What kit do I need for an 18km hike?

[MummyInTheNecropolis]

I’ve never done one before but I am fit and healthy, do loads of exercise every day and love walking so I really want to do this, but I don’t know what to wear? Obviously I will need to buy some hiking shoes/boots but what else? Can I wear my usual leggings, T-shirt and hoodie? I have a waterproof coat and a backpack. I’m guessing I should wear layers so that I can add/remove as needed? Any other advice?

All sounds good so far. Layers are definitely the way to go. I will add: thick socks. I don't do a huge amount of hiking but when I do it makes a big difference to have well-fitting, supportive boots/shoes and at least two pairs of socks as well, to cushion the feet and absorb sweat, water etc. Spare socks are not a bad idea, plus hat and gloves in case the weather deteriorates. Take water with you and some snacks. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Have a phone with you, charged up and switched on. Have a great time!

It’s less than 12 miles, so you can walk that in less than four hours.

Assuming your hike is over reasonable terrain, you shouldn’t need any particularly special clothing, since you’ll be wearing waterproofs. Your leggings will be fine, and as you say, wear layers.

Take small first aid kit - including blister plasters.

Enjoy it.

Make sure your shoes/boots are very well broken in. Depending on terrain, walking shoes (more like trainers) might be more comfortable. Would echo above that socks are very important - merino wool are best. Add various layers and a poncho in case it pours.

Thank you both, great advice, I hadn’t thought about socks so will add those to the list! It is a group hike with an experienced leader so I (hopefully) won’t get lost and first aid is provided.

what type of location are you going to? Is this hillwalking? I jog that kind of distance in my local forest all year round usually in shorts and t shirt above 8c and I take water and a couple of energy gels and my phone but I’d be a lot more prepared for similar distance solo walking in the cairngorms. I think the main thing is to try and anticipate how long you think this will take you and that will depend on your fitness, usual pace and the terrain.

Seen your update, you could ask the leader for a kit list. And make sure you have plenty of snacks!

Will you be carrying a rucksack? Get used to wearing it before. What kind of paths will you be walking on? Take plasters, plenty of water and good snacks.

It’s in the South Downs. Some hills but it’s designed for beginners and does specify that they will take it slow on the hills and won’t leave anyone behind! It is a whole day outing, stopping off halfway to eat a packed lunch and then a stop off at a pub for a drink at the end. So I don’t think it will be too strenuous or treacherous! They do offer much longer hikes as well but I thought this sounded like a good one to start off with. Thanks again for all the advice.

Then your main concern should be properly fitting and properly broken-in boots and good socks.

I walk this distance and more often here in Scotland. You don’t need special kit. Dry-fit t shirt and leggings,decent walking shoes and double layer socks a hoodie and waterproof are mostly what I wear.

i usually take a small backpack to carry my water bottle and usually have plasters in it. You don’t really need ‘special kit’

At this time of year I would probably wear wellies. Decent ones. Plus a waterproof coat and a hat.

It’s the South Downs, not the Himalayas.

This. Wearing new walking shoes you will get horrendous blisters and be in agony. You must break the walking boots in well. Also use compreed blister plasters.

Fair enough, but I’ve never done it before so was just checking I wasn’t missing anything.

Thanks again everyone.

I couldn’t walk 18 km comfortably in wellies. They’re fine for short walks in the mud, or doing things in the garden, but no ankle support etc.

They need to be decent (expensive) wellies with a proper vibram type sole.

I agree cheap ones from B&M or similar wouldn’t be a good idea.

Thousand mile socks
compeed
vaseline

Your feet will be the main issue. If you get a blister it really sucks. I have decent waterproof hiking boots (Merrells) that I have broken in and wear proper double layer hiking socks but I would also take blister plasters and spare socks just in case as it is hellish to carry on with bad blisters or wet feet.

The rest is less important but definitely layers, a waterproof, a water bottle and a small backpack to carry stuff in.

After a period of not exercising much at all for various reasons, I’m now back to walking 9/10 miles 5 days most weeks. The most important things are padded socks and comfortable, worn-in footwear, layers you can take off and a bottle of water. Period pants are really good at preventing bum chaffing 😁

I usually listen to something but only on one ear piece so I’m aware of my surroundings.

It sounds good@MummyInTheNecropolis, who is the organiser? I might want to try this some time

Don't wear wellies. Get a pair of lightweight walking shoes or boots. Not leather, for something as easy as this. Make sure they are breathable. I like Keen walking shoes for this level but they also do boots. Other manufacturers are available. Get good socks. Smart wool are excellent but not cheap but you only have the 2 feet and they need to last a lifetime. Lightweight waterproof and a hoodie/fleece will be fine. If you want to splash out walking trousers are good but not essential. Don't wear jeans because if they get wet they won't dry. A hat is good.

Well I came on her to say “a Land Rover” but maybe I won’t bother…

It sounds great fun, OP, I hope you have a fab time.

Definitely a good pair of walking shoes or boots which you have worn in beforehand.

If rain is forecast you can get packable over trousers (like a Pac a Mac) which fold up small in your bag. Just pop them on over your leggings if needed.

They’re called Outdooraholics. Haven’t used them yet so can’t say whether they’re good or not, but I like the sound of them!