Essential Kit List.

Compulsory items or “Must haves” - you must have these items with you to begin your activity with us.

The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of the utmost importance to us at Yonder Adventure Company. Each participant should be carrying the items listed. Your guide or Instructor makes the final decision in regard to your suitability to complete the activity and can refuse to let you participate if they feel your safety (or the safety of the group) is at risk. Please refer to the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK AND APPROPRIATE FITNESS/EQUIPMENT section in our Terms & Conditions.

Below the compulsory items we have listed recommended kit that should help make your experience more enjoyable - Our “Nice to have”.

When packing your kit for a mountain walk, Scramble, Challenge or Rock Climbing session etc, remember that conditions in the mountains or remote places can be very different to conditions in towns and cities. These conditions also change quickly, so you should always pack for the worst-case scenario.

If you are unsure about anything, from kit to the expected fitness level for the experience you have booked, please contact us.

We have provided a ready made Amazon Shopping list of all the hiking essentials for your ease of purchase. Just click the link at the end of this page.

Compulsory - Must Have Items.

Walking Boots & Socks - A good pair of walking boots which you’ve tested out in advance - ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Proper walking socks have more padding or re-enforcement where needed and are designed to wick away sweat. it is always a good idea to have tried them out in advance. It is recommended that you buy a half size or even a full size bigger, depending on the brand, When in stores try as many boots on as you can to find the right ones for you.

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - Brand or price does not matter so much as long as you have some, make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’, not just ‘water-resistant’ - there is a big difference!

Walking Trousers - if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Please do not walk in jeans as these soak up a lot of water which makes them very heavy, they are also stifling on a hot day.

Rucksack/Backpack: When heading out for your adventure, it’s essential to have a reliable rucksack or backpack to carry your extra clothes, food, water, and other essential items. A 30-40 litre bag is generally suitable for most people, but it's crucial to find one that perfectly accommodates your needs. Don't hesitate to visit an outdoor store for expert assistance and to try out different brands and sizes to find the perfect fit.
Dry Bags: Ensuring your gear stays dry is paramount when exploring the outdoors. Consider using a waterproof backpack cover or invest in dry bags, available in various sizes to accommodate a range of items, from cameras to sweaters. While plastic bags can suffice in a pinch, they may not hold up as well and could risk ripping, making dry bags a more reliable choice.

Warm Clothes - A technical baselayer (moisture wicking like Gym wear) to wear next to your skin, under your other layers. We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, and doesn’t dry easily, causing you to get cold very quickly. Synthetic or merino wool are good choices. Fleece/Jumper - a couple more layers to keep you warm , you don’t have to wear them all but having spares in your bag is always good to have.

Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat,buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months. Nearly all UK Mountainous areas are near the sea and are prone to quick weather changes coming in.

Food & Drink - Don’t forget to pack your lunch and plenty of snacks to help keep you fuelled up on the go. Most participants find 1.5 litres of water as a minimum for a normal day walk, or 2-3 litres if you’re on a longer walk, i.e. the likes of , Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Eskdale horseshoe, Bochlywd horseshoe or any of our other challenge walks.

Survival Bag & Whistle - We hope you’ll never need these - but they are essential for your safety. These are relatively cheap and do not take uo any space in your bag.

Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers and sun screen! All of our Guides/instructors are Outdoor (Adventure specific) first-aid trained.

Head Torch - An essential piece of kit throughout the year (Yes even in the summer!). Please also remember to bring spare batteries. This must be a head torch, not the torch on your phone or a hand held torch!

Important: If you are coming on one of our Sunrise, Wild Camping or multi day hikes, your head torch will be checked by your guide at the start of the walk. If you do not have a working head torch, you will not be permitted to start the walk.

Mobile Phone - If at any point during the excursion you find it necessary to separate from the group, we kindly ask that you make the effort to send a text message to your guide/instructor once you are at the meeting location or any other previously arranged spot. Additionally, for your safety and peace of mind, we highly recommend keeping your mobile phone readily accessible in case of any unexpected emergencies that may arise while you are enjoying the great outdoors.

Money - If for any unforeseen reason, such as an injury or emergency, you find it necessary to depart from the group, you should be prepared to arrange transportation back to the meeting point, your lodging, or for continued travel. Furthermore, having some extra funds on hand will be greatly appreciated should we happen upon an inviting pub, tearoom, or souvenir shop. It is advisable to have both cash and a credit/debit card readily available for such situations.

Nice To Have Walking Kit

Walking Poles - Many people find these useful for spreading the effort required to go uphill and reduce joint impact going downhill. They also help drastically if you stumble and tweak your ankle etc on a walk. It’s a good idea to test these out before your Yonder Adventure Company experience - some people find they take a bit of getting used to!

Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up! Midges can ruin an otherwise perfect day!

Gaiters - These close the gap between your boots and trousers, help keep your feet dry and keep dirt out of your boots, as well as keeping you a little bit warmer!

Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break!

Battery bank/charger - As great as technology is, batteries do run out! Especially if you are taking lots of videos and pictures! The cold weather and the lack of signal in mountain areas wears the battery out a lot quicker than usual so it is a good idea to make sure you can charge your phone in case of an emergency!