Buy Hiking Equipment
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" (John Muir).

So you want to buy hiking equipment? What’s the best hiking equipment to buy, which is the lightest?

This is my preferred hiking equipment and it’s served me well. The type of equipment I take with me on solo hikes, group hikes or when I am leading a group. I usually hike in the Peak District, Derbyshire and have listed some of my favourite hikes on this site.

I started to collect the gear listed below when I began writing my book Adrian’s Walk – Roughin it in the Peaks which raises valuable funds for the Edale Mountain rescue team, I team I volunteer for.
Adrian's walk is a 56 mile, 3 day hike from Bakewell to EdaleAdrian's walk is a 56 mile, 3 day hike from Bakewell to Edale

I appreciate that you can buy hiking equipment which is cheaper but my priorities are lightweight, durable, warm, comfortable and easy – not cheap. I always read the product reviews and have a good idea what I’m going to buy before I head to the shops. There are some great review web sites out there like the outdoor gear lab – this is the one I used when looking for a one man Bivi.

Buy Hiking Equipment

The Laser Competition 1 has become the classic, one person backpacking tent and has received multiple industry 'Best in Test' awards. The tent is designed for travellers and backpackers looking for weight saving kit and is suitable for medium, duration backpacking trips and 3 season conditions.

The Laser Competition 1

Although the silicone flysheet cannot be seam sealed, the Laser Competition has been cleverly designed to minimise the number of seams over the inner.  There is one main seam, which incorporates the pole sleeve, over the inner and the tent is supplied with a removable, waterproof hood to cover this seam and add extra stability. The remaining seams at each end of the tent are positioned away from the inner so the inner is fully protected from the wet.  

To keep weight and pack size down folding carbon rods are used at each end of the tent. The main pole is high quality DAC alloy. The Laser Competition 1 tent is compatible with the Terra Nova FASTPACK system, allowing those who want to trim weight further when conditions permit, to use the flysheet and the fastpack groundsheet (which is available separately) without the inner.

If you're looking to buy hiking equipment that is light and easy to use this should be on your list.

               

My favourite sleeping bag – the Xero 300

For the fastest moving Alpinists, runners and trekkers weight and pack size are everything. The  Xero is a lightweight sleeping bag s for the most serious minimalist users.

The newly developed Alpine Fit combines ground level seams and re-profiled down distribution to optimise thermal efficiency and minimise weight and bulk. The highest quality goose down is brought together with light fabrics and EXL ® technology for uncompromising performance and the highest possible warmth-to-weight ratio. Already amongst the lightest bags of their type in the world, the reworked Xero range remains the perfect choice for anyone who travels light and fast in difficult or remote environments.

"If you're looking to buy hiking equipment that is lightweight and will keep your warm at night then this should be on your list".

Rab Ridge Raider Bivi

This Bivi is made from highly breathable fabric, the Rab Ridge Raider Bivi gives spacious shelter for one person, providing fully waterproof protection at minimal weight.

Its 10000mm laminated nylon waterproof bathtub base completely blocks out the wet, while the side walls give room to maximise sleeping bag loft.

The external pole sleeve makes pitching easy, and the mosquito net door and glow-in-the-dark zips make night camping less fuss and more comfortable. Again one of the main reasons it’s on my hiking equipment list is because of the weight - 840g (30oz).

Top Tip: When I use the Bivi I usually stick my poles in the ground and secure my boots on the top upside down so the insides don’t get wet and I don’t have to have them inside. I also wrap my pack in my RAB group shelter and attach it to the poles and the Bivi.

 

The Everest Down Extreme Sleeping bag

The Everest Down Extreme Sleeping bag is Mountain Warehouse’s most advanced sleeping bag, boasting a 900g 80/20 Grey Duck Down filling, ensuring you stay warm in the most extreme temperatures. The comfort temperature of the Everest is -3C to - 9C, great for chilly nights to snowy climates. An inner pocket means valuables can be stored safely inside, and with its mummy body shape and foot-well, the sleeping bag has been designed to match your body shape making this the warmest and most comfortable sleeping bag that Mountain Warehouse produce, which is why it has been given their Extreme logo.

Weight - 1.76kg

Dimensions - 220cm (length) x 80cm (head) x 55cm (foot) (open)   

When I’m out at night (in winter) on a night navigation exercise or a search and rescue for example I put this sleeping bag in the bivi bag so all I have to do is roll it out and not search for stuff.

"If you're looking to buy hiking equipment that will keep you warm in the snow on the top of Ronksley Moor this should be on your list".

This cooking system lights with the click of a button and in just over 2 minutes provides two cups of boiling water for cocoa, coffee, instant soup or a gourmet freeze-dried meal. The newly designed burner secures the igniter, protecting it from bumps along the road.

Flash is designed to be one of the safest cooking solutions out there. The cooking cup clips onto the burner, preventing accidental spills, and the fuel canister tripod ensures overall stability. The insulating cozy has a color-changing heat indicator that signals when contents are hot. It’s my favourite piece of kit and new models are coming out all the time. I’m sure I’ll have a two burner stove soon as it looks amazing.

Jetboil cooking system

RAB Group Shelter

The Group Shelter 4-6 is designed as an emergency shelter for 4-6 people, to be used when the storm hits or for planned stops in bad weather.

It’s made using a light-weight and windproof polyester fabric, support is provided by the users within. Features include waterproof seats, weather-resistant ventilation windows and recesses in the roof of the shelter allow poles to be used as braces.

The Group Shelter comes in a safety orange colour and features reflective piping for high-visibility.

This should be a top priority for all hikers in the peaks as it could save your life. I don’t think I’m being too dramatic. I’ve seen people who have twisted or broke an ankle who have needed assistance off the hill by the rescue team. In the time the call goes out the injured person’s body temperature starts to drop making the situation worse – not  

"If you're looking to buy hiking equipment that will keep you alive in emergencies then this should be on your list".

Other items for your hiking equipment list

From the top

  • Hat
  • Headtorch
  • Buff
  • T shirst
  • Second layer
  • Waterproof
  • Gloves
  • Hand torch
  • Trousers
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Gaiters
  • Socks
  • Boots
  • Map
  • Compass
  • Knife
  • whistle
  • headnet
  • midge spray
  • first aid kit
  • Water
  • Food

Then you need to put everything in. I have two rucksacks. A Talon 33 for day hikes and a Talon 70 for longer hikes, like when I completed Adrian's Walk - Roughin it in the Peaks for example.

If you have any comments, questions or tips where to buy hiking equipment then please don't hesitate to contact me. 


Thanks for visiting my Buy hiking equipment page - here's a link to my favourite walks in the Peak District