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Safe Walker Equipment |
EQUIPMENT Even on fairly straightforward
walks with no intention of camping, any party in rough country should carry the items
listed below. It is best to carry your own equipment in your own rucksack so that you are
not reliant on others and remain adequately equipped even if separated. • Boots • Waterproofs • Gloves, Hat and Spare
Clothing • Maps • Compass • Whistle • Polythene bag - Adult
size, 500 gauge for emergency shelter • Food and Drink • First Aid • Torch, spare batteries and
spare bulb • Rucksack 1. BOOTS Good boots need to be neither
expensive nor heavy but should have a composition rubber sole designed for the mountains.
Boots have undergone something, of a revolution in recent years and a dazzling, even
confusing, selection is available. Most good mountain equipment shops will offer sound
advice. When choosing a pair spend some
time in ensuring a good fit; too small will cramp, too large will blister. Boots are best
fitted with thick soft hill socks on. As a general rule, choose the lightest pair of boots
that will do the job! 2. CLOTHING Clothing on the hill needs to do
two things: it must provide protection from the rain and wind and it must insulate from
the cold by retaining warm air close to the skin. In addition, well-made and designed
clothes should be strong but light, permit plenty of movement without restriction, and
should "breathe" to allow perspiration to escape. The Insulating Layers The traditional material for body
insulation is wool. Woollen shirts, trousers, socks, sweaters, mittens and hats are all
commonly available and make excellent mountain clothing. These are all rivalled now
however by garments made from modern artificial fabrics such as fibre-pile, polypropylene
and polyester fibres. In general these materials are lighter and dry more quickly than
wool. The Protective Layer No matter how much thought has
been put into your insulating layers they will not keep you warm if exposed to wind or
rain. In our cold, wet and windy climate, a waterproof and windproof anorak and over
trousers are our most important pieces of equipment. Literally dozens of materials and
designs are available, but your money is probably best spent at first buying something
simple, hardwearing and waterproof. Anoraks made of materials, which ‘breathe’
as well as being fully waterproof, are excellent but expensive too. 'Breathability' is
worth it if you can afford it but is by no means essential. Fabrics that
‘breathe’ allow water vapour to evaporate instead of condensing on the inside of
the waterproof shell, which wets clothing and increases heat loss. 3. FOOD AND DRINK Have a hearty breakfast before
you set out and take something rich in carbohydrates for lunch - sandwiches, biscuits,
jam, chocolate, nuts, raisins, cake etc. Eating between meals may be discouraged at home
but it is commendable on the hill, gradually replacing a little of the energy you are
expending. Another good habit is to carry some emergency food, which like your first aid
kit lives in your rucksack but is rarely needed. This should contain chocolate, sweets,
glucose tablets, dried fruit or anything that will provide quick energy and comfort if
things go wrong. The same morale boost can be
provided by a hot drink from a thermos; try sweet tea, coffee, soup or orange juice. In hot weather take plenty of
liquid to combat dehydration, drinking little but often. Paradoxically on the days
when you are most thirsty the water level in streams and lakes is low - a time when it is
not advisable to drink from them. 4. RUCKSACKS, PACKING AND
CARRYING Rucksacks for hill walking come
in all shapes and sizes, but almost all are adequate as long as they are approximately the
right size, the straps are well adjusted and they are comfortably packed. For heavy loads
(e.g. when camping) those rucksacks with a hip belt are an advantage, allowing the weight
to be taken on the hips as well as the shoulders. Below is a list of equipment that I take when heading for the hills
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Safe Walker