Putting on your boots and exploring spectacular mountain landscapes is such a rewarding experience, but let’s be honest, it can be a lot harder to pack for a walking holiday than a week by the pool. Finding the right balance between comfort and practicality can pose a bit of a challenge. So, here are our tips of essential items you should consider packing as well as a few recommendations and optional extras for your next walking holiday.
Your Collett’s Walking Holiday Packing List
Your packing list will depend on your type of walking holiday. However, whether you’re spending a week at one of our centre-based locations, heading on an adventurous hut-to-hut trek high in the Italian Dolomites or venturing on a more leisurely village-to-village walk, these essentials should be on your packing list.
The Essentials
Suitable Footwear
Finding the right waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip is the highest priority – especially if you want to avoid sore feet. Consider the particular terrain and climate of your walking holiday destination when picking your boot. Also, we’d recommend wearing in brand-new hiking boots before you head on your holiday.
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
Nothing is worse than getting soggy while walking through a downpour! So, it’s worth investing in a high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket as well as over trousers for your next walking holiday. Make sure they’re waterproof, not just water-resistant! Ideally, they are also insulated and possibly with zips that can be opened for ventilation.
Your Day Pack
This much-needed piece of kit has a few distinct attributes. First, you need to be able to carry it comfortably, i.e. it needs to be small and light enough for you. Second, it should have everything you might need – under normal and emergency circumstances – for your day out in the mountains. Check in with your group to distribute the load and avoid carrying unnecessary items. For example, there is no need for each person to carry their own sunscreen.
The size of your day pack depends on the type of walking holiday you’re heading on. If you’re planning on walking for a couple of hours or a whole day, a 10 to 25-litre backpack is ideal.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is among the most important things during your walking holiday, regardless of the weather. We recommend a durable, insulated, and lightweight bottle with a minimum capacity of 1 litre. Bringing your own reusable bottle also helps to reduce plastic usage and minimise environmental pollution.
A Small Torch
Although you might not be planning on staying out until after nightfall, it is always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected. A small torch – ideally a head torch – takes up very little space and weight but could be a great help if you find yourself out for longer than expected.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Regardless of the weather or which of our destinations you explore, it’s always best to minimise your UV exposure. Remember that even if the sun isn’t directly shining or it seems to be cooler weather, you can still get sunburned! We recommend selecting a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 20 as well as packing a soothing cream in case of sunburn. Similarly, good-quality UV sunglasses are an absolute must-pack when heading on a walking holiday.
Mobile phone & Power bank
We cannot stress the importance of a charged mobile phone enough, especially when heading on our self-guided holidays. You may want to keep your phone off, for battery life and enjoyment reasons, but it is a very useful tool for emergency calling and GPS location.
If you’re walking in a group, we recommend taking turns having your phones on for navigation and distance tracking to avoid running out of battery. Additionally, bringing an extra battery or a small, portable power bank to charge your phone is recommended.
Collett’s Walk Pack & Digital Maps
As part of every Collett’s walking holiday, you will receive a detailed Walk Pack with route notes, maps and GPS profiles. You will also get access to digital versions of your maps and route notes (some packs contain GPX files or specific applications for navigation). However, we recommend bringing a hard copy of your Walk Pack, as you may not be able to get a good signal in some areas.
Your Collett’s Walking Holiday Checklist
Here’s a summary of all essentials, recommendations & optional extras for your walking holiday:
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof over trousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- Portable charger / power bank
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Swimming costume
- Energy snacks: e.g. dried fruit, energy bars
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
Optional extras
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Plaster/ blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Sunglasses/glasses
- Entertainment, e.g. playing cards, a book, etc.
- Earplugs
- Cosmetic items (nail scissors, nail file, eye drops, contact lenses, tweezers, lip balm etc.)
- Mosquito repellent/insect repellent
- Hand disinfectant
- Camera
- Travel wash
Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Driving licence
- Cash
- Bank card, credit card
- Travel insurance documents
- Vaccination passport
- Your Collett’s travel documents
- Collett’s Walk Pack
- Flight ticket/train ticket
Your walking holiday doesn’t start with the first step of a boot-clad foot but with the planning and selection of your gear. Keep your destination and the nature of your walking holiday in mind when packing your bag. Pack for individual needs but also consider sharing items among your group where appropriate.
If you have any questions about your next walking holiday, please get in touch via enquiries@colletts.co.uk
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