The Complete Guide to Hiking Accessories (All Seasons)
The changing seasons bring plenty of variety to hiking in the UK.
As we covered in our what to wear hiking guide, a baselayer, mid-layer, and outer layer are the backbone of any good walking clothing wardrobe, but the accessories you pair them with change a lot more with the seasons. What works well as a summer hiking outfit might not be quite so useful when you’re heading out in the middle of winter!
So what are some essential accessories to make sure you have ready to go for your hikes? We’ve put together this guide to help you get sorted for each of the seasons, plus talk you through the practical kit that always needs to be part of your gear.
All Year Accessories for Hiking
Whatever time of year you’re walking, a few essentials are worth keeping in your backpack permanently:
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Torch
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Compass
Now, you might see some of those items and think they are a bit overkill for a short hike, and if you’re going for a 1-2 hour walk, you might not need as much stuff as if you’re going for a multiple-hour walk. But the conditions of the walk are just as important to consider as the length of time. So if it’s heavy rain or snowing or windy, even a short stroll needs safety precautions. Pack for options, not certainty!
Most of those items are small and can be stored easily in your backpack - there if you need them, but not causing any bother if you don't.
Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks
Hiking is exercise, after all! So you need to stay hydrated as you go.
The best water bottle for hiking is one that is lightweight, with a secure cap, and can hold a decent amount of liquid. YETI or Stanley offer plenty of great choices, such as those below:
YETI Rambler 26oz With Flip Chug Cap
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 0.7L
And make sure you bring some snacks to keep your energy levels up. Ideally, you want to bring those which are easy to eat on the go and won’t leave you with lots of rubbish to carry around afterwards. However, if you’re bringing a picnic lunch with you, remember your cutlery!
Apples, bags of crisps, cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts are usually good trail snacks.
Navigation & Safety Accessories
You might not be planning to hike in the darkness, or you might think you know the trail really well, but sometimes the conditions end up out of your control. Hikes can take longer than expected, plus poor visibility and/or bad weather can make even familiar landscapes look very different.
So we'd recommend bringing a few easy essentials, like a compass and a torch, in your backpack just for that peace of mind.
- A physical map and compass provide navigation backup if your phone battery dies or you lose signal, or the weather is raining and you don’t want to keep your phone out.
- A headtorch gives you hands-free light, which is much more useful on trails than trying to hold your phone - it also stops you having to drain your phone battery using the torch.
Regatta Cree 5 LED 100 Lumens Head Torch
First Aid & Emergency Supplies
We've all heard the saying: better safe than sorry, and this is what these bits and bobs afford you:
- A whistle just in case you become separated from your group or need to attract attention in an emergency.
- An emergency blanket is lightweight insurance. It can help reduce heat loss if you are injured or end up out in the cold weather longer than expected.
- A small hiking first aid kit with items that are good for treating blisters, cuts, grazes, and minor strains that you may encounter when you're hiking. So things such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relief.
Keep them in your backpack year round, and you'll know you have them if ever needed.
Adventure Medical SOL® Emergency Blanket
Spring & Summer Hiking Accessories
The warmer months of the year may give you a little leniency in terms of layers, but there are some accessories that become a necessity to keeping you cool and comfy as you hike.
In our coastal walking clothing guide, we discussed sun protection accessories, and we also mentioned how you will most likely still need some waterproofs on hand, as we are in the UK with our famously unpredictable weather.
So when you're hiking in spring or summer, we'd suggest these as your accessories:
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Walking socks
- Packable waterproof jacket + trousers
- Sunscreen (ideally one that is sweat and water resistant)
- Insect repellent
Some hikers also love a neck gaiter, such as those from Buff, to help control sweat and keep your head/neck cool.
Sun Hat
Summer hiking means prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, often without much shade on open hills or on the coastline. A good hiking hat should be lightweight and keep your head cool, protecting your face and helping to control sweat.
For a hike, you would usually go for a baseball cap or something like a Tilley Hat. Both of these styles provide that coverage for your face (and your neck if you go for a cap with a neck flap too), fit securely on your head, and are designed to be worn in the warmer weather.
Mac In a Sac Venture Ultralite Baseball Cap
Buff Adults Domus 5 Panel Baseball Cap
Craghoppers Mens Desert Hat 3 Sun Protection Baseball Cap
Tilley LTM5 Airflo Slim Sun Hat
Sunglasses are another accessory that hikers should consider.
Bright sunlight can be uncomfortable when you're walking, particularly if you're on exposed trails with little shade or around reflective surfaces, like on the coast. Look for a pair that fits securely and comfortably, with decent UV protection.
Superdry Shockwave Classic Sunglasses
Walking Socks
Keeping your feet cool and dry inside your walking boots is a top priority! Sweaty feet are no fun, especially when you're hiking.
