Walking and hiking are not my usual ideas of a getaway, which is precisely why I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join a group walking trip to Kyrgyzstan, a country deemed the 'Switzerland of Central Asia', which would see me scale mountains in all weathers.
I am bad enough packing for a single-season holiday, so you can imagine the sheer panic when I realised I had to tackle three weathers.
The checklist from the travel company revealed an expansive list of essentials to keep us protected from the rain, including base layers, a fleece, and all the unmissable apparel to keep me warm in freezing temperatures at 3000m. I couldn’t help but immediately wonder how I was going to fit it all in my travel bag, and most stressful of all, how was I going to be able to carry it without breaking my back during the adventure?
I soon realised hiking/ walking gear is all about comfort and practicality. There are non-negotiables like rub-free walking boots, thick socks, and walking poles sturdy enough to carry your weight on the ascent and descent. And then there are the practicalities: how compact can a rainproof jacket be? How many water bottles can I pack in a backpack? How quickly can my towel dry?
Seasoned climbers would have no problem answering any of the above questions. But if you are a novice like me, here's a checklist guide to things you might need for your next adventure in the great outdoors - with sustainability in mind.
Shop the indispensable walking gear that became my saviours below
Best under desk treadmills to exercise while you’re working
Best arch support trainers tried and tested for stability and comfort
Best lightweight hiking boots for toughness that won’t slow you down
10 best walking poles to help you hike and trek further than before
Best walking boots for women to wear on gentle strolls or lengthy hikes
Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Walking boots
Happy feet make happy climbs. Sturdy, waterproof boots (preferably walked-in) are 'the' gear you need to ace. Get it right and you can make your walk enjoyable, but get it wrong and it can be hellish - so pick them wisely.
Several features caught our eye about these Berghaus shoes: the robust leather exteriors, shock-absorbing midsoles and a solid waterproof lining. I tested them on different terrains over ten days: stones, rocks, and river crossings, and my feet were dry and pain-free. I had only walked in these a few times before tackling the Central Asian mountains, but they moulded to my feet quickly. I had zero sores or blisters, which is surprising.
Tough terrains will leave your shoes a little worse for wear, but rather than buy new ones, repair them. The other selling point about the Berghaus boots is that the brand’s Repairhaus team can help stitch up any rips and tears as often as you need them for free.
Buy now £140.00, Berghaus
Finisterre Kelson Socks
Pairing your hiking shoes with the right socks is of the utmost importance to save you a whole load of pain - literally. Like boots, socks keep your feet warm and protected. If they're too thin, they won't provide enough protection, yet they need to be breathable to save your feet from becoming a sweaty mess.
Enter Finisterre’s Kelson sock. Made from premium British wool, these are like wrapping a soft cushion around your feet. The socks have a lovely cable knit design with a ribbed top, which I was flaunting over my leggings, and they are antibacterial. The socks come in several shades, from muted grey to orange.
Buy now £18.00, Finisterre
Lululemon Convertible High-Rise Hiking Pant
The weather can often be unpredictable, with spells of sunshine and cold all in a few hours. A pair of convertible hiking pants are the solution.
Opt for a style with a relaxed fit that you can adjust at the waist and boasts a lot of pockets. The Lululemon convertibles can be unzipped to turn into shorts and zipped back to trousers when it gets chilly. They are water-repellent and windproof and come with little details to keep your tiny belongings: a secure zipped pocket and two larger cargo pockets.
Buy now £168.00, Lululemon
Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Legging
There is nothing like a stretchable all-mountain legging that allows easy movement, especially while tackling intense climbs. The Essent from Arc'teryx have a great feel on the skin with delicate details like pockets for small essentials.
Durability is essential. These are abrasion-resistant and breathable, perfect for runs should you fancy one. They also come in three colours: black, blue and a unique forage shade. Depending on what altitudes you tackle, these Arc'teryx leggings also work as a good base layer under waterproof trousers or something thicker.
Buy now £130.00, Arc'teryx
The North Face Khumbu Denali Fleece Jacket
Son-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan sits at 3000m. The landscapes are breathtaking but blustery regardless of the time of day. A good fleece jacket is the in-between you need when the sun is beaming with a chill in the air. This one from The North Face ticks several boxes and supports a cause close to most climbers - safety.
These limited-edition jackets celebrate The North Face's 20-year collaboration with The Khumbu Climbing Centre, a community program designed to make conditions for Nepalese climbers and high-altitude workers safer.
Much like The North Face’s classic iconic Denali Jacket, these too have a water-repellent finish and are made from recycled material. They are lightweight (cannot emphasise the importance of weight) with plenty of zipped pockets. The adjustable hem keeps the heat in and the zip-up collar keeps the neck well covered. I used at 1am on a chilly morning and it was still cosy and warm.
Buy now £190.00, The North Face
Mac In A Sac Origin Packable Waterproof Jacket
Nobody knows the importance of a waterproof jacket more than us Brits. Whether you're hitting a coastal holiday or a hike, it's a wardrobe essential. But when space is limited, size matters.
The Mac In A Sac jackets are so convenient to pack away. They roll up into a tiny ball the size of your hand and weigh between 200-300g. The design is simple to keep it lightweight: It has two zipped pockets, elasticated cuffs, a drawcord adjustable hem and a rollable hood, which is all you need to fight the elements. They come in more than 30 colours, so take your pick.
