Motivating you to make a difference to your personal life, wellbeing and mental health through nature

Encouraging you to protect, respect and teach others about our fragile, natural environment through adventure

Inspiring a connection between people of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and the great outdoors

Gear and Packing List

This hiking gear and packing list has accumulated over many years of my outdoor activities. It’s by no means a complete list (because a lot would depend on your trip details), but it is a very extensive list of items that will be useful to you.

Tailor the gear and packing list based on the length and type of hiking trip for example; day hike, multiday thru-hike, backpacking, wild camping etc.

Below is a detailed checklist of items you may require when travelling around the UK (or even internationally). You can add or remove items from the checklist according to your personal requirements and comfort. (Subject to the type of hike, number of days, weather and destination)

So, if you’re new to hiking and outdoor adventures, this gear and packing list will be useful. Also, very handy for regular hikers and adventure seekers.

Why camping is good for you

Travel Documents

  • Driver’s license

  • Passport

  • Visas for entry

  • Trip itinerary or plans

  • Reservation confirmations

  • Contact phone numbers

  • Medical & health card

  • Travel insurance

*Always make a copy of important documents and store them separate to the originals.

Clothing Gear

  • Rain jacket

  • Rain trousers

  • Fleece top / jacket

  • Fast drying t-shirts

  • Fast drying shorts / trouser

  • Base layer top

  • Base layer bottom

  • Wool or synthetic socks

  • Underwear

  • Beanie hat

  • Sun-visor cap

  • Neck windstopper / scarf

  • Gloves

  • Insulated jacket (winter)

  • Hiking boots

  • Sandals or other for camp

  • Sleep wear

  • Swimwear

  • Fast drying towel

Sleep & Cook Gear

  • Tent / Hammock / Bivvy

  • Fly sheet

  • Ground sheet

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad / mattress

  • Compressible pillow

  • Stove

  • Cooking pot kit

  • Lightweight spork (spoon & fork combo)

  • Meals – breakfast & dinner

  • Trail mix / energy bars

  • Tea bags / coffee / hot choc

  • Matches / lighter / flint

  • Multi-tool with knife

  • Or pocket knife

  • Lightweight mug

  • Zip-lock bags

  • Fast dry wash cloth

Emergency & Repair

  • Paracord

  • Zip ties

  • Gorilla glue

  • Duck tape

  • Needle & thread

  • Emergency blanket

  • First aid kit

Personal Items

  • Mobile phone

  • Action cam / camera

  • Memory cards

  • Camera batteries

  • Chargers

  • Power cables / plugs

  • Electric adapter / converter

  • Portable power pack

  • Garmin / Navigation device

  • Currency in cash

  • Credit card

  • Sunglasses

Travel Kit Bags

  • Travel suitcase / duffel

  • Hip pack / waist pouch

  • Backpack

  • Daypack

  • Dry bags various sizes

  • Protective rain covers

  • Musette / packable bag

  • Safe secure wallet

All the items on this gear and packing list are weather dependent, and I recommend to always pack at least one set of clothing for cooler-than-anticipated weather conditions.

Even in the summer, evenings and nights can be cooler than you might think. Up on the mountains, weather conditions can change within minutes and change multiple times within an hour!

Adventure Gear

  • GPS device / paper map

  • Compass

  • Water bottle

  • Water filter system

  • Lightweight shovel

  • Headlamp / torch (bring extra batteries)

  • Hiking / trekking poles

  • Writing pad & pen

Hygiene & Health

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Ibuprofen / pain relief

  • Prescription medication

  • Hand sanitiser / wipes

  • Insect repellent

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm (weather dries skin)

  • Moisturiser (weather dries skin)

  • Biodegradable tissue / toilet paper

  • Earplugs

  • Personal hygiene items

Always remember to practice “Leave No Trace.” Leave No Trace is one of the most significant elements to practice for the benefit of other outdoor users and for our precious environment.

Gadgets and gear I carry on hikes

Connect on Social Media for more inspiration and ideas

Along with the content on this website, I regularly post outdoor information, videos, photographs and adventure advice on the various social media channels. You can connect with me below.

The Project Weekly Email Newsletters are free and packed with useful information – Sign up here

YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/shameershahproject
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shameer_shah/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/539399062923367/
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/shameerdshah
Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/4o0XT2vD54ujXSfCCLsBJr
Anchorhttps://anchor.fm/naturekicks

I post new material and content on these channels regularly for the benefit of all my fans, followers and supporters. Not only is it a great way to interact and communicate with each other instantly, but also a way for you to be inspired by my daily and weekly micro-adventures and bigger adventures.

Shameer Shah
Shameer ShahFounder | Outdoor Leader & Guide | Photographer

Download my Guidebook
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Beginners guide to adventures

What’s included

  • Core principles

  • How the project got started

  • Benefits of adventure

  • Micro-adventure v Big adventure

  • Types of adventures

  • Destinations for adventures

  • Leave no trace

  • When to go and stay

  • Activity planner

  • Gear checklist

  • And lots more…

Reviews

Great experience

03/03/2025

Wonderful 5 mile walk in a stunning area. Shameer is an exprienced guide who knows not only the best places but also how to keep people safe during the walks. So important for a beginner to know who you can trust.

Alberta Mezzacapo
Verified

From City Mouse to Mighty Country Mouse

23/08/2024

The universe and Algorithms had other ideas and all have played their part in my discovery of the wonderful hiker enthusiast Shameer Shah. I am writing this having gone on a 7 mile walk with the kindest, most engaging tribe of people and we all felt comfortable safe and seen by our wonderful guide Shameer. So why this very long review ….well it’s the backdrop to my call to every curious soul out there. Don’t limit yourself until you’re perfect, instead go out in the world with all your messy baggage. There are people and places to help you reimagine the art of living and Shameer Shah is one of them. Finally in a contrary society which swings from left to right, choose nature which never judges and only presents you with the utopia of a beautiful and blended world. Thank you Shameer Shah.

Cathy Francourt
Verified

Perfect Hike in the Chilterns with Great Company

16/08/2024

Had an incredible 7-mile hike in the Chilterns with Shameer! The views were stunning, the weather was perfect, and the company was top-notch. Shameer’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this hike for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors!

Den
Verified

Tailored hike fantastic

13/08/2024

Superb weekend Shameer. I’ve been following you on socials for a while but never got around to joining a hike. I’m so glad I did with some family members and friends. What a great day out hiking 12 miles in an area we didn’t know existed!! Well organised, great comms before hike and a fantastic day of learning so much. We will organise an autumn hike as mentioned.

Andre Shaw and friends
Verified

First time hiking camping

23/07/2024

Shameer is very friendly, lovely to chat with and a professional all-round guide. It was my family’s first time to go camping and hiking over a few days. We arrived overwhelmed, but from the first 15 mins were at ease with Shameer after he spoke about all the health and safety. The hiking was perfect for the family, not too difficult and the camping was so comfortable. Shameer is also an expert cook as he fed us delicious food made at the campsite. We will be talking about this trip for years to come and must join you on another! Thank you so much.

Rachna V.
Verified

Nature’s magnificence

+44 (0) 7887 577749

If you know wilderness in the way that you know love, you would be unwilling to let it go. This is the story of our past and it will be the story of our future.

Terry Tempest Williams, Writer