How to Gear Up for the Mountains: Essential Kit Guide
Tips for Cost-Effective Kit Without Compromising Safety
At RAW Adventures (including Climb Snowdon/Ben Nevis/Scafell Pike), we’re passionate about getting people out into the hills, fells and mountains of the UK safely and confidently. We also understand that kitting yourself out for the outdoors can feel a bit daunting – and sometimes, a little heavy on the wallet!
But here’s the good news – you don’t need to spend a fortune to get safely out onto the mountains. With a little know-how, you can gather everything you need without your bank balance taking a hit. Here’s how:
1. Borrow Before You Buy
If you’re just starting out, it makes sense to borrow kit where you can. Friends, family members, colleagues – you’d be surprised how many people have quality outdoor gear tucked away in a cupboard just waiting for a good adventure! Just make sure you check the condition of anything borrowed (especially boots and waterproofs) before heading into the hills.
2. Hire Your Kit
For those bigger trips – like a weekend in Eryri/Snowdonia or a few days tackling the Lake District peaks – hiring kit can be a brilliant option. Many outdoor centres, shops, and even local businesses offer kit hire, including waterproof jackets, rucksacks, tents and even boots. It’s a fraction of the cost of buying new, and a great way to trial gear before investing.
(And if you’re joining us on an adventure, just ask – we can help point you in the right direction for trusted hire options including our very own shop!)
3. Smart Shopping: Second-Hand and Discount Sites
There are some fantastic bargains out there if you know where to look! Outdoor gear often ends up on Facebook Marketplace, local community groups, eBay, Vinted, or dedicated second-hand outdoor kit websites. People upgrade, change size, or realise they didn’t actually love hiking after all – and their barely-used kit could be your new treasure!
Look for well-known outdoor brands, they’re built to last and second-hand doesn’t mean second-best when it comes to mountain safety. There’s also some incredible repair businesses, like Snowdonia Gear Repair, who could fix up some cost appropriate items and give you top end kit at low end price. Kit Squad is also a great website to access pre-loved clothes and equipment. Let’s also not forget, pre-loved items not only save your pocket, but also contribute to saving the planet. What’s not to love about that!
4. Value-Focused Brands Can Be Brilliant
Not everything needs to come with a hefty price tag. Retailers like Decathlon and Go Outdoors offer genuinely good kit at sensible prices, particularly for beginners. Items like base layers, hats, gloves and walking poles can be bought affordably without sacrificing quality. The key?
Make sure whatever you choose is fit for purpose – waterproof really means waterproof when you’re halfway up Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon in sideways rain!
5. Know What Matters Most
It’s worth investing wisely in the essentials that keep you safe:
- • A well-fitting pair of walking shoes or boots (supportive and grippy)
- • A proper waterproof jacket (with a hood!)
- • A reliable, well-fitting rucksack with waist strap (plus room for lots of snacks)
- • Layered clothing to manage temperature changes
- • A map, compass, and the skills to use them if you’re not on a RAW/Climb event
Remember: it’s always better to spend a little more on the critical bits of kit and save elsewhere, rather than risk being cold, wet, or unsafe.
In Short…
You don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy the wild beauty of the UK’s mountains. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can kit yourself out safely and affordably – and spend more time making memories, not worrying about gear.
If you ever have any questions about what you really need (and what you don’t), we’re always happy to help and we have kit lists and training plans on our websites. After all, the hills are calling – and they don’t care what brand your waterproofs are!
See you in the mountains!
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