Why the right kit matters on your first walks
Most first-time hikers underestimate how quickly a walk can change. A sunny start can turn into rain on an exposed ridge, a path can become muddy and slippery, and a few hours on uneven ground will show up every weak point in your footwear. Good kit does not need to be expensive, but it does need to be suitable for the conditions you are likely to meet in the British countryside, where wind, drizzle and wet ground are common through most of the year.
Before you buy anything, focus on three things: footwear that fits and grips, a waterproof outer layer you can pack away, and a small bag that carries water, food and a basic first aid kit. Start with short, well-marked routes and build up gradually. This approach lets you learn what you actually need, rather than filling a basket with equipment you will never use on the trail.
How to choose the right gear
Start with footwear, because it has the biggest effect on comfort. Walking boots or shoes with a firm sole and good grip suit most beginners, especially on wet or rocky paths. Try them on in the afternoon, when feet are slightly larger, and wear the socks you plan to walk in. Your toes should have a little room at the front, and your heel should not lift when you walk downhill. Check the fit on a slope if the shop allows it. Ankle support is useful on rough ground, but stiff boots need breaking in, so avoid buying a new pair the week before a long walk.
Next, think about layers rather than single heavy items. A base layer that wicks sweat, a fleece or light insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell can be combined to suit changing weather. The trade-off is weight and bulk: a thick fleece is warm in a cold wind but uncomfortable on a warm climb. Look for a waterproof jacket with a hood and taped seams, and check that it has pockets you can reach while wearing a rucksack. Cotton holds water and chills quickly, so avoid it for the main layers. Hiking socks made from merino or synthetic blends reduce blisters and keep feet drier than standard socks.
Test your boots, socks and waterproof on a short local walk before you commit to a longer route.
From the editors
The most common mistakes are buying too much at once, choosing fashion-led footwear for rough ground, and skipping a test walk. Many beginners also carry too little water or forget to pack a torch, a map or an offline route, even on short trips. Keep the pack light, but never leave out the essentials: water, a warm layer, a waterproof, snacks, and something to navigate with. A well-chosen small kit is safer and more comfortable than an overstuffed one.
What to put on your list
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Walking boots or hiking shoes
Choose a pair with a supportive sole, good grip and a fit that suits your foot shape. Break them in on short walks before attempting longer routes.
Search termswalking boots · hiking shoes · waterproof footwear · ankle support
Our recommendationregatta.comBest for outdoor kitWaterproof jacket
A lightweight waterproof shell with a hood and sealed seams keeps wind and rain off on exposed ground. Look for pockets you can reach while wearing a rucksack.
Search termswaterproof jacket · hooded shell · rain jacket · outdoor clothing
Our recommendationregatta.comBest for outdoor kitHiking socks
Socks made from merino or synthetic blends reduce friction and help keep feet dry. Pack a spare pair for longer walks.
Search termshiking socks · merino socks · walking socks · blister prevention
Our recommendationtotes.co.ukGood for comfort extrasWarm gloves
Lightweight gloves are useful for cool mornings and windy summits. Choose a pair that still lets you handle a map or zip.
Search termswalking gloves · warm gloves · windproof gloves · cold weather
Our recommendationtotes.co.ukGood for comfort extrasDay rucksack
A small pack of around 20 litres carries water, food and layers without overloading you. Check that the straps and back panel are comfortable when filled.
Search termsday rucksack · hiking backpack · water carrier · small pack
A practical plan for your first shop
Begin with your footwear, since that decision affects everything else. Visit regatta.com to compare walking boots and outdoor clothing in one place, which makes it easier to match a waterproof jacket with the boots you prefer. If you want a more casual, everyday shoe that still works on gentle paths, clarks.com offers a range of shoes and boots worth comparing with the fit guidance in this guide. Next, add comfort items such as hiking socks and warm gloves from totes.co.uk, which stocks socks and gloves that suit cold, damp walks. Once you have the main pieces, add a rucksack and a water bottle from a dedicated outdoor retailer, then test the full kit on a short local walk before any longer trip.
Before you order
- Try on boots or shoes in the afternoon, wearing the socks you will walk in.
- Check that your toes have room and your heel does not lift on a slope.
- Confirm the waterproof jacket has a hood, taped seams and pockets you can reach with a pack on.
- Pack a spare pair of socks, a warm layer and a waterproof for every walk.
- Check the forecast and plan a route suited to your experience and daylight hours.
- Carry enough water and snacks for the full distance, plus a small first aid kit.
- Test the full kit on a short local walk before attempting a longer trail.
The stores at a glance
regatta.com
Best for outdoor kitRegatta covers walking boots, waterproof jackets, fleeces and camping gear, so you can buy the core pieces in one place.
Recommended for Walking boots or hiking shoes and Waterproof jacket
totes.co.uk
Good for comfort extrasTotes stocks socks and gloves, which are useful for blister prevention and cold mornings on the trail.
Recommended for Hiking socks and Warm gloves
clarks.com
Everyday walking shoesClarks offers shoes and boots that suit gentler paths and daily wear, though they are less specialised than dedicated hiking footwear.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need expensive walking boots as a beginner?
Not necessarily. What matters most is fit, grip and support for the terrain you plan to walk on. Try boots on in the afternoon with the socks you will wear and check that your heel does not lift on a slope.
Are trainers enough for a first hike?
For gentle, dry, well-maintained paths, a sturdy pair of trainers may be enough. On wet, muddy or rocky ground, a boot or shoe with a firmer sole and better grip is safer and more comfortable.
What should I carry on a short day walk?
Carry water, some food, a warm layer, a waterproof, a torch, a basic first aid kit and a way to navigate, such as a map or offline route. Pack for changing weather, even if the forecast looks fine.
Should I buy all my kit at once?
It is better to build up gradually. Start with footwear and a waterproof layer, then add items as you learn what you find uncomfortable or what you wish you had brought on your walks.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
