Adventure Plans

1. The big picture

The goal of packing for a multiday hike is to carry everything you genuinely need and nothing you don't. Every gram matters when you're on day three of a five-day route. A general rule of thumb is that your pack weight shouldn't exceed 20–25% of your body weight — ideally less.

Split your kit into the five core categories: shelter, sleeping, clothing, food and water, and navigation and safety.

2. Shelter

You need somewhere to sleep that will keep you dry and warm enough. The choices are usually:

• Tent — the most flexible option. Look for a three-season tent that can handle wind and rain. A solo tent in the 1–1.5 kg range is ideal.
• Bivvy bag — very light and compact, but offers less comfort and no space to sit out bad weather inside.
• Tarp — lighter than a tent but requires practice to pitch well. Not ideal for your first trip.

If your route has mountain huts or bothies along the way, you may be able to swap your tent for a lightweight sleeping mat and bag liner and rely on the shelter already there.

3. Sleeping

A sleeping bag rated to at least 0°C (and ideally a few degrees below what you expect the overnight low to be) is essential. Down bags are lighter and more compressible, but lose their insulation when wet — synthetic bags are more forgiving in damp conditions and cost less.

A sleeping mat is non-negotiable. Even a warm sleeping bag provides poor insulation from the cold ground without one. Inflatable mats (like those from Thermarest) balance warmth and packability well.

4. Clothing

The key to hiking clothing is layers. You need:

• Base layer — moisture-wicking, not cotton. Merino wool is excellent as it manages smell well over multiple days.
• Mid layer — a fleece or down jacket for warmth at rest stops and in camp.
• Outer layer — a waterproof jacket with sealed seams. Waterproof trousers are optional if your route is lower-risk for sustained downpours.
• Hiking trousers or shorts — quick-drying synthetics are best.
• Spare socks — at least one pair per day, ideally merino. Changing socks mid-day is one of the best blister prevention tips there is.
• Hat and gloves — even in summer, summits and nights can be cold.
• Camp shoes or sandals — optional but your feet will thank you at the end of the day.

5. Food and water

Carry a stove and enough fuel, a pot, and a spork or long spoon. Two meals cooked (breakfast and dinner) and snacks through the day is a common and practical approach. Aim for around 500 kcal per hour of hiking plus base camp calories — most people need 2,500–3,500 kcal per day on trail.

For water, carry at least a 1L bottle or bladder and a means of purification — either a filter like a Sawyer Squeeze, purification tablets, or both. Never rely on water being available at precisely the point you need it.

6. Navigation and safety

• Paper map and compass — always carry these even if you're using a phone or GPS. Phones run out of battery; paper maps don't.
• Phone with offline maps — download the route on Komoot, Gaia GPS, or OS Maps before you leave.
• Headtorch — with spare batteries.
• First aid kit — a small lightweight kit with blister plasters, pain relief, a bandage, antiseptic wipes and any personal medication.
• Emergency whistle and foil bivvy — small, light, and potentially life-saving.
• Fully charged power bank — for your phone.

7. What to leave at home

The biggest packing mistakes beginners make are usually:

• Too many clothes ("I'll want options") — you won't. Stick to the minimum and wash as you go.
• Heavy footwear when lighter would do — unless conditions are genuinely technical, mid-weight trail shoes beat heavy boots in most cases.
• Unnecessary luxury items — a small paperback is fine; a full-size travel pillow is not.
• Duplicates — one pot, one mug, one utensil.

Lay everything out before you pack. Pick it up, ask yourself if you'd miss it, and put it back if the honest answer is no.