Over my years walking and leading groups on the hills of the UK I have picked up some tips to make my days more comfortable and I thought I would pass them on. Please leave your own tips in the comments at the end to help everyone out.
Duck it
There's truth in the old saying 'if you can't duck it - f*ck it'. You never know when you'll need to repair a rip in your waterproofs or tent, tape up that floppy sole of your boot or fix some glasses. You can even roll it up and use it as string. I wrap my flask in a few layers of duck tape so it doesn't take up any more room and it's always in your bag.
Warm up your flask
No one likes a cold cuppa at home and it's even worse out on the hill. I warm up my flask with boiling water before filling it with the days water so it stays hotter for longer and doesn't lose a few degrees heating the flask up. Also - take drink ingredients separate and make it when you need it otherwise it goes a bit funny throughout the day. Just take some teabags, hot chocolate, coffee and milk sachets from your next hotel visit and you're good to go.
Flappy straps
We've all been hit in the face on a windy day by a loose strap. I use a roll of thin velcro that I wrap around the rolled up straps, it can be adjusted when needed and never falls off.
Double wrap laces
I was shown this way too late in life, but to get a more secure boot fit just double wrap the lace before tying your bow. If you want a more customised fit then miss out an eyelet or two.
Print your map - free
Did you know Bing Maps has an Ordnance Survey layer option? I love using it to plan my walks. You can also print off the section you want for free, just be sure the sizing is correct before you take any measurements from the map. Put the printed paper in a sandwich bag and you're good to go. Always take a spare one or spare map in your bag incase you drop it or it gets wet!
Tie up your compass
Have you dropped your compass whilst it's blowing a gale and your big clumsy gloves don't grip it when you just want to get off the hill? I have and then started tying it up, it either goes in my chest pocket, leg pocket or pack strap so if it does slip out of the hand due to clumsiness then it won't get lost or damaged.
Don't drop your phone
We've all dropped our phone in a puddle or come close to dropping it down a cliff. I found a phone leash attached to you pocket is a game changer and it saved me numerous times when walking and especially when climbing.
Flip flops
I love that feeling of taking your boots off after a long day on the hills and slipping into some flip flops or trainers when you get back to the car. Flip flops are great in the bag if you're camping too as they don't take up any space. Take a little pack of wipes to freshen them up and you'll feel like you've just had a spa day.
Jangly items
Easily one of my biggest pet hates and sources of frustration with younger walkers who are still figuring stuff out. From metal mugs, jackets, lanterns, tent pegs, speakers, tent poles - I have seen everything strapped to the outside. The noise will get to everyone around you, it looks messy and it actually makes it harder to walk and keep your balance. I have seen people loose their tent poles as they were strapped to the outside - so there's another reason not to do it. Rant over.
Take spares
In your first aid kit take some spare batteries and laces, having a spare lace in your bag when one brakes makes you feel like you've won the lottery. Some wet wipes to clean your hands before lunch doesn't hurt either.
Bonus tip - do an audit
When you unpack after your walks make a mental or written note of what you packed and didn't use. You'll be surprised how much stuff you take that is just bag filler. Obviously some emergency stuff is always needed (first aid kit, emergency blanket, torch, pen knife, duct tape) and won't be used regularly but anything else that isn't being used is getting a free ride on your back - don't take it next time. Do you really need all those snacks, spare jackets, socks, guidebook (just take a photocopy or picture of the pages you need)?
Let us know your top tips in the comments below