Day Hike Packing List [Downloadable, printable, customisable]

Things to carry when hiking/hillwalking in Scotland and other UK upland areas. You can also download this as a PDF or Word Doc; make a copy and customise it with your own special hiking extras or specific pieces of hiking kit! I’ve included a few of my favourite items below.

This assumes spring/summer/autumn conditions. For winter, see my winter day hike packing list.

What to wear

• Wicking underwear
• Wicking / quick dry hiking trousers
• Wicking base layer top (merino or synthetic) – I like Icebreaker and Smartwool, both expensive but good quality
• Hiking socks + liner socks
• Sturdy hiking boots

Extra layers to carry or wear

• Fleece jumper / hoodie – I like Mountain Equipment’s hooded micro fleeces (e.g. Lumiko Hooded Fleece)
• Insulated jacket – I am a longtime fan of the Rab Xenair Light
• Waterproof jacket – My most bombproof jacket is my Paramo Velez Smock
• Waterproof trousers
• Hat – Some kind of beanie that fits under a hood
• Buff
• Gloves – I take a pair of waterproof gloves and some lighter liner gloves
• Gaiters – Great for keeping your feet dry and avoiding ticks!

The rest of your pack

• Rucksack / Backpack (35L or more) – I use a Lowe Alpine – Halcyon 35+5 
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency shelter / survival bag like the Terra Nova Bothy Bag
• Mobile phone
• Map and compass (and skills to use them)
• Map case
• Head torch
• Food
• Water

Comfort Extras

• Dry bags – Great for compartmentalising gear and keeping things dry
• Walking poles
• Sit mat
• Midge head net + bug spray (April-Sept)
• GPS
• Watch with a stopwatch
• Powerbank
• Extra hats / gloves / buffs – I carry a liner glove and a waterproof glove

Luxury extras

• Binoculars
• Digital SLR camera
• Drone
• Thermos flask of hot tea or soup (Thermos King Food Flask)