Sundries

Visit the Happy Hiker Hiking Store to buy hiking sundries.

You do not have to have all the following, except for a watch to monitor progress. They all add to the weight. However, the items are recommended (not in any particular order of preference).

1) The best way to look after maps when walking is to use a proper map case. This needs to be waterproof and after trying various kinds over the years, my personal favourite is the Ortlieb Map CaseOrtleib. This is not the cheapest type but I have found Ortleib to genuinely waterproof and I think my OS maps are worth looking after. Sometimes the Ortleib cases can be hard to source in shops but are worth seeking out. Aquqpac also recommended, which was my last purchase..

2) First Aid.

Suggested items:

• 12 plasters in various sizes

• A large sterile dressings for severe bleeding

• 1 medium sterile dressing for care of larger wounds

• 2 triangular bandages to support suspected broken bones, dislocations or sprains

• An eye pad

• Safety pins to secure dressings

• Disposable gloves for good hygiene

• Tweezers and/or tick removal tool

• Anti-histamine cream for insect bites/stings

• Lip-salve - cold winds can be very drying.

• Sun cream - decant some into a small bottle. It is easy to underestimate the power of the sun at especially at altitude where the air may be clearer and the breeze gives a false temperature impression.

You can buy ready made first aid kits or make up your own. A small zip bag of some sort is useful to contain it.

3) Small foam mat about 35cm sq. on which to sit for sandwiches.They weigh next to nothing, cost little and greatly increase comfort by keeping your bum dry and insulating it from cold/wet ground. They greatly widen the options for picnic stops. See examples of  foam mats.

4) Small Torch - especially for longer winter walks  - small "wind up" ones are now available which get round the problem of batteries getting "past it" and some will also provide emergency power for mobile phones. Modern LED torches make for much longer battery life. Consider especially a head torch which will leave hands free. Torches are useful for attracting assistance if you are stuck in the dark - see Safety.

5) Whistle - to summon help in an emergency. They cost and weigh little. See the main menu section on Safety.

6) Mobile phones - again a useful emergency measure for summoning rescue services. Forgetting your sandwiches is not an emergency! Some mobile phones now offer a GPS facility which can be used to aid navigation.

7) Insect repellant - can be useful on warm muggy days, near water and especially in Scotland. Only compositions which contain DEET have any realistic chance of working. Some people report a good deal of success using Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray (previously known as Woodland Fresh) as a repellant for midges in Scotland.

8) Survival "Bivi" Bag - large strong plastic bags which will accommodate a person. These could save your life if you are stranded/injured etc on a mountainside in inclement weather as they will keep you dry and warmer. Unfortunately, they are rather heavy. They are perhaps something to take on mountain expeditions but leave behind on low level walks. Examine one and see what you think.

9) Sunglasses - Do not underestimate the glare. Even in winter and especially if snowy, sunglasses may be necessary.

10) Small camera - Nowadays many use phones for photos. However, it could be worth saving a phone's power for emergencies!

11) A pedometer - Some swear by these, some swear at them! Theoretically useful to gauge how far you have walked. The problem is that they have to be calibrated to your step and of course this varies according to the terrain.

12) A watch - This should be regarded as essential. It will enable you to monitor progress against expectation and available daylight.

13) Small binoculars - These are useful if you are interested in wildlife and can be useful for spotting a far off stile if you are not certain as to directions.

Visit the Happy Hiker Hiking Store to buy hiking sundries.

All information on this site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.