What I Pack for Hillwalking

[@michelefacer5198]

Would really like to see a navigation and route planning vlog. These hints and tips are very useful. Thank you.

[@sensorpixel]

Yes!

[@offfcabo]

Great video! Me and my other half always carry first aid kit with us, luckily we never had to use it ourselfs. However, last year we went to Switzerland and on the top of Eggishorn there was a guy with a really nasty cut on his shin - quite deep and long. Apparently he was jumping from one rock to another and slipped. He was asking by passers for a first aid kit or at least a tissue or plaster and we were the only ones out of around 30 people which got to the top, who had one with them!!! He was incredibly grateful, as we had antiseptic wipes, bandages (he needed couple, cause he bled quite a lot), plasters etc. He definitely needed couple stitches, but at least he was able to stop bleeding and go back down. And we were so glad that we could help him, but also astonished that people would be going out in Swiss Alps without any emergency equipment! I mean...we are no pros, but we always have our layers (even in summer) and first aid kit, head torches and a whistle. It always amazes me how many people go hiking not only without a rain jacket, but in very inappropriate shoes and sometimes even without any water! Crazy! Anyway, I love watching your videos, I am learning a lot, thank you:)

[@RambleFamily]

offfcabo thank you so much! That is crazy that so few people had a first aid kit, though you’d probably find even less with one on a sunny day on Snowdon 😔 anyway hopefully my channel can educate people and make the hills as accessible and safe for everyone as possible!

[@ShroomAndMoss]

I share the same astonishment !! People are really not cautious

[@schonni8390]

Loved the video, you inspired me to go over my gear and update some stuff! A small addition that I think is quite crucial: the most important part of a first aid kit is, in my opinion, a rescue blanket. Reason being that if a serious injury occurs, (say a torn ligament, or severe wounds caused by a fall or rockfall) calling rescue services quickly becomes inevitable. And in such a case helping the victim mostly is difficult, as all you can do is stop the bleeding etc, and wait for rescue. The most important thing while waiting is to keep the victim warm, which is why the rescue blanket is vital. Also, it can come in handy at night when temperatures drop below what you expected :)

[@jonfisher9214]

As a baldie who has used an emergency shelter in the past I can definitely recommend a good wool hat. Without any supporting frame you are holding the shelter up with your head, so it's important to add insulation at that point.

[@RambleFamily]

Hey everyone, thank you so much for watching! I realise this video is SUPER long, but I had a lot to talk about so hopefully you found it informative :) If you did make it to the end of the video, I mention that I've made a Patreon Community which you can see here: www.patreon.com/athenamellor. I won't talk about it again now as I say all I want to in the video, but wanted to say thanks in advance again if you do feel like supporting the channel. Next week I'm heading to the Lakes and have all my fingers crossed for some nice weather. See you then! Athena xx

[@EllieDimambroDenson]

Great video :) Some of the extra kit I tend to have for long days in the Cairngorms includes Smidge (maybe a midge net too, especially essential if bivvying/wild camping in summer or still muggy days where you may need to pause a while), water purification tablets (means can get away with only bringing a litre of water on hot days, so saves a lot of weight/minimises chance of water infections refilling from streams where there may be lots of deer/livestock nearby) and a small amount of coiled up duct tape (amazing for if kit ever fails while out - one of my boots split toe to toe last year). Also, a tiny pocket-size journal and pencil is great for capturing thoughts/sketches/fleeting moments if on a solo trip and wrapping your compass in loo roll and putting in a sandwich bag can help protect it and means you have an emergency supply too. Oh, and keeping an old bread bag/similar in a pocket to pick up any bits of litter floating about on the hills is good and bringing a bivvy bag/emergency blanket if you don't have a shelter :)

[@RollrightKnights]

Second on the duct tape. I wrap some around one of my walking poles, on the shaft under the handle.

[@najah7781]

Again an awesome video! I cannot tell you how inspiring and helpful it is to have a young woman of my own age sharing her experience. I am a complete beginner still, so thank you so much!

