Recently, I wrote a list of all the gear I use for day hikes and walks. This post is a slightly expanded list of all the things I bring with me on a multi-day hike or walk.

Note: Many of the links go to Amazon products, rather than the specific brand website. I purchase most of my things on Amazon, as it’s easy and I don’t have to leave the house! Please note that many of the Amazon links are affiliate links, so if you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission.

You can download a printable checklist here that you can edit for your own purposes.

See also:

• Ultimate Gear and Packing List for One-Day Hikes and Walks
• Ultimate Gear and Packing List for Wild Camping and Car Camping

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this blog post, which means that I may earn a small commission if you click on these links and make a purchase. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also a participant in other affiliate programs. 

Multi-Day Walks

Accommodation + travel details

I always put together a spreadsheet of where I’m walking from and to each day, as well as the details of where I’m staying. I also include whether I’ve paid in full, in part, or whether I gave a card to hold the room and payment will be taken upon checkout.

Backpack

I am a massive fan of Osprey backpacks and I probably have far too many of them! If you’re a woman, be sure to look at the women’s specific packs. They will be designed for a woman’s body.

For longer hikes, I use a bigger pack than my standard day pack. Be aware that you shouldn’t need more than a 36 L pack for a multi-day hike, assuming you’re staying at hostels, inns, or B&Bs. If you get a larger pack, you risk carrying too much with you. If you do this intentionally, it will be good training for a longer hike, but if you don’t pay attention to what you’re packing, it can make for a tiring day and sore feet. The pack I use for multi-day hikes is the Kyte 36. (Amazon link | Osprey link).

Make sure that your pack comes with a rain cover (many Osprey models do), or buy one separately.

Dry sacks. My pack has a rain cover. However, I also pack my things in dry sacks: it helps keep things extra dry, and it helps me to separate my stuff into different categories so they’re not all floating around in my pack. I have two sets of the classic 4-pack Exped drybags [which come in an assortment of sizes: XS (3litres), S (5 litres), M (8 litres) and L (13 litres)], and also the Exped Ultralight XXS drybag.

• XXS: perfect for batteries, chargers, power bank, and your head light.
• XS: great for food and snacks.
• S: I use this one for my big first aid kit.
• M: good for extra gloves, neck warmers, hats—or for when it gets warm and you’re not using them.
• L: I usually only use this big one for camping, to keep my clothes inside. It doubles as a pillow for sleeping.

Bathroom bag

You can use a dry bag for this, or you can use a small bathroom travel bag. Avoid the big ones that fold up, as they’re far too big and cumbersome for your needs. You should plan to bring the bare minimum of toiletries.

Here’s what I bring:

• Arnica cream. Arnica cream is great for aches and pains. I use a brand called The Rub, but this is another good brand.
• Lotion. I actually use Nivea Creme for my face, body, and feet when I’m out on a long walking trip. It’s super thick and it feels great on your skin after being out in the elements all day.
• Soap/shower gel/shampoo. You don’t really need shampoo, soap, or shower gel as it will be provided by most places you’ll be staying, and it’s extra weight in your pack. I usually just bring a little travel-sized bottle of conditioner.
• Toothbrush + paste. Obviously, bring the end of a tube or a small travel-sized one.

Note that I don’t bring deodorant. While this sounds like a bad idea, it honestly won’t make a difference whether you’re wearing it or not—you won’t be smelling fresh on the trail.

