Before the boots go on
Hiking Kit List
A practical starting checklist for a day on Dartmoor or the South West Coast Path. Adapt what you carry to your route, the forecast and the time of year.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable walking footwear with good grip, suited to the ground
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm spare layers, hat and gloves when needed
- Sun protection for exposed days
Food and drink
- Enough drinking water for the route and conditions
- Lunch, snacks and some spare food
- A flask if you enjoy a warm drink on a break
A pub stop is a bonus, but it’s worth packing what you need for the walk itself.
Navigation and communication
- A map and compass, and the skills to use them
- Downloaded offline mapping and your planned route
- A charged phone and a power bank for longer days
- Your route and expected return time shared with someone
Useful extras
- A torch or headtorch
- A basic first-aid kit
- Waterproof protection for spare clothing and electronics
- A bag to carry your litter home
Make the checks as well as packing the bag
Read the Dartmoor safety guide and the South West Coast Path safety guide before planning your day. Equipment is only part of preparation: route choice, conditions and knowing when to turn back matter too.
What about brands?
This is a general packing checklist. My personal equipment reviews and brand recommendations will be added separately once I’ve shared the details of the kit I use.
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