The key to deciding what wear or bring on a walking experience, is to be prepared for any conditions you may be faced with on your trip. You certainly don’t need the latest high tech, high performance, expensive jacket to be well prepared.
Always remembering that you will have to carry everything that you need, and also to ensure you leave no trace. Try not to be excessive and packing a bag with just enough to ensure you can cope with whatever the day may bring and you may want some items to capture the experience, camera or sketch pad.
Having the right gear’s a good idea – here are our tips to getting it right!
For walks booked through ROC Adventure, we will provide you with a list of anything you may need.
Whilst our walks are guided, and you can leave this part to the expert, carrying a map/chart and compass and know how to use them is being very well prepared. Nowadays paper maps may seem unnecessary but they are light to carry and require no batteries.
This can be challenging in Wales! Wear walking boots, or waterproof walking shoes, carry insulating layers and waterproofs. Your jacket doesn’t need to be expensive but does need to be waterproof. Footwear should be 'worn in' and well fitting, there is nothing like a painful blister to ruin a good day’s walking.
There may not be a signal on parts of your walk, so do not rely on your mobile for navigation or communication. But having your mobile fully charged is very important. In an emergency you will still be able to contact 999. We recommend that you have a waterproof case or proper waterproof GPS and pack a map and compass as a backup.
If you were to be still out on the hills after dark, a torch and whistle could save the day. Beside being able to see your way if you end up out after dark, you can also use your torch to attract help:
You need to carry enough food and drink. Eat well before you start out and don't forget to snack throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
Carry spares, spare layers, spare batteries could make a huge difference. Discovering worn-out kit is not the time halfway through a hike. Always look after your kit and it will look after you when needed.
