Pack for Adventure: Multi-Day Trek Kit List (Printable)
A good multi-day hiking kit list for the UK comes down to three things: footwear you trust, layers for every kind of weather, and a light day pack with water, food and a waterproof. Get those right and you can relax and enjoy the views. This list is written for our 3- and 4-day challenges, but it works for any long-distance walk in Britain. There’s a printable checklist at the end.
Before you start: how your kit gets carried
On our events, how much you carry depends on how you take part:
Enjoy: you carry a day pack only. Your main bag is transferred for you each day.
Endeavour: you carry 10kg+ plus your food and water.
Endure: you carry 15kg+ plus your food and water.
Baggage weight limits for transferred bags are (No limit). Whichever level you choose, test all of your kit on training walks first.
Footwear
Your feet do all the work, so this is where to spend time and money.
Boots or trail shoes, well broken in. Boots give ankle support and keep feet drier on boggy moorland; trail shoes are lighter and many fast walkers prefer them. Choose what you’ve trained in.
3–4 pairs of walking socks. A fresh pair every day, plus a spare in your day pack.
Liner socks if you’re prone to blisters.
Camp shoes or sandals to give your feet a rest in the evening.
Clothing: layers for every forecast
British weather can change in an hour, especially in the hills or on the coast.
Waterproof jacket with a hood – tested in proper rain
Waterproof trousers
Base layers: synthetic or merino tops that wick sweat (avoid cotton)
Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket
Walking trousers or shorts, plus leggings if you prefer
Warm hat and gloves – even in summer for the West Highland Way or the moors
Sun hat and sunglasses
Buff or neck gaiter
Warm clothes for camp: a down or synthetic jacket and something cosy to sleep in
Your day pack
Even on Enjoy, you’ll carry a day pack between checkpoints. A 20–30 litre pack with a hip belt is ideal.
Water bottles or a hydration bladder (at least 1.5–2 litres capacity; more on hot days)
Snacks you love: flapjacks, nuts, sweets, sandwiches
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm layer, hat and gloves
Sun cream and lip balm
Blister kit
Phone (charged) and a small power bank
Route map or GPS app
Pack liner or dry bag to keep spares dry
Personal medication
Hand sanitiser and tissues
Small amount of cash or a card
Trekking poles: worth it?
Many walkers swear by them, especially on long descents like the Devil’s Staircase or the coast path steps. Poles take some load off your knees and help with rhythm on climbs. If you want to use them, train with them first.
Camp kit
Our events include camping. What you need to bring can vary by event, and your event pack will confirm it. As a guide:
Sleeping bag (rated for cool nights – upland camps can be chilly even in summer)
Sleeping mat (provided)
Pillow (optional, bring your own if you like)
Head torch with spare batteries
Wash kit and quick-dry towel
Earplugs and an eye mask
Reusable mug
Hot breakfast and a packed lunch are provided on all our events, along with checkpoints with drinks and snacks.
First aid and foot care
Our events have a medical team, but carry your own basics for small things:
Blister plasters (try your preferred brand in training)
Zinc oxide tape
Small scissors
Antiseptic wipes
Painkillers and any personal medication
Anti-chafe balm
Midge repellent and head net (essential in Scotland from late spring)
What not to pack
New boots or shoes you’ve never walked in
Cotton T-shirts and jeans
Heavy “just in case” items you didn’t use in training
Valuables you don’t need
Kit tips from experience
Pack in dry bags. Group items (sleep, clothes, wash kit) so you can find them quickly at camp.
Lay it all out a week before. This leaves time to buy anything missing.
Label your bags. Lots of black holdalls look the same at baggage transfer.
Charge everything the night before each day.
Keep your waterproof at the top of your day pack.
Printable checklist
Feet: ☐ boots/trail shoes ☐ 3–4 pairs socks ☐ liner socks ☐ camp shoes
Clothing: ☐ waterproof jacket ☐ waterproof trousers ☐ 2–3 base layers ☐ fleece/mid layer ☐ walking trousers/shorts ☐ warm hat ☐ gloves ☐ sun hat ☐ sunglasses ☐ buff ☐ warm camp jacket ☐ sleepwear
Day pack: ☐ 20–30L pack ☐ water bottles/bladder ☐ snacks ☐ sun cream ☐ lip balm ☐ phone ☐ power bank ☐ map/GPS ☐ dry bag ☐ medication ☐ hand sanitiser ☐ cash/card
Camp: ☐ sleeping bag ☐ pillow (optional, bring your own if you like) ☐ head torch ☐ wash kit ☐ towel ☐ earplugs ☐ mug First aid: ☐ blister plasters ☐ tape ☐ scissors ☐ wipes ☐ painkillers ☐ anti-chafe ☐ insect repellent/midge net
Ready to pack for adventure?
Once you’ve got your kit sorted, follow our 12-week training plan and pick your trail. Our 2027 challenges include the Cleveland Way, West Highland Way, Hadrian’s Wall, Jurassic Coast and Cotswold Way.
FAQs
What should I pack for a multi-day hike in the UK?
Broken-in footwear, several pairs of socks, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, a day pack with water and snacks, sun protection, a blister kit and camp essentials such as a sleeping bag and head torch.
How heavy should my day pack be?
On a supported event with baggage transfer, a day pack of around 4–6kg with water is typical. If you’re carrying everything, expect 10–15kg or more.
Are walking boots or trail shoes better for long-distance walks?
Either can work. Boots offer more ankle support and waterproofing; trail shoes are lighter. Use whichever you’ve trained in.
Do I need trekking poles for a multi-day hike?
They’re optional, but many walkers find they reduce strain on knees during long descents. Train with them before the event.
What shouldn’t I bring on a multi-day trek?
Untested footwear, cotton clothing, and heavy items you didn’t use during training.
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