[@RambleFamily]

Naja H ah that’s great to hear! Thanks so much for watching, you won’t be a beginner for too long I’m sure ☺️

[@exiletsj2570]

I invited my friend hill walking once, he brought a large can of redbull and a massive bag of haribo.

[@BellaDiary]

CLASS! ahahah

[@timotheverrette5988]

...the ideal partner!

[@petemitchell2350]

Exile 1 that’s how you do it!

[@BellaDiary]

Timothé Verrette agreed!

[@barrybookmaker7433]

Haribo is very good after an effort . Many pro cyclist eat them after stage , coz sugar of it is very well absorbed , hence they help to recover quickly .

[@benpeacock8881]

I'm new into hiking and I am starting to do longer day walks. I found this video extremely interesting and beneficial. Slowly building my gear up, so thank you for all the tips 😁 🤙

[@michaelatkinson8291]

Hi Athena, really interesting video. Yeah our rucksacks would appear to be like the Tardis sometimes - bigger on the inside ! It's a balancing act sometimes between what's essential & what isn't weightwise. I always carry 2 litres of drinking water in Summer & like my binoculars for bird/wildlife spotting. Looked like Oslo was hoping to fit in there somewhere at the end - but he'll just have to walk !! You are an example & a fine role model, especially for young people, particulary young women & girls with how you use social media to inform & share knowledge & earn a living but manage to get out there & be physically active. Your blogs I guess can be cathartic too from what I have read. Enjoy the Lakes next week ( my main walking area - I'm from Co Durham- stay safe & I look forward to your next video. Much love x

[@RambleFamily]

Michael Atkinson thanks so much for your comment, I really appreciate it 😊

[@marcogiovanni8962]

I’m a Royal Marine and Watched your videos when I was out on Exercise in the field. Made time pass so much quicker 😂 thankyou

[@RambleFamily]

Marco Giovanni that’s great to hear! Thank you ☺️

[@thegreatfarini]

Hi, just a quick point, never store your compass next to your phone or batterypack, as this will almost always de-magnetise the compass and make it useless.

[@jassin1]

A wonderful Sunday afternoon video, how ever I do carry a fire kit or a small stove a knife and some para cord a,d a ground sheet that can be used and a poncho that can convert into a tent, only a kilo or 2 more. in addition to what you have for emergencies and just some comfort. great video!.

[@gudlast]

I have been hiking here in Iceland all my live and was surprised how similar your list of hiking gear was to what Is in my backpak. Obviously there are differences when winter or summer hiking. Nowdays I prefer hoodie primaloft jackets rather than fleech jackets. They are almost windproof so I can wear them longer in the wind before I have to take on my Gorotex parka. As you know ones tend to sweat even in Gorotex. My favorit layering system is wick away T-shirt innerst, then one layer of thin wool shirt, then wool vest and most of the time a Patagonia hoodie. We tend to have colder climate here than in Great Britain as you know.

[@thomasrutherford3390]

Hi Athena, great video, loved the content and the information you provided. It will help beginners and seasoned hill walkers take the right equipment to be safe in the hills. Over the years I ended up with a ton of kit and equipment and was able to have several different sizes of pack loaded with kit depending on where I was going and the weather at the time. This would range from a day out up-to a full blown expedition. Experience is invaluable but great videos like what you have done help tremendously. Looking forward to seeing more adventures from you and be safe. 🙏🥾👍

[@tombond269]

Discovered this channel today. Great content, informative and well presented. Thank you!

[@trygginoregon]

Watching from the west coast of the US. Can't wait to cross the pond and walk some of your beautiful country. Only other thing I throw in my pack is a small stuff sack with some toilet paper, and a small trowel and some zip lock bags for packing out trash. I so enjoy your channel. thanks!

[@RambleFamily]

trygginoregon good idea! Thank you 😊 I’ve done some hiking on the west coat of the US and it’s beautiful!

