Best Hiking Gear

The best hiking gear for hiking in the peak district derbyshire - on hike like the Derbyshire four peak challenge

When I thought about writing a page on my near-chesterfield-derbyshire website about the best gear I knew I’d be opening a can of worms!

The question of the best hiking gear is very subjective and personal and there is some very cool stuff out there, but remember it doesn’t have to be expensive if you don’t need it to be. For example, place like Decathlon has some great gear for the outdoors which doesn’t cost the earth.

It can get a little sporty in the Peaks at times?

Obviously the weather is always a concern. I’ve been hiking in and around Edale in Derbyshire where it’s beautiful sunshine at the start (in Edale) and started to rain whilst en route to Jacobs Ladder. The rain turned to snow and at the top the fog rolled in – I love, but then, I have the gear.

 

There's no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes (Billy Connolly)

So, in my opinion – what is the best hiking gear?

I mainly hike in the Peak District, Derbyshire, because I live in Chesterfield so it’s very easy for me to get there. When I’m out for day hikes I carry the following:-

Scarpa Mens Trek GTX Boots – For the boots are the most important and these boots are so comfy in all terrains (hill and mountain) there worth every penny. I wear smart wool hiking socks which add to the comfort.

North Face Goretex Gaiters – I don’t always wear these unless the weather turns. They are strong and durable and easy and quick to put on when the rain starts.

North Face waterproofs – OK I like North Face products. The ones I have, have long zips so its easy to get them on or off in a tent and or with boots on.

Merino Wool base layer – These are so warm

Buffalo Tecmax Shirt – I always carry this in the pack, it’s warm comfortable and waterproof

Montane Waterproof Jacket – This is what I normally wear unless the weather is cold. In the winter I wear a double layer North Face jacket.

Additional – I also carry a pair of web-tex military gloves, a hat and a woollen buff.

Osprey talon 33 rucksack – This is a brilliant day pack with great features

Ledlenser P7.2 Torch – I always carry a torch on mu rucksack just in case I come across a cave or get lost and night comes in! I also carry a PETZL Tikka RXP Head Torch

Jetboil Sol gas stove – a mug of steaming tea in just 90 seconds. I also heat packet food in the water as well before turning the water into another tea.

When I’m out for the night, on hikes like the Derbyshire 4 Peak Challenge - I also carry the following

Laser competition tent – Small, compact, light and tough. I’ve used this in all weather conditions including snow wind and rain

Xero 300 Sleeping bag – I usually carry this bag because it’s light and warm. In more challenging conditions I carry my Extreme Everest down sleeping bag which is a bit bigger but so warm

NeoAir Xlite mattress – I know, very expensive but it’s compact and light (saved my life one night camping out in the snow)

So where can you get the best hiking gear - The best advice I can give you is that you buy hiking gear made in the country you are intending hiking in because it’s designed for that purpose which, when you think about it, it’s logical.


Thanks for reading this page I appreciate your time - I thought you might like to take a look at my favorite walks page