Hiking Gear & Equipment

Heading out for a hike is a great way to explore nature with friends and family, or even by yourself if you fancy some peace and quiet. Whether you want to go deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, you need to go fully prepared to ensure you stay safe out on the trails. But what walking equipment do you need? The weather and the location are key factors when deciding what you need to take with you, as well as how long you're planning on hiking for.

WHAT WALKING EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

GPS equipment: Most Mountain Rescue call outs are down to ill-preparation and one of the areas we fail to prepare on the most is knowing our route. Navigation is a key skill for the outdoors, and these days you can have full GB mapping in the palm of your hand thanks to a walking GPS, but it’s always a good idea to take an OS map and compass with you in case your battery runs out. Basic map reading skills are incredibly important and can help get you back on the right track if you get lost.

Lighting: Whether you’re lost, or you’ve misjudged the time of sunset, walking in the dark can be scary and when you’re out in the pitch black it can also be dangerous if you can't see where you're treading. So, it’s always a good idea to have a walking torch or headlamp in your backpack just in case. Not only can it light the way, but it’s also a great way to signal for help if you need it.

Hydration: You always need to make sure you take enough water with you for your walk, especially on hot days. At Decathlon, we’ve got a range of reusable drinks bottles to choose from, as well as vacuum flasks for that cup of tea at the summit. And if you’re heading backpacking it’s a good idea to take water purification tablets to ensure you’re drinking clean water.

As well as this essential hiking gear, we’ve also got a range of walking equipment extras like walking poles, walkie-talkies and solar chargers to make sure that your phone battery doesn’t die in the middle of nowhere.