[@trevilley]

I find these what to take videos really useful. I am just starting to get pieces for my walks. I’m not planning on wilderness trails but you never know what to expect on the edges of Dartmoor! X

[@Mayso1]

Thanks Athena. Once again very informative and what works with you. Approaching 20 thousand subs well done you. Been with from the start! 👍🏻

[@RambleFamily]

Paul May thanks so much Paul! Would be amazing to hit 20k soon. Super appreciative that you’ve been watching from the beginning ☺️

[@jime2504]

Thanks Athena! Some other suggestions: swiss army knife, a few cable ties different lengths, random cord, emergency toilet kit, thin liner gloves make a big difference inside main gloves, maybe another pair of spare gloves too, whistle is best on a cord?, small plastic bag for rubbish, banana skins etc. A tick remover also a good idea if not included in the first aid kit. I'm off to watch more of your videos now! :)

[@RambleFamily]

Jim James great advice! Thank you 🙂

[@tonystrange7224]

Great insight Athena and some cool tips on what to carry on the hills. Really enjoying your videos. Keep an coming

[@RambleFamily]

Tony Strange thanks a lot!

[@Jason-nl7ih]

Hi Athena, great content and well presented; always enjoy your videos. A quick comment on the correct way to put your hands through the walking pole straps might have been useful for beginners. Glad you mentioned the whistle and compass. I have found a small Swiss army knife useful at times. Look forward to your next upload.

[@RambleFamily]

Jason Samuels forgot to mention I always carry my pocket knife too! Next time I use my poles, which may be this week in the snow, I’ll show people how to hold them 🙂

[@cristoninho1]

Great video. I found your channel last week and you have great videos. A lot of ideas and places to visit in the UK. I'll be doing the Snowdonia Slate trail in May but unfortunately you don't have videos about it. Thank you for sharing your amazing adventures!

[@DavidSmith-ql3zp]

Very helpful video, more than a few good tips so many thanks. Viewing one of your other videos, it inspired a 10 mile round walk along Ladybower then up to Derwent Edge from Cutthroat Bridge, loved it and its only a 30 minute drive from us through Strines. Unfortunately we missed the lunch time slot at the pub but hey ho will get to it next time!

[@RambleFamily]

David Smith sounds like a great route! Might see you on the hills or in the pub soon, I’m that way a lot 😊

[@davidsutton5908]

Saw you video on angle tarn, and it was beautiful, pretty much watched all your videos since and I'm hooked. First trip for me and my dog next month and cant wait. Thanks

[@RambleFamily]

Thanks so much :)

[@apen2152]

Really fun to watch your videos! Thank you!

[@jassman1]

Awesome video, a few things you may have forgotten, a sharp knife and a foldable saw and a fire striker, to light up anything you can, in an emergency and to keep warm. Hope you guys are well. The cordage for a tent or a bivvy can be a tinder or spare lace material for your boots too.

[@billbaynes3432]

Watching your videos make my day!

[@oddjobkia]

really interesting video. Can I add one item for your little pouch 'SPARE BOOT LACES' having a lace break will ruin your day..

[@RambleFamily]

Good advice!! Thank you :)

[@MarkN67]

That’s a good idea. I normally carry a couple of meters of 550 Paracord, useful as a bootlace or emergency dog lead etc as well as a thousand other uses.

[@janvanmulders1182]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos...

[@BHartworks]

Great to see what other people are carrying. I see a few suggestions in the comments for taking a Swiss army knife. Good idea, that or some similar multi-tool. I carry a couple of small multi use tools (you never know when you'll come across a horse with a stone in it's shoe, hah). Keep up the good work!

[@zafanomics9816]

I have been hill walking for too many years to admit and I recently discovered your KZbin channel. I think it’s great and I have found myself agreeing with EVERYTHING you say. Just a comment on brands. I have relatively recently started to “Sherpa” products (waterproofs and down jacket and accessories) and found their products, some of which are actually made in Nepal. Their waterproof membrane I find much more comfortable and flexible than GoreTex and everything is so well made.

