What to Carry on a Day Hike Across Open Moorland

Moorland walking sits somewhere between a country stroll and a mountain day, and the kit list should reflect that. The terrain is rarely technical, but it is exposed, often pathless, and capable of turning a sunny afternoon into a cold, wet slog within an hour. The trick is to pack for the worst plausible version of the day without carrying so much that you resent every step.

Start with the pack itself. Something in the 20 to 30 litre range is usually right for a day out. It needs to sit close to your back, because on open ground in wind, a bag that sways will wear you down faster than the miles do. Look for a simple design with a couple of external pockets and a lid you can open without taking the whole thing off.

The Core Kit

Footwear is the decision that matters most. On dry summer moorland, a decent pair of trail shoes with a grippy sole is often enough and much kinder to your feet over long distances. In wetter months, or on ground you know holds water, boots with a bit more structure and a higher cuff give you confidence on tussocks and bog edges. Whichever you choose, break them in properly before a big day.

Layers should follow the usual principle: a base layer that moves sweat away, a mid layer for warmth, and a waterproof shell that actually keeps rain out. On the moor, the shell earns its place more often than you might expect. Add a light insulated jacket even in summer, because a rest stop in a brisk wind chills you quickly once you stop moving.

Navigation kit is non-negotiable. A paper map and compass, plus the knowledge to use them, should be in the pack even if you also carry a phone or GPS. Batteries die, screens crack, and signal disappears in the hollows. A small headtorch weighs almost nothing and has rescued many a walk that ran longer than planned.

The Small Things That Punch Above Their Weight

Water and food deserve more thought than they usually get. There is rarely anywhere to refill on open moorland, and streams running off peat can be discoloured and unappealing. Carry more water than you think you need, and eat regularly rather than saving everything for one lunch stop. Oatcakes, nuts, flapjack and a flask of something hot all work well.

Then there is the quiet kit. A sit mat so you can rest without soaking your trousers. A spare pair of socks in a dry bag. A basic first aid kit with blister plasters, because blisters end more walks than sprained ankles do. Sunscreen and a hat in summer, even when it is cloudy, since exposure on open ground is relentless.

Finally, pack a light emergency bag or bivvy. You will almost certainly never use it. But on a featureless moor, with the weather closing in and a twisted ankle, the difference between uncomfortable and dangerous is often just a few small items you decided to carry anyway.