Out and About Adventures · UK Walking & Wainwrights · Updated April 2025
Choosing the right gear before you head out on the fells can make the difference between a memorable day on the hills and a miserable one. Whether you’re ticking off Wainwrights in the Lake District, exploring the Forest of Dean, or just after a solid kit upgrade, these are the products I’d point any walker towards.
All of these are items I actually use on my own walks, and they’re the kind of kit that earns its place in your pack rather than collecting dust in the garage.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’d genuinely use myself.
01) Montane Men’s Terra Pants
Category: Clothing
My go-to walking trousers for UK hill days. They’re light, breathable and hard-wearing, with reinforced panels where it matters and thigh vents that make a big difference on steep climbs. They also dry quickly after showers — ideal for changeable weather in the Lakes.
Tags: Lightweight · Fast-Drying · Thigh Vents · 3-Season
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02) OEX Vallo Air 36 Rucksack
Category: Rucksack
This is the pack I reach for when I want space for layers, food and waterproofs without it feeling like an expedition bag. The ventilated back system helps on warmer climbs, and having an integrated rain cover is a lifesaver when the forecast is doing its usual UK thing.
Tags: 36 Litre · Ventilated Back · Rain Cover · Hill Days
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03) OS Explorer OL5 – Lake District North East
Category: Navigation
Covers Helvellyn, Striding Edge, Fairfield, Ullswater and Patterdale — some of the most-walked Wainwright terrain in the country. The most detailed map available at 1:25,000 scale, and each copy includes a digital download code for the OS Maps app. An essential purchase before any Lakes trip.
Tags: 1:25,000 Scale · Digital Download · Lake District
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04) OS Explorer OL4 – Lake District North West
Category: Navigation
The companion map to OL5, covering Scafell Pike, Borrowdale, Great Gable and Keswick. If you’re covering Wainwright territory seriously, you’ll want both OL4 and OL5 in your map case. Buy them together for full Northern Fells coverage — a natural pairing to recommend to your readers.
Tags: 1:25,000 Scale · Scafell & Borrowdale · Digital Download
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05) TheFitLife Trekking Poles
Category: Walking Poles
These are the poles I use for long hill days and steep descents. They’re lightweight, quick to adjust with flip locks, and the cork grips stay comfortable even when your hands are sweaty. The basket/tip options are handy for switching between rocky paths and softer ground.
Tags: Sold as Pair · Flip-Lock · Cork Grip · Lightweight
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06) Silva Explore Headtorch
Category: Lighting
A headtorch is non-negotiable on UK hill days — even if you set out in sunshine. This is the one I use because it’s bright enough for pre-dawn starts, has useful modes (including red light for preserving night vision), and it’s built to cope with wet weather.
Tags: Bright Beam · Red Light · Outdoor · Weather Ready
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07) Niorasen Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Category: Socks
Socks are where I don’t compromise. Merino helps regulate temperature, manages moisture, and stays comfortable on long days. These are the pairs I wear for hill walks because they’re cushioned and do a solid job of reducing hotspots and blisters.
Tags: Merino Wool · Cushioned · Moisture Wicking · Anti-Blister
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08) Human Nature Eco Tree Art T-Shirt
Category: Base Layer
A simple, comfortable tee I throw on for casual walks and travel days. It’s an easy layer under a fleece or waterproof, and the design is a nice nod to being outdoors without looking overly technical.
Tags: Everyday Wear · Layering · Outdoor · Cotton Blend
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09) ALTRA Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoes
Category: Footwear
These are the trail shoes I use when I want something grippy and comfortable for long days. The wide toe box lets your feet spread naturally, the zero-drop platform feels balanced on uneven ground, and the outsole grips well on mud, gravel and rock. They’re also lightweight and breathable for warmer walks.
Tags: Wide Toe Box · Zero Drop · Trail Grip · Breathable
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10) DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo
Category: Camera
This is the action camera I use for filming hikes when I want something tough, compact and easy to grab without risking my main camera. It can shoot up to 4K/120fps, has excellent stabilization, dual touchscreens, and it’s waterproof — ideal for UK weather. It also has 64GB of built-in storage, so you’re not stuck if you forget a memory card.
Tags: 4K/120fps · Waterproof · Stabilization · Dual Touchscreens
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Got a favourite piece of kit I’ve missed?
Drop a comment below or get in touch — I’m always adding to my own kit list and happy to hear what’s working for other walkers out on the fells. Happy hiking.
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