My Mountain Kit: The Equipment I Use and Trust
The clothing and equipment I personally use for guiding, backpacking and wild camping in the UK mountains.
One of the questions I am asked most often on Peak Adventures trips is: “What kit do you use?”
This page brings together some of the clothing and equipment I personally use when guiding, backpacking and wild camping in the Lake District, Cairngorms and Scottish Highlands.
It is not intended to be a definitive list of the best outdoor equipment. The right kit depends on your budget, experience, the type of journeys you are planning and, perhaps most importantly, what fits you properly.
These are simply the brands and products I have come to trust through years of spending time in the mountains.
Boots
Boots are probably the most personal piece of mountain equipment you will buy. A boot that fits one person perfectly may be completely unsuitable for someone else.
I am a big fan of La Sportiva. Their boots generally suit the shape of my feet and I have found them comfortable, supportive and dependable across rough mountain ground.
That does not mean they will be right for everyone. I know plenty of experienced walkers whose feet are much better suited to Scarpa.
The brand matters far less than the fit. Try boots on properly, preferably later in the day when your feet may be slightly larger, and wear the socks you normally use in the hills.
Rucksacks
I use a variety of rucksacks depending on the length and style of the trip.
My larger expedition packs are mainly from Osprey. They have carried everything I need on multi-day mountain journeys and I have found their back systems comfortable when carrying heavier loads.
My next day sack is also likely to be an Osprey.
I also rate Deuter highly. They make robust, comfortable packs and are another brand I would happily consider.
As with boots, the best rucksack is one that fits your body. Torso length, shoulder strap position, hip-belt fit and the way the load sits against your back are all more important than the name on the front.
Clothing and Layering
Most of my mountain clothing comes from Montane and Rab.
Both brands produce clothing designed for the changeable conditions we regularly experience in the UK mountains. I have used their base layers, mid-layers, insulated jackets, trousers and waterproof clothing across a wide range of trips.
I prefer a flexible layering system rather than relying on one heavy item. This allows me to adjust what I am wearing throughout the day as the temperature, wind and level of effort change.
A typical system might include:
- A comfortable moisture-managing base layer.
- A light fleece or technical mid-layer.
- An insulated jacket for stops and camp.
- A waterproof shell for wind and rain.
The exact combination changes with the season, route and weather forecast.
Waterproofs
For waterproof jackets and trousers I usually turn to Montane or Rab.
UK mountain weather can change quickly, particularly in the Lake District and Scottish Highlands. Waterproofs need to do more than deal with a short shower. They should provide reliable protection in prolonged rain, strong winds and exposed terrain.
Fit is important. A waterproof jacket should allow enough room for insulating layers underneath without becoming excessively loose or restrictive.
Features I find useful include:
- A well-designed hood that moves with your head.
- Pockets positioned above a rucksack hip belt.
- Adjustable cuffs and hem.
- Good ventilation.
- Enough length to provide proper coverage in poor weather.
Trekking Poles
I use Black Diamond trekking poles and I am now on my third set.
They are tried, tested and reliable. I use poles on long approaches, steep ground, rough descents and when carrying a heavier expedition pack.
Trekking poles can reduce strain on knees, improve balance on uneven ground and provide extra stability when crossing streams, boggy terrain or loose rock.
They are not essential for every walk, but on longer mountain journeys I find them extremely useful.
Tents
Personally, I use tents from VAUDE. I have found them well designed, dependable and suitable for the sort of mountain travel I enjoy.
Unfortunately, VAUDE tents can sometimes be difficult to find in the UK.
I also use the Alton Goods Lightweight Tent 1P for lightweight solo trips.
It offers a useful balance between weight, living space and simplicity, making it well suited to solo backpacking and wild camping.
For the Peak Adventures hire fleet, I am also adding the Fjern Stormgrotta 1.
Hire equipment gives people the opportunity to experience wild camping before investing in a complete setup of their own. It also allows them to understand what features matter to them in practice, rather than choosing a tent purely from specifications online.
Stoves and Cooking
The stove I carry depends on what I intend to cook.
If I only need to boil water for drinks or dehydrated meals, I use a Jetboil. It is quick, convenient and efficient for straightforward camp cooking.
If I am planning something a little more adventurous, I use an MSR PocketRocket with a separate cooking pot.
This gives me more flexibility for meals that require simmering, stirring or using a wider pan.
My next stove is likely to be an MSR Switch, which combines the convenience of an integrated system with greater cooking flexibility.
Sleeping Bags
I am a big fan of VAUDE sleeping bags, but I also own and use bags from Rab and Western Mountaineering.
The correct sleeping bag depends on the expected overnight temperature, how warm or cold you sleep and whether you prioritise low weight, moisture resistance, packed size or value.
For longer backpacking journeys, down bags offer an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. However, they need to be protected carefully from moisture.
Synthetic bags are often heavier and bulkier, but they can be a practical choice in persistently damp conditions.
I have not yet tried a quilt system, although it is something I am keen to experiment with.
Until then, I remain very happy using traditional sleeping bags from the brands above.
Sleeping Mat
My current sleeping mat is a Sea to Summit Ether Light.
A good sleeping mat is one of the most important parts of a wild camping sleep system. It does not simply provide comfort; it also insulates you from the cold ground.
People often focus on buying a warmer sleeping bag while overlooking the mat underneath them.
In my experience, improving your sleeping mat can make one of the biggest differences to comfort and warmth during a night in the mountains.
You Do Not Need to Buy Everything at Once
Building a mountain and wild camping kit can be expensive. There is no need to buy the lightest or most expensive version of every item immediately.
Start with the essentials and gradually improve your kit as you gain experience and understand what matters to you.
A sensible order might be:
- Well-fitting boots.
- Reliable waterproofs.
- A comfortable rucksack.
- A suitable sleeping bag.
- An insulated sleeping mat.
- A tent appropriate for the conditions.
- A stove and cooking system.
Hiring equipment is also a good way to try wild camping before committing to a full setup.
On selected Peak Adventures trips, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and rucksacks can be hired, allowing you to gain practical experience before deciding what equipment to buy.
Where I Buy Outdoor Equipment
Over the years I have bought equipment from a variety of specialist outdoor retailers.
One retailer I regularly recommend is Ultralight Outdoor Gear .
They stock many of the brands I use and provide detailed product information, including weights and technical specifications, which can be useful when comparing equipment for backpacking and wild camping.
For boots and rucksacks, however, I would still recommend visiting a good outdoor shop whenever possible so that you can try different options and receive help with fitting.
My Approach to Mountain Kit
I do not believe there is one perfect set of equipment for every person or every journey.
The best kit is equipment that fits properly, performs reliably and is appropriate for the conditions you are likely to encounter.
Lightweight equipment can make longer journeys more enjoyable, but saving a few grams should never come at the expense of safety, durability or comfort.
Buy reliable equipment, learn how to use it properly and look after it. Good kit should support your adventures, not become the focus of them.
This page reflects the equipment I currently use when guiding and backpacking in the UK mountains. I will update individual sections occasionally as my own kit changes and I gain experience with new equipment.
Want to Build Your Own Mountain Skills?
Peak Adventures runs practical Mountain Skills courses in the Lake District and Cairngorms, with two-day and four-day options for people who want to become more confident and independent in the mountains.
You can also join us on guided wild camping adventures through some of Scotland’s most remote landscapes, including Knoydart.