[@buffplums]

Great channel Athena

[@alexwright9919]

I'd recommend the rechargeable 'Petzl core battery' for your head torch, I've got one myself and it seems reliable and holds its charge. It's quite nice not having to throw away any used batteries

[@RambleFamily]

Alex Wright ah yes Harvey has one of those. Good idea, I will get one ☺️

[@ShroomAndMoss]

Loved it !! Can't wait to see the other tips one :)

[@RambleFamily]

Bubbly Emma thank you! ☺️

[@adamstockton67]

Great video thanks.

[@stoneagesteve5395]

waterproof explorer maps double as something to sit on in wet conditions and here in Wales at least a useful emergency rain shelter, bulkier but versatile :)

[@wanderingcloud78]

I am presuming your socks, spare and otherwise, are merino socks? Great advice. I've been slowly and gradually learning this kind of stuff over the last 3 years - you are far more advanced than me. I am new to your channel - is there a video you've produced which gives some advice on camping, particularly during the autumn / winter months (in Britain)? I did camp overnight in mid October this year, and it was perfectly comfortable, but in the future (when we're allowed out!), I'd like to wild camp overnight in say December or January, and some advice on camping overnight (sleeping mats/pads and bags, and clothing would be great). This is a great channel - thank you.

[@mrfairycake4333]

Great Video Athena...would love to see a video about what setting you use for your G7x settings, as I have one and my setting are all over the place. many thanks

[@BellaDiary]

Lovely video Athena. When I next head out I might try a longer walk and use some of these tips :)

[@RambleFamily]

TheTravelCrush ah sounds great Sam! I hope you enjoy 😊

[@bennyswales8245]

Always take pair of decent sunglasses and a small pair of pocket binoculars you can see wildlife etc just a few Sugestions...all the best....stewie

[@thistle_girl]

Where are your headbands from? I love them!

[@JGKohlenberg]

Great video, I enjoy them all. I’m in the US and am surprised you don’t carry a water filter or fire making supplies.

[@jasonwestmoreland]

Loving your videos, can't wait to get out on the hills and do a spot of wild camping, following lots of your advice... not far from you sunny Leeds.

[@RambleFamily]

Jason Westmoreland thanks so much! 🙂

[@buffplums]

Thanks Athena really useful and interesting video. I like the walking poles in the way they adjust without having to twist them. I find that a real nause, i am looking for a simple solution where I can stow my poles without having to take my pack off. Maybe a quiver like archers use for arrows lol 😂 Funny how we have our quirks.

[@jlan499]

Chris Cain Osprey packs have a solution for stowing the tracking poles on the go. It works very well for me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIS7Y5yBj72qbLc

[@BaldAlan]

How about a video on editing your videos? I really like your cinematic scenes and I’d like to do something similar 👍🏼

[@isabellahobbs2125]

thank you so much!

[@kirstyrose6898]

always carry a spare compass and snow goggles can be a god send in winter.

[@RambleFamily]

Kirsty Rose ah yep I always take my snow goggles out in the snow! Funnily enough I packed two compasses accidentally for my walk this week 😂 thanks for the advice!

[@simonwhite6018]

This video is really helpful - thank you very much for posting. You mentioned that a synthetic 'down' jacket would be best - what synthetic jacket alternative to the Patagonia one you have would you recommend? Thanks again

[@simonwhite6018]

Hey, apologies, i just watched your video on what you wear and you did indeed cover synthetic jackets, so thank you for that - so helpful :-)

[@StevenKeery]

Hi! Athena, I would add a small Swiss army knife for cutting bandages and tape. They contain tweezers for removing ticks. I would also opt to take a few long zip ties or para chord to help make splints or mend broken packs. Your metal whistle looked like one I had. I was checking my equipment one day and found the little plastic insert missing. I reverted back to an all plastic one, they are really cheap and can be useful in an emergency. I often wonder why people in the UK are reluctant to use walking poles. Self conscious I expect, as they can be useful crossing scree, or boggy ground and taking some pressure off the knees. Apart from that, great video. I normally like your choice of music but found it distracting on this occasion. You have such a pleasant voice you could have done without it. I look forward to your future videos, teaching people map and compass skills would be great. I've always been fascinated by maps thanks in part to my old Geography teacher who taught us unruly kids how to use them. For which I shall always be thankful. 😂

[@RambleFamily]

Steven Keery thanks so much for the comment! I’ll bear in mind what you said about the music. I think I thought it would be a nice distraction from half an hour of my voice 😂 I can make it quieter or just take it out altogether next time 😊

[@modestadventurers]

Great video. I'm kinda warming to Splash Maps ATM. More costly but they are light, last and are scruchable.

