She's Going Solo
Solo Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Adventures
Hiking Gear List
Here’s the gear I use on my day hikes, with a short review of each item and links to more detailed reviews where available. I've tried and tested everything featured on my own walks, so these recommendations come from personal experience.
Click on a photo to find out where to buy an item, or use the Amazon button beneath it to check the latest price where available. What you’ll need depends on your route, the season, and the weather, but this is a useful starting point for packing your own hiking rucksack.
And don’t forget your lunch and plenty of snacks!
She's Going Solo may receive commissions for links included in articles to Amazon and other affiliate partners. Recommendations aren't given lightly, and all recommended products have been tried and tested.
Osprey Backpack
Osprey Sirrus 34 Hiking Backpack
I bought the Sirrus 34 because my previous backpack was pulling down on an unresolved shoulder injury, and the comfort difference has been huge. It feels like it sits higher on my back, without that same dragging feeling on my shoulder. Fit is personal, but if you struggle with an uncomfortable pack, I’d recommend trying this one on.
I love the pockets, too. The separate bottom compartment is brilliant for keeping my waterproofs together and easy to reach, while the front and top pockets help organise the smaller bits I carry.
My only niggle so far? I haven’t worked out how to secure my water bladder to the internal clip! That might just be me, but it hasn’t been obvious. Otherwise, I’m really pleased with the switch.
Vivo
Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Hiking Boots
I wear my Vivobarefoot Forest ESC boots for hiking in spring, summer, and autumn. They’re barefoot-style boots with a roomy, foot-shaped fit and a flexible sole that feels different from a traditional, stiffer walking boot.
The Michelin ESC outsole has deep lugs designed for grip on loose and muddy ground, while retaining flexibility and a close-to-the-ground feel. If you’re used to thick, cushioned soles, that difference is worth considering when trying them on.
They’re also water-resistant, not fully waterproof. There’s no traditional waterproof membrane, with the design prioritising breathability and weather resistance instead. Looking after the leather helps keep them in good condition, especially after muddy walks.
In winter conditions, when I want a sturdier sole, I switch to my LOWA boots. The Vivos are my choice for much of the year, but I choose my footwear around the conditions and the route rather than expecting one pair to cover every hike.
I’ll share more about how I’ve found them on my walks, including the fit, comfort and any drawbacks, in a full review coming soon.
Rab Down Jacket
Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
The Rab Microlight Alpine is the down jacket in my hiking kit—a useful extra layer for chilly starts, exposed summits, and lunch stops. Its lightweight down insulation provides warmth without taking up too much room in a rucksack, while the insulated hood adds protection when the temperature drops.
Zipped hand pockets and a chest pocket keep smaller essentials secure. Remember, this is a warm layer rather than a waterproof: the water-repellent finish helps with light moisture, but you’ll still need a waterproof jacket when the rain sets in.
Mountain Equipment Waterproof Coat
Mountain Equipment Saltoro Women’s Waterproof Jacket
The Mountain Equipment Saltoro is the waterproof jacket in my hiking kit. It provides GORE-TEX protection from rain and wind and packs away into a rucksack when you don’t need it—a useful layer for changeable days in the hills.
The adjustable hood, cuffs and hem help keep the weather out, and the underarm zips let you release heat on uphill sections without taking the jacket off. Two roomy zipped pockets also keep essentials within reach.
This is a waterproof shell, not an insulated jacket, so pair it with warmer layers underneath on colder days.
Berghaus Waterproof Trousers
Berghaus Women’s Hillwalker GORE-TEX Waterproof Trousers
The Berghaus Hillwalkers are the waterproof overtrousers in my hiking kit, providing an extra layer of protection when the rain arrives. They’re designed to fit over walking clothes, with an adjustable waist and room around the knees so you can still move freely on steep sections.
The long, two-way side zips make them easier to get on and off and provide ventilation when you’re getting warm on a climb. Adjustable hems help keep the weather out, and they pack into their own internal pocket when you no longer need them—handy for keeping everything together in your rucksack.
Rab Torque Hiking Tights
Rab Women’s Torque Tights
My Rab Torque Tights are hiking leggings designed for rougher terrain, combining stretchy fabric with reinforced knees and shins. That extra protection helps around rocks, while the flexibility lets you take bigger steps on steep paths and scrambles.
They have a wide, elasticated waistband and two open thigh pockets for keeping small items within reach. Bear in mind the pockets aren’t zipped, so keep anything valuable somewhere more secure.
The fabric is breathable and has a water-repellent finish for light moisture, but these aren’t waterproof trousers. I carry my waterproof overtrousers separately for wet weather.
