by Barbara Henderson
Essential Kit for heading to the hills
Bringing the right kit is one of the most important ways to keep yourself safe in the hills. Here are some things to think about:
The kit you need will depend a lot on the type of activity you are planning, and what the conditions will be like. If you are unsure, just ask for advice in a reputable outdoor shop. As a general rule of thumb, you should think about the following for a hillwalking trip.
Footwear: You will need well-fitting walking boots and comfortable socks.
Clothing: It’s always a good idea to opt for layers as this keeps you flexible. Man-made fibres are better than cotton t-shirts or jeans which absorb and retain moisture and can get heavy and wet, or chafe. A breathable, waterproof jacket with a hood is a must, ideally in a bright colour so you can be spotted easily should things go wrong.
Bag: Bring a waterproof rucksack (or a waterproof cover for it), but make sure the bag is no bigger than what you need for the trip. You don’t want to expend needless energy.
Food and Drink: Arguably, the best part of the day is eating sandwiches at the summit! Don’t forget that going out into the hills uses a lot of energy, so be sure to pack enough food for your adventure. Sweets are great for an energy boost when you are feeling tired, but also include something that will power you for a bit longer – a nice cheese sandwich, for example. You should have enough food for the whole of your journey, plus a little extra as emergency supplies. Always carry a water bottle.
Other Essentials: These depend on the weather – a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen along with midge repellent/net will be important in summer. A head torch, map and compass, mobile phone and group shelter should also be carried, just in case you get into trouble or end up being out longer than you expect.
You can check out https://www.scottishmountainrescue.org/mountain-safety-advice/
https://www.mountaineering.scot/activities/hillwalking/getting-started/essential-kit for more information.
Barbara Henderson is the award-winning author of a dozen books. Her historical and eco-fiction for children is widely studied in schools, and she has won two Young Quills Awards from the Historical Association. She was the inaugural Forth Bridge Writer-in-Residence. Barbara is based in the Scottish Highlands where she still teaches Drama – but she loves to travel and spread the story-love in schools. When she gets the chance, she likes to head to a coffee shop, a museum, a ruin or to the nearby hills. Her latest novel for children, contemporary mountain adventure I Don’t Do Mountains, is out now from Scottish Mountaineering Press.
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