Walking equipment — Spending time in the mountains requires the right equipment

Walking equipment

The options you have and what you need to know

From the essentials you need in the mountains, including navigation tools, tents and other camping gear, to the technical equipment for more difficult ascents: our team have compiled all the information you need.

Ensure to understand the nitty gritty to make your time in the mountains incredible!

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How to film your adventures

by Ian Finch

Adventurer Ian Finch's recent short film has been earning rave reviews and here he reveals a few basic principles which should enhance everyone's photographic stills...
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Map reading skills

by Steve Backshall

Let wildlife presenter, naturalist and Ordnance Survey #GetOutside champion Steve Backshall show you how to read a map and use a compass in this series of videos.
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Kit to carry for hill walking

by Chris Townsend

This article looks at the essential items needed for hill walking and backpacking. It covers clothing, rucksacks, tents, sleeping bags and stoves.
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Rucksacks for walking

by Andy Kirkpatrick

A good quality, well-fitting rucksack is crucial if you are to move well in the hills. It should connect seamlessly to your body, allowing you to carry any load securely and relatively comfortably. The load should be on your back close to your centre of gravity but spreads the majority of the weight over the hip bones and then the shoulders.
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How to carry loads when walking

by Chris Townsend

This article covers: types of rucksacks, sizes of rucksacks for different types of walking, how to choose and fit a rucksack and how to pack a rucksack.
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Navigation tools for walkers

by Andy Kirkpatrick

Since signposts have never become popular in the mountains, good navigation is crucial if you want to move from A to B. This article helps you through the world of maps, compasses and other navigation gadgets.
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Walking or trekking poles

by Andy Kirkpatrick

Walking and trekking poles, with notes on their use and design.
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Accessories for walking

by Andy Kirkpatrick

The world of outdoor accessories is always evolving. There's always some new product or other to tempt your wallet. Indeed, many are great devices which make your outdoor life so much more pleasurable; others are perhaps best left on the shelf.
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Technical issues for walkers and scramblers

by Andy Kirkpatrick

This article covers technical equipment for walking and scrambling, including information on helmets, karabiners, ropes and slings.
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Tents and bivi bags

by Andy Kirkpatrick

What features should you look for in a tent or bivi bag? Why is one model better than another? What do season ratings mean?
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Camping gear and stoves

by Andy Kirkpatrick

When travelling into the mountains for more than a few days, it's vitally important that you remain comfortable and well fed, otherwise you'll become inefficient, de-motivated and most worryingly of all, you'll stop having fun. This article looks at the products to keep you warm, dry, comfortable and suitably nourished on your overnight stops.