RUCKSACK (MAIN COMPARTMENT)

■ Waterproofs This is Britain after all – you're going to need them!

■ Dry-bags Don’t assume your bag will keep anything dry – use dry-bags, ziplock bags, double layers or carrier bags for important items.

■ Water bottle Water is heavy (1 litre weighs 1kg) but running out is at best unpleasant and at worst dangerous. Carry enough for your day, or plan where and how you can refill.

Is there a pub or café en-route, or do you need to carry a water filter or purification tablets?

■ Spare warm layer Keep it in a dry-bag or wrapped in a plastic bag.

■ Hot drink Optional in summer. On a hot day, probably better to carry more water in a light bottle than a heavier thermos. So more liquid for weight.

■ Packed lunch Be generous!

■ Spare gloves Plus spare hat/buff.

■ Survival/blizzard bag

■ Group shelter These double up as great lunch shelters if the weather attacks!

■ Spare headtorch Make sure there’s at least one within the group.

■ Walking poles These are optional. If you’re with a group with mixed experience levels, you might want to carry some in case others need them. Sore knees coming downhill can slow things down.

■ Repair kit Include simple quick fixes like duct tape, cable ties and shoelaces.

■ First aid kit Buying items from a pharmacy can be cheaper than buying a ready-made kit. Consider attending an outdoor first aid course.

WHAT GOES IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT?

✚ Pen/pencil/waterproof paper to make notes of key info in case of an emergency

✚ Absorbent dressing (sanitary towels are also great for this)

✚ Conforming bandage

✚ Crepe bandage

✚ Triangular bandage

✚ Cling film (good for strapping and keeping dirt out)

✚ Alcohol wipes

✚ Micropore tape

✚ Plasters

✚ Tweezers

✚ Tick remover

✚ Scissors

✚ Safety pins

✚ Eyewash

✚ Relevant spare medication like painkillers