Sample kit lists

Listed below are a couple of examples of kit that we have taken on tours in the past.

KIT LIST FOR A WEEK’S WALKING HOLIDAY IN SLOVAKIA IN AUGUST

Sufficient for walking in  the mountains below 2,000m, at around 20-30 degrees, in variable weather.

Baggage:

small, wheeled duffle bag and Osprey Talon 22 day sac for walks (22 litres capacity, includes waterproof cover) or large rucksac with detachable day sac (Gelert Jet-Set 60+15 litres or similar) if backpacking

Walking wear and equipment:

  • lightweight North Face waterproof jacket and Berghaus waterproof trousers
  • lightweight Rab Primaloft jacket, with hood and own stuff sac
  • merino wool base layer (Icebreaker or similar), long sleeved and short sleeved merino wool t shirt – choose depending on weather (t shirt can be worn on top if it turns cold)
  • lightweight cargo-style walking trousers with zip-off legs – no need to take separate trousers and shorts
  • buff – can be used as head cover
  • peaked hat, or baseball cap
  • walking socks (Bridgedale, or similar)
  • walking poles
  • water bottle, or hydration system
  • sunglasses
  • Thermos flask
  • mobile phone
  • map, and/or satellite navigation system
  • torch, whistle, Swiss army knife, or similar
  • first aid kit – should include: bandage, antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, plasters, insect repellent, safety pins, painkillers, sun cream
  • camera
  • spare laces

Other gear and equipment for evenings and non-walking days:

  • sweater, or lightweight fleece
  • 2-3 t shirts, shirts, or vest tops
  • lightweight cotton/linen trousers, cotton skirt/sarong as appropriate
  • underwear
  • sleepwear
  • at least one extra pair of walking socks
  • lightweight shoes – espadrilles, or the ubiquitous crocs (what they lack in style, they gain in utility value)
  • toiletries – collect small bottles from hotels (or re-use from Bodyshop) for shampoo, conditioner, lotion etc, toothbrush (use child’s if weight is an issue), toothpaste, shaving gear, fragrances and any medicines
  • mobile charger – vital but often overlooked
  • spare batteries – vital but often overlooked
  • towel(s) – unless weight is crucial, use a “normal” towel; lightweight ones are easy to pack but feel like a damp chamois

Guilty pleasure:

iPad – easy to carry, all-in-one, lightweight information and entertainment system that also lets you  keep an ongoing diary of your trip and gives you access to a library of books, without having to cart heavy notebooks and paperbacks with you….

KIT LIST FOR 10 DAY CYCLING SCOTTISH ISLAND TOUR (ARRAN, ISLAY, JURA) IN AUGUST

3 dry, 3 variable, 4 wet days.

Bike:

Marin Larkspur hybrid, fitted with pannier rack, comfort saddle and puncture liners in tyres

Baggage:

  • 2 large rear Ortlieb panniers – not cheap, but waterproof, commodious, detachable
  • 1 small triangular frame bag
  • 1 combined bottle and pump carrier

Equipment:

  • cycle computer
  • mini pump
  • 2 spare tubes – necessary for biking in isolated areas
  • puncture repair kit
  • multi tool and chain tool
  • lock
  • lights
  • spare batteries
  • first aid kit – including, bandage, antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, plasters, insect repellent, safety pins, painkillers, sun cream
  • maps – a handlebar-mounted map case can be useful
  • mobile phone
  • camera

Biking wear:

  • helmet
  • cycling glasses with separate lenses
  • Altura lightweight, waterproof jacket – folds into pocket stuff sac
  • Altura lightweight, waterproof trousers
  • Endura baggy shorts – with numerous pockets and padded, detachable inners
  • merino wool base layer (Icebreaker or similar), long sleeved and short sleeved merino wool t shirt – choose depending on weather (t shirt can be worn on top if it turns cold)
  • buff – can be used as head cover in emergencies
  • woollen socks – better in wet than cotton or other fabrics
  • lightweight approach shoes/boots – waterproof and ideal for walking, should you break down, suffer an emergency etc, but footwear  does depend on personal choice and type of pedals
  • cycling gloves – but most are useless when wet (fingerless, woollen Aran mittens, bought en route, proved invaluable in the rain)
  • spare laces

Other gear and equipment for evenings and non-biking days:

  • sweater/sweatshirt
  • spare t shirt/shirt/vest top
  • lightweight cotton/linen trousers, cotton skirt/sarong as appropriate
  • underwear
  • sleepwear
  • extra pair of socks
  • lightweight shoes – espadrilles, or the ubiquitous, ugly-but-useful crocs
  • toiletries – small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion etc (should be provided if staying in hotels/B&Bs), child’s toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving gear, fragrances and any medicines
  • mobile charger
  • lightweight towel – only if necessary and if not using hotels/B&Bs

Guilty pleasure:

iPad – easy to carry, all-in-one, lightweight information and entertainment system that also lets you keep an ongoing diary of your trip and gives you access to a library of books, without having to cart heavy notebooks and paperbacks with you….