[@RambleFamily]

Modest Adventurers I’ll look into them! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@GreencampRhodie]

Food for thought - Harry & you get separated on walk, Harry has first-aid kit, you need first aid kit... carry your own gear in case separated (a repeated issue on the many "survival" documentaries). Always have a signal whistle & miniLED (eg photon freedom micro) around your neck, & core gear on your person (shelter, fire, water, cutting, cordage, navigation, signalling) in case you're separated from your main gear. Items missing (based on experience, expert advice & the "10C's of survivability"): Combustion (fire) - ignition (lighter, matches, fire steel) + fuel (cotton wool & vaseline balls) Container & clean water - single-walled stainless steel water bottle with lid (boil water), water filter, water purification tablets / solution Cutting - multi-tool Cordage - paracord, bank line Candlelight - candle (light, warmth, fire) Cargo tape - duct tape / gorilla tape (repairs, first aid, fire) Cotton bandanna / schemagh Cloth sail / canvas needle Communication - signal mirror, signal panel / tape, hi-vis Cuts & cures - repair kit (sowing, repair patches, etc) Clerical - waterproof note pad & pen / pencil > Cleanliness - toilet kit & hand sanitiser

[@bennyswales8245]

Another great video athena....stewart

[@RambleFamily]

Thanks a lot!

[@paddle_hike]

Great gear loadout! Thanks for sharing :) (new subscriber!)

[@wilsonmoore7101]

hi.perhaps a good idea would be to carry your battery pack isolated from your compass, safer,stay safe,wilson.

[@dirk_y]

I can't find a link to the event you mentioned in the description? Really great vid btw :)

[@RambleFamily]

Ooops! Here it is :) facebook.com/events/332906094319162/

[@carolinewick9496]

Have you ever used apps like viewranger for navigation which have gps tracking ? Good video.

[@marionanness150]

I have the same cushion as her

[@VictorGarciaR]

You can make custom maps for free and print them, caltopo.com is a great option. QGIS is another option, it is a great program but the learning curve is hardcore just for custom maps

[@Vix8686]

Hi, love your videos! Where is your rope camera strap from please?

[@TaylorGold1]

Where did you get your pouch for the headtorch etc? Looking for something like that but doesnt have to be waterproof

[@johnscholey6185]

5.05 What could be more important than a baguette?

[@carolynlee5879]

Great information. Just wondering if you would need to bring some form of ID, or does your bank card count? I live in Hong Kong and we legally need to carry our ID cards. People do get rescued from hillwalking here and taken by helicopter. You would definitely need your ID card here to go to a government hospital.

[@se7en5es]

Since you also like photography, why not put extra tier on patreon and as perks, you could print the photos you took, print and send them to patrons and maybe put a little note :) Keep up the good work and never stop hillwalking :)

[@andrecsaddict]

U don't mention your boots and if u r satisfied with them.. r they waterproof?

[@williamjohnweaver]

Do you do all this at your own cost? How do you fit it all in?

[@verykeen2please]

i bought an Osprey Talon, its so blooming complicated to get in and out of the thing, particular with my bear paws, so simplicity is good how is it v Low Alphine pack? allow you seem to like yellow packs hehe

[@RambleFamily]

verykeen2please that’s funny as my partner Harvey had an Osprey pack and got rid of it as he hated all the straps and zips!! So a similar issue. You get in via two draw-strings and a few clips so it is fairly complicated I suppose 🙈 I don’t find it an issue but definitely something you should consider. I do like orange or yellow packs! They look good in photos and can be seen on the hill so safer!!