Icebreaker T-Shirt
Icebreaker 150 Tech Lite T-Shirt
My Icebreaker 150 Tech Lite is a lightweight merino hiking T-shirt you can wear on its own in warmer weather or under other layers when it’s cooler. The merino fabric is breathable and naturally odour-resistant—useful for active days outdoors and trips where you don’t want to pack lots of spare tops.
I also think Icebreaker’s winter base layers are amazing. They come in different fabric weights, so you can choose a lighter layer or something thicker for colder days, depending on the conditions and how warm you get while walking.
360Dry Waterproof Socks
360DRY Waterproof Socks
360DRY waterproof socks are part of my hiking kit for wet days and boggy paths. They have a waterproof, breathable membrane between two soft knitted layers, providing an extra barrier against water if moisture gets through your walking shoes or boots.
The stretchy fabric gives them a snug fit, and they’re available in different lengths. Remember that water can still get in over the top, so height matters if you’re walking through deeper water.
To look after them, 360DRY recommends hand-washing and drip-drying—keep them out of the tumble dryer to protect the waterproof membrane. Use code SHESGOINGSOLO15 for 15% off.
Water Filter
Water-to-Go Filter Bottle
My Water-to-Go bottle combines a water bottle and filter, making it a useful addition for hikes where I plan to refill along the route. Follow the instructions to activate and replace the filter, and check which water sources it’s suitable for before filling up.
Get a discount with my code: SHESGOINGSOLO15
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator
My Garmin inReach Mini—also known as Sid—is part of my solo hiking kit. This little satellite communicator lets me send and receive messages and share my location beyond mobile phone coverage, giving me another way to stay in touch in the hills.
It also has an interactive SOS button that connects to Garmin’s emergency response team, allowing me to request help and communicate with them about the situation.
Remember to factor in the satellite subscription costs alongside the device itself. It’s an extra layer of backup for solo adventures, alongside route planning, navigation skills and letting someone know where you’re going.
Lifesytems First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit is a staple in my hiking rucksack, with basics for minor cuts, grazes, and blisters. Check what’s included before buying—ready-made kits vary, and you may want to add blister dressings and any personal medication.
LifesystemsEmergency Shelter
Lifesystems Emergency Shelter
I carry a Lifesystems emergency shelter in case I need to stop unexpectedly or wait for help on the hills. It provides shelter from wind and rain and helps retain body heat when you’re sitting still. It can also provide a welcome sheltered spot for a break in bad weather.
Water Bladder
Water Bladder
A water bladder lets me take regular sips while walking without stopping to get a bottle out of my rucksack. The drinking tube sits within easy reach, which makes keeping hydrated much easier.
My cleaning tip: I use Milton sterilising tablets to freshen mine up. Check your bladder’s care instructions first, follow the dilution and soaking time on the tablet packaging, and let the bladder and tube dry completely before storing.
Compass
Silva Compass
Silva came highly recommended by an excellent mountain leader with years of mountain experience. I carry mine alongside a paper map as a backup to digital navigation. It doesn’t need batteries or a phone signal, but knowing how to use it is essential—practise those map and compass skills before you need them in poor visibility.
Paper Map
Ordnance Survey Paper Map
I carry a paper OS map, as well as the OS map app, of the area alongside my compass, so I’m not relying entirely on my phone for navigation. It’s also useful for seeing the wider landscape and checking alternative routes. Choose a map that covers your whole walk, and keep it in a waterproof map case if it isn’t a weatherproof edition.
360Dry Waterproof Gloves
360DRY Waterproof Gloves
These waterproof, breathable gloves are part of my kit for wet, chilly days in the hills. They’re touchscreen-compatible too, so you can use your phone without taking them off.
Get 15% off with my code: SHESGOOINGSOLO15
Shop 360DRY gloves →
North Face Wooly Hat
The North Face Woolly Hat
My North Face woolly hat is a simple extra layer for chilly starts, windy summits and lunch stops. It takes up very little space in my rucksack and is easy to pull on when the temperature drops.
Gaitors
Berghaus Gaiters
My Berghaus gaiters protect my lower legs and boot tops on muddy paths and through wet grass. They keep mud, debris, and splashes out of my boots and save my walking trousers from some of the mess—especially on boggy routes.
Toilet Bag
I always take this on day hikes or camps. It comprises a trowel, toilet paper, wipes and spare sandwich bags. Please always follow the Leave No Trace principles: carry out any paper, and always bury any number 2s.
Anker Battery Pack
Anker Power Bank
I carry an Anker power bank to top up my phone on longer hikes, especially when I’m using it for maps and taking plenty of photos. Remember to charge it before you head out and pack the right cable—easy to forget, but it's not much use without it!
