Required kit for trekking
Ben Barwick is a UKA Coach in Running Fitness and works for Mind’s training partner, Full Potential. The team at Full Potential are on hand to help #TeamMind get ready for their active challenges.
How much kit you need for trekking will depend on how long you’ll be walking for. We’re going to keep this list as minimal as possible, and you can always add to it as you progress in your training.
How do I find the right walking shoes?
It’s essential to invest in the right walking boots to ensure that your feet are comfortable. Your footwear should be appropriate for your challenge.
If you’re doing a challenge that will involve repeated climbing and descending or uneven paths, we recommend choosing walking boots that have high ankle support and a stiff heel to give lateral (side-to-side) support to your feet.
When buying walking boots or shoes, please remember:
- Try boots/shoes on at the end of the day, as your feet swell throughout the day. It can be a good idea to get trekking shoes or boots half a size bigger than your normal size, to allow your feet to swell.
- Always wear socks, and if possible, the same socks you’ll be wearing when walking.
- Make sure you try a range of different footwear brands.
- Always try both boots on, as many people have one foot slightly bigger than the other!
We recommend going to a specialist retailer and getting advice on the right boots or shoes for you.
Do I need poles?
Walking poles can help your legs – in particular your knees – immensely, especially when you’re going downhill. We recommend talking to specialist staff in store to find the right ones for you and your challenge. Do you need them to be lightweight? Do you need them to last? There is a range from budget to very expensive. Think about what’s right for you.
What should I wear?
- Layers. Layering is the best approach – that way you can adapt between trekking in the morning when it may be cold, to the mid-afternoon when temperatures reach their peak and then drop back down at night.
- Trekking shirts. We recommend short sleeve and long sleeve shirts. The ideal fabric is a breathable, lightweight and quick-drying polyester, merino, or nylon. Make sure that your shirts are not cotton.
- Hiking trousers and shorts. There’s also convertible trousers available that can change to shorts.
- Windbreaker. You should have a wind-proof jacket as a shell layer. You want this to be relatively light (not a winter jacket), but still warm and sturdy.
- Waterproofs. You should have a waterproof jacket and pair of trousers. They need to withstand any rain that you will encounter.
- Hat. You should bring a lightweight, easy-to-store sun hat with a wide brim to protect your head, face and neck from sunburn.
- Gloves. A lightweight, waterproof pair are useful to keep your hands warm in cooler conditions or protected if the sun is strong.
- Socks. We recommend investing in some hiking socks and carrying spares during the event.
- Rucksack. Good rucksacks are designed to transfer load weight to your hips.
- Water bottles/hydration bladder. You should aim to drink 2 or more litres of water a day, depending on the trekking conditions. To carry 2 or more litres of water each day, you can either use 2 × 1-1.5 litre bottles or a hydration bladder system that holds 2-3 litres of liquid.
Other things to pack
- Sweat-resistant sun cream. Don’t just get any sunscreen. You’ll need a high SPF (at least factor 30). Sweat-resistant sun cream is especially useful as you’ll be exerting yourself. A sun protection lip balm is useful too.
- Insect repellent. A basic insect repellent is essential.
- Wet wipes. Great for cleaning your hands and face, and for wiping down your body after a long day trekking.
- Dry plastic bags. Bring a few large, medium, and small plastic bags that you can use to separate your wet and dry kit. Use zip-lock bags for small items like your wallet, money, camera or passport.
- Blister plasters. Trekking up to 4-5 hours a day can sometimes result in painful and debilitating blisters. Treat blisters early and take immediate measures to reduce friction.
#TeamMind kit
When you sign up to take part in one of the treks we advertise on our website, we’ll get in touch to find out if you’d like a free Mind technical t-shirt. If you haven’t received the top you requested in the post, please reach out to our events team.
If you’ve got your own place in a trek or if you’re doing a personal trekking challenge, you can get in touch to ask us about a cotton t-shirt or a technical t-shirt.
Technical and cotton t-shirts are also available to buy on Mind’s online shop.
Physical activity and mental health
We know physical activity can be an amazing way to support mental health. However, it isn’t helpful for everyone all the time. It’s important to recognise that some people can develop an unhealthy relationship with physical activity. Anyone can develop an unhealthy relationship with exercise. But this may be more likely if you have certain types of mental health problems.
Tips for developing a healthy relationship with physical activity
Important: disclaimer
Please read this information carefully:
Full Potential is an independent service provider. Mind does not endorse or guarantee the services of Full Potential, and you take part in a training programme recommended by Full Potential at your own risk.
It’s your responsibility to consult with your GP to make sure that you’re medically and physically fit and well enough to take part in a Full Potential training programme and – as per our terms and conditions – your fundraising challenge. Mind will not be held responsible for any injury or illness related to your training or taking part in a fundraising event.
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