Great shout. Our list is far from extensive, if we included everything the list would get pretty long, but a headtorch would absolutely be on it. Ben's personal first aid kit also always contains an emergency head torch that runs on button cell batteries as a just in case.
I have a combination first aid kit and possibles pouch that's developed over the years. Everything in one place. Also usually have a very British brew kit, if you are "directionally challenged" or need to reassess your decisions, a full stop, ten minutes thinking time and some caffiene can work wonders.
Electrolytes are, in my opinion, one the most important things to always take on a hike. Exertion, or hot days drain you massively and having an electrolyte sachet/tablet to put into your water is really important.
over the years i've found i have more than five... but if i had to boil it down... 1. emergency kit: both store-bought (mentioned here) and homemade/specific, inside a rectangular packing cube, mostly for wounds and scrapes. sits at bottom of pack for quick access at zipper. 2. snack bag with way more than you need--we pack it, but don't often need it since most-loved snacks are in the slash pocket in the hood. 3. medium dry bag with three towels: small, medium and large - large is a yoga towel for quick dips and hammock insulation; medium is microfiber and holds up well mostly as a floor mat or drape-over on rough rocks; small is usually just a cotton wash cloth or a dish towel -- something to clean up with. 4. large dry bag that stores an insulating layer and an outer shell (rain coat) -- the mountains bring weather of all kinds, and the coasts can have equal swings, so it's best to be prepared unless you don't mind being very uncomfortable when the weather suddenly changes around the corner where there is a lot of cold, strong wind. 5. compass (same one pictured here), but... they work best with maps, which we don't often have with us on hikes. seems like we should change that. water damage or a fall is all it takes to brick a phone. 6. bonus item: 3-legged REI stool, strapped to bottom of pack exterior - adds almost no weight, stabilizes the pack at rest, and super useful for wet ground unpacking or in snow, putting on/off shoes, or resting in areas that don't have a lot of options (dry or otherwise).
All of those sound like solid choices to be carrying. Adding a map of the area you're hiking in would definitely be a useful addition, especially as you're already carrying the compass. Our list was far from extensive, if we'd added everything it would be a longer video for sure but you've made some great choices that we would also recommend 👍
Leaving the house to head to the shops without waterproofs seems to be a risky move with our "summer" this year. A foil blanket/bivvy is a great addition.
Absolutely, water is one thing you should always be taking when you're heading out. We didn't include it on this list, along with some other core items, as we hope you'd be bringing them with you anyway! This list included items we've found can get overlooked as we get a little complacent sometimes.
Would probably add in a head torch
Great shout. Our list is far from extensive, if we included everything the list would get pretty long, but a headtorch would absolutely be on it. Ben's personal first aid kit also always contains an emergency head torch that runs on button cell batteries as a just in case.
Water bottle and a rain jacket are my non-negotiables. Even if I'm only planning to go for an hour (that can turn into 3+ hours if it's a nice day!)
Great choices, with our weather a rain jacket is bound to be useful and proper hydration is key.
I have a combination first aid kit and possibles pouch that's developed over the years. Everything in one place. Also usually have a very British brew kit, if you are "directionally challenged" or need to reassess your decisions, a full stop, ten minutes thinking time and some caffiene can work wonders.
A tactical brew stop is always a good shout out on the hills. You haven't lost your bearings, simply taking a break...
Electrolytes are, in my opinion, one the most important things to always take on a hike. Exertion, or hot days drain you massively and having an electrolyte sachet/tablet to put into your water is really important.
Staying hydrated whilst outdoors is an important one, often overlooked.
over the years i've found i have more than five... but if i had to boil it down...
1. emergency kit: both store-bought (mentioned here) and homemade/specific, inside a rectangular packing cube, mostly for wounds and scrapes. sits at bottom of pack for quick access at zipper.
2. snack bag with way more than you need--we pack it, but don't often need it since most-loved snacks are in the slash pocket in the hood.
3. medium dry bag with three towels: small, medium and large - large is a yoga towel for quick dips and hammock insulation; medium is microfiber and holds up well mostly as a floor mat or drape-over on rough rocks; small is usually just a cotton wash cloth or a dish towel -- something to clean up with.
4. large dry bag that stores an insulating layer and an outer shell (rain coat) -- the mountains bring weather of all kinds, and the coasts can have equal swings, so it's best to be prepared unless you don't mind being very uncomfortable when the weather suddenly changes around the corner where there is a lot of cold, strong wind.
5. compass (same one pictured here), but... they work best with maps, which we don't often have with us on hikes. seems like we should change that. water damage or a fall is all it takes to brick a phone.
6. bonus item: 3-legged REI stool, strapped to bottom of pack exterior - adds almost no weight, stabilizes the pack at rest, and super useful for wet ground unpacking or in snow, putting on/off shoes, or resting in areas that don't have a lot of options (dry or otherwise).
All of those sound like solid choices to be carrying.
Adding a map of the area you're hiking in would definitely be a useful addition, especially as you're already carrying the compass.
Our list was far from extensive, if we'd added everything it would be a longer video for sure but you've made some great choices that we would also recommend 👍
Snacks and a bottle of water and rain jacket are a must
Wouldn't head out on the trails without them.
British summer, waterproofs are a must
Can you let us know when the summer arrives? We've heard rumours it might make an appearance but don't want to scare it away...
Excellent advice,plus great to see you on RUclips not 30 seconds on instagram
Nice 👍🏻
I would add a whistle, head torch and rain coat.
Great choices 👍
Waterproofs, this is the UK 😅 and an emergency shelter or foil bivvy bag/blanket at the very minimum.
Leaving the house to head to the shops without waterproofs seems to be a risky move with our "summer" this year.
A foil blanket/bivvy is a great addition.
Thank you Tom Selleck
🥸
Water for my wife and I and as importantly the hound 🐕🦺🐾is a 100% requirement for trip. Not sure why that wasn’t mentioned/included. 🤔
Absolutely, water is one thing you should always be taking when you're heading out. We didn't include it on this list, along with some other core items, as we hope you'd be bringing them with you anyway! This list included items we've found can get overlooked as we get a little complacent sometimes.