in and keep you warm. This is so important on an outdoors adventure in the rainy, damp, chilly moors or peaks of the UK. I have a warm wool hat (I bought it on a trip to Ireland years ago) that I wear on most hikes. I also have a shapka (giant fur hat) that I bought in Russia, but it’s not very practical for hiking!

Buy similar on Amazon here.

Buff

One of my top picks for outdoor gear is a buff. This thin layer can hang around your neck, cover your face and nose, be worn like a headband and cover your ears, or be worn in a multitude of different ways. This is the number one thing that I’d recommend for any outdoor activity! I had a heavy duty buff for running in below-zero temps in the Midwest, but the thin buff is much more versatile.

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

Outdoor Camping Gear

A red tent for wild camping overlooking Coral Beach and the sea on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Tent

You’ll need a tent for any camping trip you take. For our camping trips, Adam and I use the OEX Phoxx II tent (we got it from Go Outdoors). It’s a small two-person tent, and definitely a bit of a squeeze for both of us in the tent with both our bags. However, it’s very small and very light. It’s a perfect tent for backpacking and it easily clips onto the bottom of either of our Osprey backpacks. While I wouldn’t necessarily want to share this tent with another person who I wouldn’t be cuddling, it’s a great lightweight tent. If you don’t have a Go Outdoors nearby, I’d recommend a 2-person Coleman tent which is similar.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Sleeping Bag

You’ll need a warm sleeping bag for any camping trip outdoors in the UK. Most sleeping bags in the UK come with different warmth levels (or suitable for different seasons). I’d recommend checking and making sure your sleeping bag is suitable down to freezing temperatures. A good sleeping bag can make or break a camping trip! Make sure you have one that will keep you suitably warm!

Buy it on Amazon here.

Sleeping Pad

I have a simple inflatable sleeping pad for my camping trips. I’m lucky in that I don’t have any major back problems that would require a heavy-duty, serious, blow-up sleeping pad. My sleeping pad compresses down to a bit smaller than my sleeping bag, and is light enough that it doesn’t weigh my pack down when I’m backpacking.

Buy similar on Amazon here.

Gas Stove

For camping trips, I have a very small gas stove. It’s tiny in comparison to what I grew up with, which means it’s easy to carry and easy to set up. My canister is a C300 gas canister by Coleman. The most important thing is to remember when you need to re-stock! And of course, don’t forget to bring a lighter with you!

Buy it on Amazon here.

Pots/Bowls/Silverware

I have an assortment of metal, lightweight cooking gear for camping trips. The most important thing for me is the two pots with adjustable handle, which have been so useful for every single meal I’ve cooked while camping! I use the pot lids as makeshift plates if I need to. I’d also recommend getting a versatile kitchen camping set with a knife/fork/spoon.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Water Carrier

Having enough drinking water is so important on any camping trip. I’ve found that it’s easiest for me to use a water carrier, stick it in the car, and then top up water bottles when we need to. Getting one with a spigot will save you some messes if you’re a bit clumsy! Drinking water is essential gear on any outdoor trip!

Buy it on Amazon here.

A few other things I always bring with me on a camping trip is plenty of toilet paper. I always keep one roll of TP in a sealed plastic bag, so that it will always stay dry! I make sure to bring a little container of dish soap with a sponge, so I can do dishes on the go. In order to leave no trace, I always bring a plastic bag or two for trash. Usually one will be for food waste, and I’ll rotate out the other for smaller waste like my used contact lenses, etc.

Maja hiking to Camasunary Bay on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Miscellaneous Outdoor Gear

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

While it rains a lot in the UK, you may get lucky and get to enjoy some sunshine on a hike or outdoors trip! Make sure you’re fully prepared and don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen. I get sunburned really easily so I always pack some sunscreen with me.

Midge Spray

This is an absolute MUST for any hike or camping trip in Scotland!!! Midges are pure evil, spawned from Satan himself, and avoiding them in the summer months can be an intense battle. While having bug spray is important, having a specially designed midge spray can make or break a trip. I use Smidge and I absolutely love it. Do not go to Scotland in the summer without it. This is essential gear for an outdoor adventure in Scotland.

Buy it on Amazon here.

First-Aid Kit/Hand Sanitizer

I always bring a small first-aid kid, including hand sanitizer, on any camping trip in the UK. I use hand sanitizer all the time when I’m camping, as I don’t necessarily have access to clean water and soap all the time. In my first-aid kit, I have the basics: band-aids of multiple sizes, q-tips, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibacterial wipes, antibacterial cream (Neosporin), and hydrocortisone cream. I definitely recommend bringing a small first-aid kit with you on any sort of outdoors adventure. You can buy one that’s already made, or create one yourself.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Headlamp

If you’re camping or planning on being outdoors after the sun goes down, having a headlamp is a must. Whether you need to see the path as you finish up a hike, or you need some light to read before sleeping in your tent, you’ll need a headlamp. Make sure to check the batteries before a trip—you don’t want to turn it on at night only to realize the batteries are dead!

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

Portable Charger

When you’re outdoors and don’t have access to plugs, a portable charger is a lifesaver. I’ve managed my week-long camping trip in Scotland by a mix of using portable chargers, and charging phones/cameras in pubs or cafes when I’ve stopped there. A portable charger is so useful for anytime you think your phone battery won’t last. I love this Anker portable charger. It’s a beast, and gets the job done. It can charge my phone at least twice, and I’ve used it on all my camping trips in the last year. As I use maps on my phone now too, I bring it on most of my day hikes in case of emergency, too.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Food!

