On the hill
Why your hillwalking packing system matters
In this post we’ll cover how to build a simple, repeatable packing system that keeps you warm, safe and confident on UK hill days.
The problem this solves
Most hillwalkers learn about packing the hard way: shivering through a long lunch stop because your spare layer is buried, rummaging for a headtorch in the clag, or discovering your first aid kit is still in last week’s rucksack. Small faffs add up on the hill, and a poor packing system makes everything slower just when you need to move efficiently.
The core idea: “Layers & Lifesavers” hillwalking packing system
Think of your pack in two layers: items you’ll use often, and items you hope you never need. Frequently used kit sits at the top or in outer pockets; emergency items live deeper in the pack, fully protected in dry bags. If you remember one thing: warmth and safety items should be easy to find in bad weather, with cold hands and a busy brain.
How to pack a hillwalking daypack step by step
Here’s how to turn the idea into a reliable hillwalking packing routine.
- Before you leave home: Lay out your kit. Check waterproofs, insulation, gloves, map/compass, headtorch, first aid and food. Do a quick mental run-through of the day.
- At the car park: Ensure waterproofs and warm layers are accessible. Confirm navigation tools and torch are within reach.
- On the route: At key decision points, check layers, weather changes, and whether you need to adjust access to waterproofs or insulation.
Common hillwalking packing mistakes & how to avoid them
A few errors crop up again and again: waterproofs buried at the bottom of the pack; spare insulation not in a dry bag; carrying too much scattered kit with no system; and constantly forgetting where you stored items on this particular walk. The fix is simple—give everything a home and keep it there every time.
A real trip example
On a spring day in the Lakes, a blue-sky start turned into sleet and 40mph gusts on the ridge. Because my pack followed this system, the transition was seamless: waterproofs from the top, gloves from the usual lid pocket, map already to hand. No faff, no panic—just adapting and moving. A friend without a system spent precious minutes rummaging in the wind, getting colder by the second.
Key takeaways
- Pack with a system, not a mood.
- Separate layers you’ll use from lifesavers you hope you won’t.
- Do a 30-second car-park check before every walk.