Clothes

• Base layer. I have old, random-brand short sleeve base layers that I use for running and walking. But if I were going to upgrade, I’d get something like these short sleeve tech shirts from Under Armour. In the winter, I use the Zip-Neck Bamboo Base Layer from BAM. Each year they come out with different colors for it. I like it’s thumb loops, which keep my wrists warm and prevent the sleeves from riding up my arms under a jacket. I also love its quarter-zip, which I find really useful to regulate my body temperature when I’m wearing lots of layers. On a multi-day walk, I bring two of these.
• Belt. You may want to use a belt to hold your trousers up, because I find that my backpack can push down on my trousers when I’m walking, even though they fit me well. This listing says it’s for a man’s belt, but it’s the one I’ve got and it’s perfect. It comes in different sizes.
• Gloves. I have the Chamonix Gore-Tex gloves from Trekmates. They are very warm and perfect for winter walking.
• Mid layer. This will be either a fleece or a puffy jacket. My favorite fleece at the moment is from Berghaus. I can’t find the model online, but I suspect that the Berghaus Women’s Prism Micro Polartec Interactive Fleece Jacket is the updated version of what I’ve got. What I like about it: good pockets, and full zip. I used to wear pull-on fleeces, but now I prefer a full zip: it helps me to regulate my body temperature when I’m outdoors. My puffy jacket is from Rab, and I love it so much! (Amazon link | Rab link) What I love about it: it’s warm, packable into a fairly small size, and it has great pockets. Plus, it comes in about eight different colors, all of which are pretty. On a multi-day walk, I bring one of these.
• Neck warmer. A Merino Buff is good, because it can double as a head warmer. You can also get a fleece neck warmer like this one. I have a lovely Heat Holders Women Thermal Winter Fleece Neck Warmer that I wear in the office at home when I’m fasting and cold, but it might be overkill for a winter hike.
• Sports bra, if needed. I use the Coobie Seamless Sports Bra. The Coobie has been my standard bra for years, and I love it. Seamless. Comfy!
• Underwear. Runderwear is the best option for chafe-proof running and walking underwear. A friend of mine recommends Exofficio underwear, which is designed for travel.
• Walking trousers (not jeans!). I love, love, love Craghoppers and I have worn their trousers for years. What I like about them: their trousers have all kinds of little extras, like a cloth for your glasses, a dry bag for your phone, and plenty of pockets. Perhaps most importantly, they come in regular, short, and long lengths. The short length is perfect for me (I’m 5’3″ or 162 cm). For 3-season walking (spring, summer, fall), I am on my third pair of NosiLife Pro II Convertible Trousers (not because they’ve worn out, but because I’ve lost weight and needed a smaller size—these trousers seem to last forever). My first two pairs were not convertible, but my current ones are, which I prefer because they give you more flexibility. For winter walking, I wear the Craghoppers Women’s Kiwi Pro Stretch Lined Trousers, which are fleece lined and very cozy. You might need to go a size up on these. They are usually seasonal on the Craghoppers website, so you may not find them outside of winter, but they are usually available year-round on Amazon, and often at discounted prices. On a multi-day walk, I bring one pair or trousers and I wear them everyday.
• Socks. Bridgedale is my favorite brand, but Smart Wool is also great. My standard 3-season sock is the Bridgedale Women’s Hike Lightweight Cotton Cool Comfort Socks. Tip: get them in different colors so you can distinguish between pairs when you’re doing a long distance walk or you’re out for several days at a time. For winter, you can use a thicker sock like the Bridgedale Women’s Hike Midweight Boot Height- Merino Endurance Socks or the Bridgedale Women’s Explorer Heavyweight Merino Endurance Socks. On a multi-day walk, I bring four pairs of socks, two for each day (I swap back and forth between them to keep my feet dry).

Clothes drying system

I use a homemade system that uses a cheap carabiner and three binder clips to hang my clothes from my pack.

Compass

If you’re going to be venturing out on your own, always have a compass with you, and know how to use it. Do not rely on the “compass” that you probably have on your smart phone. I use the Silva Compass Expedition.

Earbuds

Whatever you usually use. In case you want to listen to music in the evening.

Evening bag

When I go out to eat in the evenings, I use an inexpensive string bag to carry my cash, cards, and iPad for reading. It’s lightweight and easy to pack. This bag is very similar to the one I have, which is no longer available.

Evening clothes

In the summer, I like to carry different clothing to go out for dinner. It’s just nice to wear something different, and summer clothing is lightweight. I wear a simple t-shirt dress. In the winter, I don’t wear anything special in the evenings. I just wear the same trousers, and I put on the clean bra and shirt that I’ll be wearing for walking the next day.

