Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy fresh air and exercise. But to truly enjoy your trek, you need to wear the right gear. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you plan what to wear and pack for a comfortable hike.
While choosing the right footwear and clothing is essential, having the perfect bag can make all the difference. A well-designed backpack helps maintain good balance, reduces strain on your back, and keeps all your hiking essentials in one place, making for a more enjoyable and stress-free adventure.
Pack the Right Clothing for Hiking
When preparing for a hike, layering and choosing the right materials is crucial for ensuring comfort and more importantly maximum enjoyment. Here is a list of what we consider to be the essentials:
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Moisture-wicking base layers
Opting for synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene or natural merino wool, both wick sweat away, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your hike. -
Mid-layers for insulation
A fleece or insulated jacket provides warmth if the wind picks up or if you happen to be hiking in a shaded area. -
A waterproof outer layer
Probably the most essential item if you are hiking in the UK, because we all know it rains a lot! Choose a lightweight waterproof jacket which will also provide protection if it’s windy. -
Spare socks
Wet feet can lead to blisters and therefore discomfort, so pack an extra pair of quick-drying socks. -
A hat and gloves
Protect yourself from the sun in summer and keep warm in cooler temperatures.
Packing spare clothes and layers is a great way to prepare for unpredictable weather. With a comfortable hiking backpack like the Healthy Back Bag, you can carry those extra layers and not worry about additional strain on your back when tackling those inclines.
Wear Supportive Hiking or Walking Footwear
Your footwear choice can make or break your hiking experience, nothing worse than blisters and achy feet when you’re only half way! Wearing supportive hiking boots or shoes is key to preventing injuries and ensuring comfort on long treks.
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Choose hiking boots or walking shoes with good arch support and grip for stability on uneven terrain.
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Wear moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters and keep feet dry.
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Avoid hiking in brand new boots. Top tip is to break them in beforehand to prevent discomfort.
Foot health is directly linked to back health. Poorly supported feet can cause misalignment, leading to back strain. The right footwear, combined with an ergonomic backpack, ensures better posture and reduces stress on your spine.
Wear Your Go-To Accessories
Once you’ve got the right hiking gear and a comfortable backpack sorted, it’s time for accessories. Choosing the right accessories can really enhance your hiking experience and keep you protected from the elements.
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Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from UV rays, especially when hiking in open landscapes. -
A sun hat or beanie
Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. -
Gloves
Essential for cold weather hikes to keep your hands warm and comfortable. -
Walking poles
Help reduce strain on knees and improve balance on steep trails. -
Smaller bags or pouches
These create separate compartments inside your backpack to keep you organised. Our Bagletts are perfect for this as they clip inside our Small, Medium and Large crossbody backpacks. -
Hiking with a dog?
Use handy pouches for treats to keep their snacks separate from your own! -
Waterproof bag cover
Planning to hike no matter the weather? These handy covers ensure the contents of your backpack stay safe & dry.
Hike Wearing a Supportive Crossbody Backpack
A supportive, ergonomic backpack is a game changer for hikers. The Healthy Back Bag (HBB) is designed with comfort in mind, reducing strain on the back and shoulders while ensuring easy access to your belongings. Perfect for when you need to grab an extra layer of clothing or a snack to keep your energy levels up mid hike.
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Ergonomic design – Reduces strain on your spine and promotes better posture. This in turn can help with balance and stability especially when walking on uneven or rocky trails.
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Strategic pockets – Keep your items organised and easily accessible. Store go-to items like water, snacks and your phone in the outer pockets while extra layers of clothing can be packed into the main interior of the bag.
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Lightweight and water resistant – Healthy Back Bags come in a range of materials with the most suitable for the outdoors being Textured Nylon and Tyvek. Both these materials are very lightweight meaning you can carry what you need without the worry of your backpack adding even more weight and strain to your back. Textured Nylon and Tyvek are also weather resistant so if you do encounter a brief shower or two, the contents of your bag will stay protected. If you're likely to experience heavy rain we recommend additional waterproofing spray and a waterproof bag cover.
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Multiple ways to wear it – Helps distribute weight evenly and prevents the bag from swinging on steep trails.
HBB offers Small and Medium, and Large crossbody backpacks to suit different hiking needs and required capacity.
Small (6 Litres) is great for shorter walks (2-4 hours) and in the summer when carrying heavier layers like a fleece may not be necessary.
Medium (9 Litres) is more suited to longer day hikes (4-6 hours) and can accommodate hiking essentials plus extra layers, plenty of snacks and a small first aid kit.
Big Bag (20 Litres) is ideal if it is your preference to carry more and be extra prepared when in outdoors. It would also be well suited to a 6-8 hour walk where you may need to carry a packed lunch, snacks and extra water (no halfway pub stops for you!)
Pack Smart and take the remaining essentials
Once you've got your clothing, equipment and bag ready, don't forget to pack the final necessities to ensure a safe and well-stocked outing - especially the snacks!
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Water – Stay hydrated throughout your hike.
We love Ocean Bottles. Perfect for hot or cold drinks making them ideal for whatever season you’re hiking in. -
Snacks
Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit for a quick boost. -
Map or GPS device
Essential for navigation, especially in remote areas. -
First aid kit
Be prepared for minor injuries. -
Spare clothes and extra layers
Weather conditions can change quickly, so be ready.
A well-packed, supportive bag makes carrying these essentials easy without compromising on comfort.
Reduce Strain and Hike Comfortably Following Our Top Tips
If you follow our advice, you'll have the best hiking experience without compromising on comfort. Always wear warm, protective clothing to shield yourself from the elements and choose a supportive bag to reduce strain on your back. This ensures you’ll stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for the elements. Then all that’s left to do is breathe in the fresh air and enjoy your adventure!
To carry you throughout your hike, browse our supportive crossbody backpacks, perfect for active and outdoor lifestyles. Or, for inspiration for your next hike, check out our friends at The Outdoor Guide who can advise on where to go for stunning sights and routes, whichever suits your ability.