The walking gear you need depending on your ability

One of the great joys of walking is its simplicity — you don’t need a gym membership or a lot of expensive kit to get started. Whether you’re exploring gentle local trails or heading out for a multi-day adventure, having the right gear will make the experience safer and more enjoyable.

In our walking gear guide, we explore the essential kit every walker needs — from beginners to seasoned hikers, showing how Boundless membership can help you save along the way.

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Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited free or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Universal walking essentials: What everyone needs

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Whether you’re heading for a gentle stroll or a long hillwalk, there are a few essential pieces of kit that every walker needs. You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive brands, but being comfortable in all weather conditions can make the difference between a walk being enjoyable or a real slog. As Alfred Wainwright famously wrote in A Coast to Coast Walk, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

Comfortable footwear

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The success of any great walk starts with supportive, well-fitting footwear. A decent pair of walking boots is a worthwhile investment for any level of walker. It is essential to ensure your boots or trainers fit well, offer good grip on slippery or uneven terrain, and are properly worn in before tackling longer routes to avoid blisters.

Decent walking boots should provide ankle support to reduce the chances of a sprain or fall on uneven ground, and be waterproof so that your feet stay dry.

Layering

Base layer

Layering is the golden rule of walking. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, such as merino wool, bamboo or a technical polyester fabric to help you stay dry. Cotton holds moisture, so if your top doesn’t dry quickly, you’ll soon feel chilly.

Mid and warm layers

Next, add a mid-layer such as a long-sleeved top or fleece. In cooler weather, you may also want an extra layer of warmth, like an insulated jacket.

Waterproof and windproof out layer

Lastly, finish with a waterproof or windproof jacket — these range in price, but you want one that offers a good level of water resistance and has a hood with a zip and toggles you can pull tight around your face. Even on seemingly mild days, the British weather can turn in an instant, and out on the trail, you’re exposed to the elements so being prepared for sun, wind, rain and even snow is vital.

Trousers or shorts should be quick-drying and comfortable; either walking trousers or leggings are a popular choice among walkers. You might want to pack waterproof trousers for wet days. Lastly, not to forget a good quality pair of walking socks — opt for a pair made with natural fibres such as merino wool as these will keep your feet dry and reduce the chance of blisters.

Daypack and other essentials

Even on a short walk, it is worth carrying a daypack — look for one that fits comfortably with adjustable straps and has a waterproof cover, with space for water, snacks, a map, and a spare layer. Don’t forget sun protection and a fully charged phone or a simple navigation aid to keep you on track.

Younger walkers will benefit from wearing similar loose-fitting clothing and a decent pair of trainers or walking boots. Although we can’t promise they’ll want without complaint, being comfortable is a good place to start.

Once you’ve got those basics sorted and gained confidence and fitness, your kit can evolve as your walks become a little more adventurous.

For a gentle walk all ages will enjoy, WWT nine wetlands centres are fully accessible with wooden walkways. See what’s on at WWT.

As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. The on-site cafés are the perfect spot for tea and cake after a walk, with members getting a 10% discount at WWT’s on-site cafés and shops. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Walking gear for casual walkers on easy trails

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If your walks tend to take you along country lanes, riversides or gentle woodland paths, your gear can stay light and uncomplicated.

A pair of lightweight walking shoes or trail trainers is often all you need — something that breathes well and provides reliable grip. Add comfortable walking trousers or leggings, a quick-drying top, and a packable waterproof jacket, and you’re good to go.

A small daypack (10–15L) will carry your essentials without weighing you down, and if you fancy a bit of extra support on longer strolls, collapsible walking poles can make a surprising difference by offering support and reducing pressure on the knees and lower back.

Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of walking boots or a GPS watch, if you plan to buy new gear before a walk, don’t forget to purchase prepaid shopping cards before you buy to get extra savings from major brands such as adidas, Currys, Decathlon, John Lewis and Sports Direct.

Walking gear for intermediate hikers on moderate terrain

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Once you’re ready to tackle hillier routes and have built up enough fitness and endurance to walk longer distances, your gear needs to work harder. Comfort and protection become even more important and you may want to consider investing in higher-quality gear that offers more technical features.

Look for sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support to keep you steady on uneven ground. Layer up with technical fabrics that help regulate temperature — think a breathable base, a warm fleece mid-layer, and a robust waterproof shell that can handle sudden downpours.

A mid-sized backpack (20–30L) is ideal for carrying extra layers, food, and safety essentials like a map, compass, whistle and first aid kit. Add waterproof overtrousers for changeable conditions, and consider walking poles to protect your knees on longer descents.

Join Boundless Plus

The Ramblers is a great way to continue your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.

Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you.

Walking gear for advanced hikers on challenging expeditions

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Walking in mountainous terrain or a multi-day expedition demands more from both your fitness and your gear. When you’re spending longer outdoors, the more you’ll rely on technical gear that really performs in the elements.

Start with high-performance hiking boots with full waterproofing, reliable grip, and ankle support. Wear them on shorter, local walks first to break them in and prevent blisters — a small step that can save you serious discomfort on longer hikes.

After a long day of walking, why not grab a well-deserved bite to eat? Boundless and Boundless Plus members get free access to tastecard, which enables you to get 2-for-1 dining or 25% off your total bill at thousands of independent and chain restaurants, along with 50% off pizza delivery from selected chains.

Layering

Layer up with technical fabrics, designed for unpredictable weather — again, you’ll want to test that anything you wear is breathable, dries fast, and holds up against the elements. Temperatures can drop rapidly in the hills, and hypothermia can set in fast if you’re wearing damp clothing or lack sufficient warm layers.

If you fancy munro bagging (climbing to the summit of any Scottish mountain 3,000 feet or 914 meters high), don’t forget that with a Boundless Plus membership, you can enjoy unlimited access to over 100 National Trust for Scotland places, including free admission for up to six children per visit and complimentary car parking. Scotland’s more southerly Munro, Ben Lomond, offers a decent challenge for experienced hikers with spectacular views of Loch Lomond.

Backpack

You’ll need a larger backpack (35–50L) to carry all your gear, including spare clothes, food, and (if wild camping) your sleeping and cooking equipment. A water bladder is a handy option as you can sip as you walk, making it easier to stay hydrated without breaking your stride.

Other essentials

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If you’re heading into the wilderness, a headtorch, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a lightweight survival blanket for emergencies is essential. In the winter months, it can be dark as early as 4pm, so a headtorch is important to light the way.

Navigation becomes critical at this level — bring a map, compass, and GPS device, and make sure you know how to use them. Trekking poles, gaiters, and even microspikes for icy conditions can also make challenging routes safer and more enjoyable.

Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, giving access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map, plus thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails.

For adventures off the beaten path, maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.

The real beauty of walking is the freedom it offers to explore spectacular places and you might soon find you’ve got the walking bug.

As your fitness and endurance increases you might like to tackle more challenging routes — this is where a guided Ramblers walk is a good place to start. Led by a trained walking guide, it’s a safe and sociable way to explore new trails. You’ll find hundreds of walks to join across the country, and as a Boundless Plus member, you get unlimited access to the Ramblers.

To find a walk near you, use the Walk Finder — just enter your town or postcode in the search box. You can also explore local Ramblers groups with the Group Finder.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.