When choosing walking socks for warmer-weather hikes, you'd be wanting features such as:
- Lightweight fabrics: These help prevent your feet from feeling too warm and bulky inside your footwear
- Odour-eliminating tech: Particularly useful for longer hikes or if it's really hot
- Moisture-wicking materials: To help move sweat away from your skin
Merino wool might not sound like a summer fabric, but it's a popular choice among many outdoor brands, as it's great for regulating temperature and managing moisture, while remaining comfy against your feet.
Bridgedale Womens Lightweight Merino Performance Walking Socks
Buff Merino Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
Packable Waterproofs
Any hikers in the UK will know that the spring and summer seasons don't guarantee dry weather! A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket and trousers can be invaluable, providing the weather protection when/if needed, but not taking up too much space in your backpack.
Mac In a Sac specialise in this type of outdoor clothing, and Regatta and Trespass also offer some fantastic choices for your waterproofs.
Mac In a Sac Origin 2 Packable Waterproof Jacket
Mac In a Sac Origin 2 Full Zip Waterproof Overtrousers
Autumn & Winter Hiking Accessories
Moving into the colder months of the year, and as the temperature drops, your accessories will start to centre a lot more around warmth and waterproofing, doing a lot of the work (alongside your waterproof jacket, fleece, and baselayer) in keeping you warm and dry as you hike.
We'd suggest making sure you have the following ready to go:
- Beanie or bobble hat
- Neck gaiter
- Gloves
- Walking socks
Beanies & Bobble Hats
When you hike in cold weather, keeping your head warm is essential, because we often lose a lot of heat from our heads, particularly when you’re standing still during breaks or walking in strong wind.
A beanie fits securely around your head, protecting your ears, and you can even get waterproof beanies, like those from Sealskinz, to not only keep your head warm in rain and snow, but dry too!
They come in all sorts of styles and colours, so it's easy to find one that you like or that matches the rest of your walking kit.
Sealskinz Unisex Holkham Waterproof Striped Roll Cuff Beanie
Craghoppers Womens Aine Beanie
Regatta Axton Ribbed Knit Beanie
Neck Gaiters
We mentioned these before for the warm weather, and they also play a huge role in a hiker's winter wardrobe.
Buff neck gaiters are particularly popular because of their multi-functional approach. They can be worn as a neck warmer, pulled up over your face when it’s windy and/or chilly, or even as a headband for extra warmth over your beanie.
Buff Unisex Merino Wool Lightweight Tubular Bandana
Gloves
Just like you don't want sweaty feet in the summer, you don't want cold hands in the winter!
A decent pair of hiking gloves balances insulation to keep your hands warm, while not sacrificing the dexterity you need to still use your phone or any of the safety equipment from earlier.
Further great features to look for are:
- Adjustable cuffs, to help seal in that warmth
- Waterproofing, for rainy day hikes or wet conditions
- Touch screen compatibility, if your phone will be used for navigation (or taking pics!)
Trespass Contact Waterproof Touch Screen Compatible Gloves
Craghoppers Adults Otho Padded Touch Screen Gloves
Walking Socks
As well as helping to keep your feet comfy inside your boots, a good pair of walking socks for winter hiking can provide an extra layer of warmth and cushioning.
Same as summer, merino wool is a popular fabric for walking socks, but this time you might want those with more insulating features included, like the heavyweight range from Bridgedale.
Bridgedale Unisex Explorer Heavyweight Merino Comfort Boot Socks
Craghoppers Trek Walking Socks
Optional Extra Accessories for Cold Weather Hiking
In the winter time especially, you start factoring in things like muddy paths, snow, and heavier rain, so a few additional accessories can make your hiking adventure much more comfortable.
Gaiters
As we explained in our guide to walking in the rain, gaiters cover the gap between your boot and your trouser leg, stopping water and muck getting in from above, which your boots alone can’t always protect you from.
If you know, or suspect, that the trails you're planning to walk include any sort of mud, long grass, or general wet conditions where your trousers and boots are likely to get splashed, a pair of gaiters could be worth picking up.
Trespass Unisex Adults Walking Waterproof Gaiters
Walking Poles
Walking poles are designed to help you with extra stability on steep or uneven ground. They can be particularly valuable on muddy paths and more slippery slope conditions, and can help reduce some of the load placed on your legs when ascending and descending.
If you're a regular hiker, these can come in very handy!
Regatta Unisex Adults AntiShock Walking Pole
Thermos Flasks
Finally, of course, don’t forget your thermos flask for your brew. A hot drink will help keep spirits up on a cold-weather hike, and give you something to look forward to at the top of the mountain!
Something like the Regatta flask below will keep your tea or coffee hot as you hike, or you could check out Stanley for more great options.
