Trail Ready Checklist for Hiking
15th Aug 25
There’s nothing quite like getting out of the house and into nature, hitting the trail one foot in front of the other and discovering what nature has to offer. There’s also nothing quite like being prepared for any eventuality, either. Knowing you’re prepared and safe is one step towards that next big adventure, and we want to help you get there with this helpful checklist for hiking. There’s even a downloadable PDF available further below.
Want to move fast? Jump to the right section below.
Why plan ahead?
Simple! As the saying goes, ‘failure to prepare, is preparing to fail’ – it’s not just for the adventurous; it’s helpful for all of us, whether you’re hiking alone or with friends or family, planning ahead can help make the day run smoothly, make the most of your time and makes sure you’re covered should anythoing go wrong.
The family’s essential trail-ready checklist for hiking
Here’s our trail-ready checklist for family-friendly hiking adventures! These are must-haves on any hike, no matter the duration. Bear in mind the length of your hike and pack accordingly for your trail duration, whether that be 2 hours or 24 hours. This list is not meant to be exhaustive; it’s here to use as a helpful guide.
Checklist Breakdown
Hiking Pack
A hiking pack, whether big or small (depending on the duration), is an absolute essential when outdoors, whether it’s small enough to carry the essentials, e.g. water, snacks and phone, or on the larger side to carry spare clothing, first aid kits and more. This is one item that we will always carry on our outdoor adventures. You can even look at backpack with hydration bladders to help you save space and carry more water.
Clothing
Wearing the correct clothing for the weather and being prepared with extra gear go a long way when out and about, especially in the UK. Our weather can change from hot and sunny to wet and windy in the blink of an eye. We’d always suggest checking the forecast on the day and packing clothing accordingly, whether that’s layering up, taking additional waterproofs or wearing moisture-wicking base layers.
Top tip: always take a spare pair of socks and pack like the weather will change… because it probably will!
Footwear
The right walking shoe or boot can make or break your time hiking. It’s vital to get shoes that fit correctly, are comfortable, and supportive, usually around the ankle. This goes for both adults and kids alike; there’s nothing worse than the pain of ill-fitting shoes, walking miles in them, and ending up with sore feet and the possibility of avoidable injuries such as blisters. Do make sure you have blister plasters with you, however, as they can be a lifesaver.
There’s plenty to choose from, too, from good quality budget boots to more expensive walking shoes; the choices are endless. A top tip is to choose the right footwear for the weather; a waterproof walking boot is ideal for colder months, while a more breathable option is better suited for summer.
With new walking boots, it’s always best to break them in before setting out on that 10-mile hiking adventure. Tips for doing this include wearing thick walking socks around the house and gradually increasing your time wearing them. For example, you can start with short walks around the block or wear them a couple of times while walking the dog. These are all great ideas to help your shoes adjust to your feet for a better, more comfortable hiking experience.
Sun Protection
There’s nothing better than blue sky and sunshine, and when we get those days, we want to be outside enjoying the weather. Whether it’s for an hour or pushing your limits on the Three Peaks in one day, sun protection is a non-negotiable. We mean making sure we’ve got high-factor suncream, hats, and sunglasses; these are essentials.
Again, be sure to check the weather and judge it against the length of your hike. It’s discouraged to do prolonged exercise in heat higher than 26°C and definitely to be avoided when it starts to get near 30°C, so if you’re hike is going to be a long one, maybe consider rescheduling or check for regular places to take a break.
Snacks and Lunch
Like Paddington Bear, who always has a marmalade sandwich in case of emergencies under his trusty hat, we advise always carrying at least a snack. You never know when it might come in handy. Snacks can also be great incentives for the kids; a little break along the way can help boost morale and keep you all soldiering on. Some great examples to keep in your bag (not your hat) include energy bars, dried fruit and sandwiches. For longer outings, consider taking energy gels for a quick boost that might come in handy when you least expect it.
Safety First
Safety always plays an important role when hiking and is an important part of your hiking checklist to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. To start, a compact first aid kit should always be part of your hiking pack; it may just come in handy when you least expect it. We’d always advise making sure someone at home knows your location and the trail that you are planning to hike. What3Words is also a fantastic app to have on your phone in case of emergencies, as it will help you provide people with your exact location. It’s also a good idea to have at least the area you park written down and given to someone who isn’t joining you.
For adventures with little ones, making safety aspects fun can be a great idea. For instance, picking out landmarks to help them orient along the route can be a fantastic learning opportunity for kids. Additionally, getting the compass and map out can also be a valuable learning experience, as it helps keep you on track and on the right route. Our last really helpful piece of advice would be to teach children to stop and stay put if they ever become separated. Let them know that staying put makes it much quicker and easier to find them if we need to retrace our steps along the hiking route. You can even include your contact details on them, so if they meet another adult, they’ll have a way to get in touch with you.
Little Explorers
Hiking is a fantastic way to get kids active and an activity the whole family can get involved with, including the dog. There are many ways to get kids involved in hiking. These include letting them pick the route, nature scavenger hunts, and incorporating craft-making along the way. Other ideas include singing and playing games, pointing out different species of birds, bugs, and flowers, and even a walking journal where they can keep track of things like how far they’ve walked and what they’ve seen. Starting out early in the morning is always a plus, as you’ll be surprised how long it can take to walk a mile with children, finding new and interesting things to see and do along the way.
Post Hike Comfort
It may not even cross your mind, but having some post-hike comforts back in the car ready for when you return can be just the thing you didn’t know you needed. Having a small bag with a few essentials and a little treat can help with the drive back home. We always suggest keeping wet wipes, hand sanitiser, clean, dry clothes, a change of shoes, and something more comfortable, like your favourite pair of trainers or some sliders or flip-flops. Consider bringing extra water and maybe even a thermos with a nice warm drink on those colder hiking days. And a few snacks, maybe a bag of sweets as a treat.
You’ve got this!
Whatever the weather, with our trail-ready checklist for hiking, you’re bound to be prepared for that big adventure in the great outdoors. The great thing about our checklist is that it’s downloadable and printable, so that you can use it again and again. Nothing beats getting outdoors, filling your lungs with fresh air, and enjoying time together with friends and family in a healthy way. The more you go hiking, the more aware you are of what’s needed to take hiking with you. You’ll become more confident whilst making great memories at the same time. So get that bag packed and get out there!
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
10% off