As all of my hiking and camping trips have been about a week or less, I haven’t had to stress or worry too much about food on my trips. I always bring plenty of snacks with me to munch on on the go. For meals, I usually bring a few packs of noodles or food where you just need to add water. This is easiest for me as it’s easy and light to carry, and creates minimal mess. I usually make sandwiches or stop by a café or pub for the other meal. Whatever you do, make sure you plan in advance and bring enough food for your trip! Keep in mind that in a lot of rural areas in the UK (particularly in the Scottish Highlands), you might not have a lot of access to grocery stores or shops.

Maja at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Outdoor adventures like hiking and camping require a lot of gear! You should always make sure you have proper gear for any adventure you go on. Lots of layers (including waterproof outer layers), sturdy footwear, navigation tools, and the right backpack can make or break a trip. I hope this guide gives you an idea of what type of outdoor gear you’ll need on an adventurous trip in the UK!

What are your must-haves for outdoor gear? Anything I’ve missed that you recommend? Share in the comments below!

You might like my other posts:

A 6-Day Itinerary for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall

A 7-Day Itinerary for Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip

What to See and Do on the Isle of Mull and Iona in Scotland

What to See and Do in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

The Best Wild Camping Spots On The Isle Of Skye

12 Tips For Planning Your Scottish Highlands Road Trip

All of my hiking posts!

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46 thoughts on “My Outdoor Gear Guide For Hiking And Camping In The UK

  1. […] This hike is approximately 3.5 miles and should take about 2 hours at a leisurely pace. The walk starts at the Low Mill car park, where there’s room for less than 10 cars (free parking). There is a much larger “Daffy Car Park” which is privately owned. This car park has a flat rate of £2.50, although it is done on a donation system. There are toilets on site that are run by the North York Moors National Park. The best time to see the daffodils blooming is from mid-March to mid-April. As always, I recommend sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for the walk. You can check out my outdoor gear guide here! […]

  2. […] I’m planning on writing a full post on packing for the North Coast 500 as well! To list a few vital items, I recommend sturdy (waterproof) footwear—I love my Scarpa Mistral hiking boots. A waterproof rain jacket and rain pants are a must. I’d also recommend bringing a hat or buff and gloves—even in summer, I still used them a few times since it was so windy! Do not attempt the North Coast 500 in summer without midge spray—I use Smidge and find it works really well. Having a map or atlas of Scotland or of the North Coast 500 is essential. To be environmentally friendly, bring your own reusable water bottle too. Remember to support the local economy and spend your money in local shops and businesses along the way! You can find my full outdoor gear guide here. […]

  3. […] By far the biggest impact on my budget for this trip was accommodation. We were wild camping throughout the entirety of the North Coast 500. Wild camping is legal everywhere in Scotland (except the byelaws on Loch Lomond) provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and this meant we only paid for 1 night of accommodation in Inverness at the start of our trip. We saved so much money doing this!! I understand not everyone will want to wild camp (sans toilets/showers) or camp in general, and people like the comfort of a bed and a roof and their own space. However, if you want to do the North Coast 500 on the cheap, I genuinely cannot recommend wild camping enough. You can check out my outdoor gear guide here. […]

  4. […] As with all outdoor trips or hikes in the UK, I recommend being prepared for any kind of weather. A waterproof rain jacket and rain pants are essential, and bring plenty of layers. Make sure you have sturdy footwear (I love my Scarpa Mistral hiking boots!) and bring the appropriate map for the hike. Plenty of water, plus snacks, are important as well. For steep hills like Screel Hill and the Merrick, I definitely recommend hiking poles! You can check out my full outdoor gear guide here. […]

  5. […] While Ben Lomond is a popular hike, it is a mountain and conditions can change quickly in bad weather. You should have waterproof layers, sturdy footwear (I love my Scarpa Mistral hiking boots!), and plenty of water and snacks. You’ll need OS map OL39 Loch Lomond North for this hike. I also recommend hiking poles – they are a lifesaver on your knees! Check out my full outdoor gear guide here. […]

  6. […] The route starts in Clapham. There is a car park run by the national park, or free street parking is available in the village. If you park in the village, please park responsibly and don’t block entrances or park in no-parking zones. There are toilets in the car park. The weather conditions can change quickly on the hike (as I found out myself!), so make sure you’re prepared. As with all hikes in the UK, I recommend a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants, and bringing plenty of layers. It was windy and wet at the top, and after summiting in a t-shirt I put on all my layers and my gloves! You should have sturdy hiking boots (I love my Scarpa Mistral boots), and I absolutely recommend hiking poles – the descent down from the summit was really tough in the wet weather. You’ll need OS Explorer map OL 2: Yorkshire Dales, Southern and Western for this walk. Check out my full outdoor gear guide here! […]

  7. […] The starting point for the route up the Merrick is at Bruce’s Stone, east of Glentrool. There is lots of (free) parking available between two car parks here. There are no toilets or facilities here, so make sure to plan in advance. As with all hikes in the UK, I recommend bringing a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants, plus wearing plenty of layers. With the wind at the top, I needed my fleece and gloves—on a nice day at the end of May! I’d wear sturdy hiking boots (I love my Scarpa Mistral boots!), and this steep hike definitely merits hiking poles if you have them. You’ll need OS map OS Explorer 318: Galloway Forest Park North for this hike. Check out my full outdoor gear guide here! […]

  8. […] The views are phenomenal and you can see for miles on a clear day. There’s a rugged, remote beauty to the North Pennines which I just love. In bad weather though, it can be brutal here. I really recommend having a GPS device (I use the OS Maps app on my phone) so you can see exactly where you are. The path wasn’t clear or visible in many places, and this was on a sunny day with blue skies! I can imagine it can be really easy to get yourself lost or in danger in this area. So be prepared and bring all your appropriate outdoor gear. […]

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