There’s nothing quite like the freedom of heading out at 5am to get a full day of hiking in, whether you’re tackling a challenging mountain climb or enjoying a scenic countryside walk. But having the right gear can make or break your adventure. As a female hiker, safety, comfort and practicality are key when packing your hiking essentials.
Here’s our ultimate hiking kit list to help you stay prepared, safe, and comfortable whilst looking good on your next outdoor adventure.
1. Clothing
🌦 Layering is everything and we mean EVERYTHING. You need to stay warm, dry and comfortable as well as not overheating; it’s a tricky business with the UK weather around this time of year. The trick is to wear moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics and avoid cotton because it retains moisture and can make you feel cold and uncomfortable.
✔ Base Layer: Lightweight thermal top & leggings (Merino wool or synthetic)
✔ Mid Layer: Fleece or insulated jacket for warmth
✔ Outer Layer: Waterproof & windproof jacket
✔ Trekking Trousers/Leggings: Quick-dry, stretchy, and breathable
✔ Hiking Socks: Merino wool for warmth and blister prevention
✔ Hat & Gloves: Warm hat all year round for those windy mountain summits,, wide-brim hat for summer
✔ Gaiters: For muddy or wet trails
✔ Buff or Scarf: Can be used as a headband, sun protection or extra warmth
🎒 Tip: Always check the weather forecast on Met Office and MWIS before setting out and adjust your layers accordingly. Just remember, that even if the weather says it’s not going to rain, you should still be packing your waterproof/windproof jacket “just in case”. It’s always better to have than want.
2. Footwear
Keeping your feet happy whilst you’re out and about is really important because your feet do all the work. A good pair of hiking boots or trail shoes is a must-have for comfort, grip and ankle support. Try not to wear brand new boots on a long outing as they could give you blisters. It’s always best to test them out on shorter walks or even around the house!
✔ Hiking Boots: Waterproof, breathable and with good ankle support (e.g., Salomon, Merrell, or Scarpa) You might have to size up depending on the brand and how you like the fit, keeping in mind that your feet will swell after a day out walking
A key thing to remember about waterproof boots is that while they keep water out, they also keep water in. If you step in a deep puddle or water runs down your legs, your boots will trap that moisture. So, if you’re wearing shorts in summer and get caught in heavy rain, your feet might still end up wet from the runoff.
✔ Trail Shoes: These are a great alternative to hiking boots for less intense hiking routes and are also great in summer to stop your feet overheating. There are lots of great brands out there but try and stick with some that have a good grip
✔ Hiking Socks: Always carry extra pairs in case they get wet. Darn Tough make great hiking socks and they’re guaranteed for life!
✔ Blister Prevention: It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve worn your boots, there’s always a chance you could get a blister. As soon as you start to feel something rubbing, stop and put on a blister plaster. This will stop it becoming any worse. You should always carry Compeed blister plasters with you.
🎒 Tip: It doesn’t have to be expensive to be good but sometimes buying cheap can mean buying twice. Whilst the Darn Tough socks are on the pricier end of the scale, the lifetime guarantee justifies their price.
3. Backpack & Essentials
A good hiking backpack should fit comfortably, distribute weight evenly, and have enough space for essentials. You should carry the weight of your pack on your hips, which is why the straps attached to your backpack are hip straps, not waist straps! These should fasten at the top of your hips — not around your waist like a cinching device. For women, since hips are often our widest part, we may be tempted to avoid drawing attention there, but positioning your pack correctly can help prevent back pain and discomfort on long hikes with a heavy load.
✔ Backpack (20-25L for day hikes, 35L+ for multi-day hikes)
✔ Water Bladder/Bottles (2-3L capacity)
✔ Map, Compass & GPS App (e.g., OS Maps, Komoot, AllTrails)
✔ First Aid Kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, painkillers)
✔ Sunglasses & Sunscreen (even in winter!)
✔ Lip Balm with SPF
✔ Headlamp/Torch & Extra Batteries
✔ Emergency Blanket & Whistle (for safety)
✔ Powerbank
✔ Sanitary products, hand gel, tissues
🎒 Tip: Pack lighter items at the bottom of your backpack, with heavier items closer to your back. Anything you might need to grab quickly like waterproofs or snacks should be close to the top! Remember, in summer, the water bladder will be next to your back so you’ll probably end up drinking lukewarm water and in winter if it’s below freezing, moisture in the tube can sometimes freeze.
4. Food & Hydration: Stay Fuelled
When hiking, you burn a lot of energy and will probably lose a lot of fluids from sweating, so staying hydrated and well-fed is key.
✔ Water (at least 2L, more in hot weather)
✔ Electrolyte tablets are great for hydration & energy but don’t overdo it as these can sometimes give you an upset stomach if you take too many)
✔ High-Energy Snacks such as nuts, trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, or chocolate
✔ Sandwiches or lightweight meals
✔ Flask with a hot drink in it
🎒 Tip: If hiking in remote areas, pack a water filter or purification tablets for emergencies. Always pack more than you think you need when it comes to food/water in case something happens and you’re out in the hills longer than expected. It’s also great to leave an extra drink at your finishing point, along with more snacks so you can fuel up again when you end the hike.
5. Safety & Navigation: Be Prepared
Hiking is fun, but safety should always come first – especially for solo female hikers. If you’re not a pro with a paper map and compass then making sure you have the route downloaded is a good place to start. It can also help to send a screenshot of the hike to a friend or family member so that someone knows the route you plan to hike.
✔ Phone with Emergency Contacts Saved
✔ Power Bank (keep your phone charged!)
✔ Personal Alarm or Whistle (for safety & wildlife deterrence)
✔ Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool
✔ Trekking Poles (for balance & joint support)
✔ Notepad & Pen (for emergency notes & journaling your adventure!)
🎒 Tip: There might be a whistle connected to the chest strap of your backpack!
6. Overnight & Multi-Day Hike Extras
Planning to camp out or tackle a multi-day trek? Here are some additional must-haves:
✔ Sleeping bag that’s lightweight but warm enough for low temperatures is a must! Down sleeping bags pack into small spaces and will keep you toasty warm but if it gets wet, it definitely will not keep you warm!
✔ Tent or Bivvy Bag: fast and light doesn’t mean expensive and uncomfortable! You can pick up a great tent for around £130 from Decathlon or check out Vinted – you never know what someone might be selling!
✔ Cooking gear – always go for lightweight, something that will packdown into itself (including the fuel). As for utensils, you only need a knife, fork & spoon, there’s no gourmet on multi-days!
✔ Extra layers and clothes to sleep in – extra layers are key on any outdoor adventure but especially when you’re camping. As soon as the sun goes down, so does the temperature! Take an extra pair of base layers to use as your PJ’s and keep your clothes for the next day at the bottom of your sleeping bag so they’re toasty and warm for when you get dressed in the morning!
✔ Head torch with extra batteries or one that can charge using your power bank.
✔ Toiletries (less is more when you’re on a multi-day hike!)
✔ Trowel, toilet paper and nappy/poo bags. You’ve gotta go when you’ve gotta go but that means digging a hole far away from the path and taking your tissues home with you.
🎒 Tip: Pack light – carry only what you need to avoid unnecessary strain on long hikes. Packing cubes can really help with this as it minimises what you do/don’t pack.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart & Hike Confidently!
With the right hiking gear and preparation, you can explore the outdoors confidently and safely. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner, having the essentials ensures a stress-free, fun, and comfortable adventure.
💛 Want to hike with like-minded women in a safe and adventurous way?
Join one of our female-only hiking and adventure trips and explore the world with confidence!
👉 Check out our upcoming tours here!