[@fab1000]

From your experience in the Alpes you say you like to have everything inside the pack but when you re climbing you re using the rope, the crampons and the helmet anyway so its not on your pack anymore. Actually the "Chamonix style" of packing is more like that, the smallest possible pack, so when on the approach you have a lot of stuff on the outside (I personally put rope, axe(s) crampons, a pole and helmet) and when you climb your pack is very small. that being said I do agree that on overnight bivy (not sleeping in a hut) around 40/50 liters is a good size. Globally I think you have a very good kit! I hope you will keep enjoying the great outdoor

[@oliverjames3815]

You should post the amazon affiliate links below the video for the products you're showing so you can make money off it. (If you're that way inclined).

[@petemitchell2350]

I’m American. Is hill walking also known as backpacking?

[@StevenKeery]

Peter Mitchell : Hill walking in the UK can often be a day outing of twenty miles or less. You can of course have a longer trip which would necessitate taking some camping shelter and cooking equipment with you. When we think of backpacking in the UK, it is usually for longer than a day. A weekend perhaps or a week, depending on the the length of the walk and the necessity for cooking meals and a shelter. Some people will backpack into a forest and use a hammock and tarp as a shelter but still carry a stove of some kind to cook their meals on. Open fires are still frowned upon in the UK, despite the increasing interest in Bush crafting. Largely due to the worry that the fire may get out of control and cause damage to vegetation that sheep or cattle might use for grazing. As you no doubt witnessed on the news, with wild fires getting out of control in Australia and California, causing massive damage to wildlife, an open fire has the potential for devastating consequences. Hope this helps. Best wishes from our side of the Pond.

[@mohamedtraveler1583]

Greetings from Morocco

[@carminecubellis8703]

Great job, thanks! P. S. You're too charming! 😊

[@ItsDavidMorris]

That cheeky smile coming out of your door 😁❤

[@spookyspxxky9413]

Another great video Athena😀 A question about maps, just wondering if you've thought about a GPS unit with OS Explorer maps loaded.. Saves on space when using several maps. Have you ever used one or is that 'going against tradition'? Thanks

[@ninahorn]

This video was super interesting and in-depth! Gave me lots of good tips for a beginner hiker :) Just wondering, how much does the whole thing weigh (including water in the bottles haha)?

[@RobertJohnKerrUK]

Yeah how much does it weigh..... I’m interested too 👍👍👍

[@RambleFamily]

Nina H hey! Ahh I’m away from home at the moment and don’t have scales but I’ll weigh it when I’m back in a week ☺️

[@ninahorn]

@@RambleFamily all good! Enjoy your time away!

[@RobertJohnKerrUK]

Hi .....nice vlog.... Any chance you can let me know how much all your kit for solo wild camping weighs.... including your camera gear...??,,,,, I have just about put my Kit together for my forth coming C2C in September..... I am interested how it will compare...👍👍👍

[@RambleFamily]

Robert John Kerr hey! I’m away from home at the moment so can’t weigh it but I’ll weigh it when I get home at the weekend while it’s still packed! ☺️

[@RobertJohnKerrUK]

@@RambleFamily ..... Thanks that would be great....

[@MikeWood]

Lots of great ideas in your video and in the comments. I would suggest beefing up your first aid kit. If you are a good distance from help and get seriously injured, what you have will not be sufficient. A tourniquet (and know how to use it) and quik clot gauze, and an Israeli bandage could save your life if there is a massive trauma from a fall or a laceration. I carry them with me all the time but most certainly when hiking.

[@sebastiangonzalez1318]

hola, espero que estes bien, quiero comprar una canon g7x, para el mismo uso que tu le das, la tuya es la mark 2, mark 3, o mark 1 , saludos a cuidarse y la mejor de las suertes

[@deneberry4463]

Great filming and Informative for beginners, you ought to team up with Ben fogle 🇬🇧

[@RambleFamily]

dene Berry would be cool to meet him!!

[@deneberry4463]

@@RambleFamily yes, you would be suited to pair up on his new lives in the wild adventures, just a thought.... 🇬🇧

[@FacelessFinneas]

wth is hillwalking