Buy now £37.50, Amazon
Passenger Boondocker Recycled 26L Backpack
Whether you're heading on a day climb or an overnight hike, choosing the right backpack that fits all the essentials and still feels easy on the back is key. Since most of our hikes were during the day, I picked this 26L pack to carry my jacket, water bottles, medical kit, extra socks, food and camera gear.
Hiking gear is often limited to dark, uninteresting colours, so when I laid eyes on these Passenger backpacks, they put a smile on my face. The vibrant shades stood out immediately. Looks aside, the bag was practical, with loads of pockets, a quilted padded back for comfort and a side entry sleeve for the laptop. It was easy on the back for long extended hikes that lasted 4-5 hours. They have a water-resistant coating, but I did carry a dry Passenger waterproof cover to protect my camera for safety.
We love products that put the environment front and centre, and this backpack does just that. The outer layer and lining are both made from recycled polyester. Passenger also plants a tree with every order.
Buy now £69.95, Amazon
Columbia Unisex Zigzag Hip Pack
Most hiking gears have pockets, but a hip pack is still the most practical and convenient way to store away your phone, wallet and anything you need to access quickly.
This water-repellent pack from Colombia is spacious and was with me for every hike and walk. I adjusted the belt to put the bag across the shoulder, and it was comfortable to carry on the front or back. The zippered pocket had plenty of space to fit a couple of phones, ear pods and money. Plus, there was an additional zippered accessories pocket at the front for smaller items.
Buy now £35.00, Columbia
Regatta Carbon Walking Pole Pair
Walking poles are a climber's best friend, especially during long, often exhausting hikes in higher altitudes. They provide stability and take the pressure off your back, feet and knees.
You are holding them for long hours, so they need to be lightweight and easily adjustable. The Regatta poles we tested were excellent. Each pole weighs 185g, has three sections to set a suitable height and comes with a fast locking mechanism. The handle grips are soft and easy to hold.
Buy now £49.95, Regatta
Mountain Warehouse Summit 250 Square Winter Sleeping Bag
You've earned a comfortable night's sleep after an arduous climb. This Mountain Warehouse sleeping bag ensures just that. With a 3/4 season rating, this bag is suitable for -1°C to 4°C and an extreme temperature of -17°C - although not for regular use at this temperature.
The square shape gave me much-needed moving room (I am a restless sleeper) and was simple to zip and unzip. You can also unzip and attach another bag to create a well-insulated double bag. It comes in two lengths, 5'9 and 6'4, and weighs up to 1.6kg. The fabric was thick and felt well-insulated and cosy during the chilly morning hours.
Buy now £34.99, Mountain Warehouse
HydraMate Collapsible Water Bottle
You carry 2-3 litres of water with you on a hike, and when you're on the road for long, you don't want to lug dead weight. These foldable refill, reuse bottles offer multiple solutions. They are easy to fit in tight spaces, weigh next to nothing, and when empty, they roll up to fit in any pocket.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Victoper Waterproof Dry Bag Set of 6
Most seasoned hikers have these in abundance. You can use them to protect expensive equipment such as cameras and drones or to separate items in a large backpack. They fold at the top and are easy to fasten with the buckle. The bags come in various colours and sizes from 1.5-8 litres.
Buy now £8.15, Amazon
Sea to Summit Portable Pocket Towel
When you're on the move you need a towel that dries quickly and feels just as soft. These high-quality microfibre ones are like velvet on your skin. I even preferred them to my usual cotton bath towels. They are highly absorbent, have a press-stud loop for easy hanging and dry much faster than a regular towel. They come in two sizes, medium and larger, and are contained in a small pouch that can fit in a small corner of your bag.
Buy now £16.91, Amazon
Lifesystems Trek First Aid Kit
From plasters to safety pins, this little compact kit, which weighs under 250 grams, contains everything you might need to tackle minor injuries, bruises and blisters. The kit also includes gloves, a pair of scissors, cleaning wipes, burn gel sachets and sterile adhesive dressing. The pack does not contain pain medication, so it's always advisable to add your preferred one inside before you embark on your trip.
Buy now £18.71, Amazon
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
Sun Bum’s original formula can be bought as a face stick for easy application and care for sensitive areas. It’s boosted with vitamin E to soothe, while offering the same broad-spectrum protection. The waxy, emollient texture means it stays put in water.
Buy now £11.19, lookfantastic
Fenix HL16 450 Lumen AAA powered Trail Running Headlamp
Best for: camping trips
- Lumens: 450
- Maximum range: 104 metres
- Maximum burn time: 200 hours
Granted, head torches aren’t the most stylish of accessories, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be eye-catching. Fenix’s pretty pink head torch doesn’t just look the part, but it serves as a functional piece of equipment for weekend camping trips. The nifty tool is light, making it ideal for outdoor activities spanning running, climbing, trekking and more.
Plus, it’s super easy to use. Thanks to the convenient dual switches, you can flick between four brightness levels and two red light functions during your run.
Buy now £34.95, Amazon
Mountain Warehouse Directional Compass
This simple instrument could be a lifesaver if you’re taking on the mountains solo. It is a practical and compact walking accessory that’s easy to read. It comes with a magnifying viewer, indicates in mills and degrees and also has a metal hook for easy attachment to your trousers or backpack.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