Regatta Thermulate Vacuum 0.75L Travel Flask
Hiking Backpacks
Even on a short hike, you need somewhere secure to carry your water, layers, safety essentials etc. A backpack is the best option rather than, say, a tote bag, because it can stay stable across your shoulders.
For longer hikes, look for a backpack with enough capacity, with features such as adjustable straps. An air-mesh back panel is also a nice bonus in hot weather!
Backpacks get measured in litres, and, for a day’s hiking, you’d most likely be looking at something between 15 and 25 litres, as we recommended in our summer hiking gear guide.
Mac In a Sac Travelite Packable 20L Waterproof Backpack
Regatta Highton V2 25L Walking Backpack
Avenue 85 Top Tips for Hiking Accessories
Now we've covered the seasons, here are a few of our favourite tips for getting the most from your hiking accessories:
- A lot of accessories revolve around contingency planning. So don’t pack for what you hope the weather will be; pack for what could realistically happen. And also remember to consider the walk back. If your hike takes several hours, check what the weather and daylight will be towards the end of your route, as it may change significantly from when you head out.
- Use dry bags as a simple way to protect spare layers and valuables inside your backpack.
- Pack essentials at the top of your rucksack. Items you're likely to need quickly, such as your waterproof jacket, water, or first aid, should be easy to reach without having to unpack everything.
- Once you’re home, take care of a few maintenance tasks. Recharge your headtorch, dry off your waterproofs thoroughly, clean out your water bottle, and keep all your emergency hiking accessories together. It means your kit is ready for the next hike.
- Have your changing robe ready in the car for the end of your hike. These are the perfect warm, comfy, dry layer you can put on to change out of your muddy hiking kit, or to simply wrap up in for the drive home.
Hiking Accessories List
We've covered a lot of ground here (pun intended!) so here's a quick overview of which accessories you will need for your hiking across the seasons:
| Year-Round Essentials | Spring & Summer | Autumn & Winter |
| Reusable water bottle | Sun hat or baseball cap | Beanie or bobble hat |
| Trail snacks | UV-blocking sunglasses | Thermal neck gaiter |
| Headtorch | Lightweight walking socks | Insulated / waterproof gloves |
| First aid kit & whistle | Packable waterproof jacket | Warm walking socks |
| Emergency blanket | Packable waterproof trousers | Waterproof gaiters |
| Map & compass | Sweat-resistant sunscreen | Walking poles |
| Backpack | Insect repellent | Insulated travel flask |
FAQs: Hiking Accessories
Finally, before we finish up, let's look at a few quick questions and answers our customers often have when shopping for their accessories.
What essential accessories do I need for my first hike?
Start with the basics for hiking, such as:
- Water
- Navigation (map, compass)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Headtorch
- Hat (for the season)
- Walking socks
- Gloves (if it’s colder weather)
- First aid kit
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
From there, you can add additional accessories and equipment according to the route, distance, terrain, and weather.
What should you not bring hiking?
The main consideration is not to bring anything unnecessarily bulky or heavy.
Every extra kg has to be carried uphill, and potentially for several hours, so overpacking can make a long hike considerably more tiring. However, it’s a false economy to leave behind water, navigation, or emergency equipment simply to make the pack lighter!
So that's why it's important to consider the length of the hike, the conditions, the season, and be strategic about what you take.
A few things you can generally leave at home include:
- Glass bottles: They're heavy and can break if dropped or knocked around inside a pack.
- Valuable items: Watches, jewellery, etc can both add weight and create things that can be damaged by rain or mud. You don’t want your attention to be focusing on protecting your favourite bracelet, rather than watching where you’re walking!
- An umbrella: While it might help keep you dry, it can be awkward to hold when you’re hiking. Waterproof clothing is a much more practical choice.
Do I need a dry bag if I have a waterproof backpack?
Yes, because a dry bag provides a second barrier of protection, plus helps to organise your backpack. It also means you can store your waterproof jacket in there, if the rain is stop/start.
When deciding what to put in a dry bag, think about what would cause a real problem if it got soaked. Spare clothing, maps, electronics are all good examples.
Craghoppers 5L Dry Bag Rucksack
Ready to Head Out for a Hike?
It always pays to be prepared, so hopefully this guide has helped you determine what needs to come along with you on your next adventure! A great hiking accessories list includes practical pieces (like hats and waterproofs) that will suit the conditions you're likely to face, alongside the essentials that will help you out if things don't go exactly to plan.
And if you're in need of a few new accessories, we've got everything you need to get kitted out in our full hiking collection. From your sun hats and packable waterproofs for spring/summer to your beanies and gloves for the colder weather, you can shop popular brands like Regatta and Craghoppers, plus make the most of our free UK delivery for orders over £65.
About the Author
Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.