Evening shoes

I find Birkenstocks to be the best evening shoe. They’re comfortable and allow my feet to air out and rest. I wear the Gizeh flip flops. If you want a waterproof version to use in the shower (which is good if you’ll be staying at hostels), these Gizeh sandals are very lightweight.

Feminine gear

In case you’re walking during that time of the month: period panties, menstrual cup, pads, and/or tampons. It’s happened to me twice; it’s not the end of the world. I actually find that cloth pads are great for walking (I get mine from Honour Your Flow), or period pants such as the Classic Boy Shorts with heavy overnight absorbancy from Modibodi.

First aid kit

I carry a very small first aid kit like this one.

Be sure you have your own personal medication, and that you also have tick removal tools (like the O’Tom Tick Twister) and Compeed for blisters (I always carry 2-3 packs of these: two of the Medium Plasters and one Mix Pack—note that these are usually less expensive on Amazon). Also be sure you have tissues and lip balm.

Glasses + case

Bring your glasses, if you wear them. I only wear glasses for reading, and I bought compact, inexpensive ones for my outdoor adventures that I am not worried about damaging. I never bring my good reading glasses with me.

Guidebooks + Resources

If you’re walking a National Trail or other trail that has a guidebook, bring one with you. I like the Trailblazers guides. Also bring paper maps for the areas you’ll be walking through.

Head light

I have the Energizer LED Vision Ultra HD Headlight. I need to upgrade my lamp, but I’ve had this one for almost ten years now, and it’s only just starting to fail me. I think it’s a great first head light. While I usually opt for things with rechargeable batteries, when you’re in the outdoors you won’t be able to easily recharge things. I have an older version of this head light, which takes three AAA batteries. I always carry extra batteries with me, especially when I’m out with people or when I’m out for a multi-day hike. I’ve had this light for almost ten years now, and it’s still going strong.

House keys

So you can get back into your home.

Knife

I carry a small Victorinox knife that’s kind of like the Huntsman, and I also have an Opinel. You don’t really need a knife, but it can be nice to have. Only bring one.

Maps

If you’re going out alone, always have the paper maps for the area where you’ll be walking, and know how to read them. Don’t rely on a GPS device or smart phone as your primary navigation method. Batteries die out, and electronic devices aren’t always as accurate as you may think. Note that you can buy weatherproof versions of OS Maps. Alternatively, buy a map case to keep your map dry and still functional. I also use the OS Maps app for planning walks and for when I’ve forgotten my paper maps (oops!).

Money + cards

Bring cash + credit/debit cards just in case of emergency. If you’ll be going through small villages rather than major towns, bring extra cash.

Notepad + pen

In case you want to write anything down. Probably not necessary, but nice to have. If you want to journal during your walk, bring that instead.

Personal shelter

I always go out with my 2-person Bothy Bag in my pack, and I had a larger one for group walks. It’s great for emergency situations, and it really keeps you warm. A two-person shelter is big enough for you and your backpack. I also carry a foil blanket with me just in case.

Phone + tablet

Bring your mobile phone. When I walk alone, I bring my iPad + keyboard to write books, and you may want to bring your tablet to read books in the evening. Bring the chargers, too!

Poles

I use the Carbon Fibre 3-Section Pacerpoles. They are fantastic!

Poo kit

I usually only carry this if I’m going backpacking, but if you have digestive issues, or if you’re the kind of person who often has emergencies out on the trail, you’ll need a poo kit, like the very lightweight Coghlans Back Packers Trowel and some toilet paper (not tissue, as it doesn’t biodegrade as quickly).

Power bank

Stay safe by making sure you have backup power for your electronics. I have this power bank and am happy with it. I also have a solar charger for when I’m on a multi-day hike or when I’m out camping.

Snacks

Don’t go overboard; I’d recommend one small bag of nuts. You may want to bring small packets of hot chocolate or decaf tea for the evenings.

Sunscreen & Hat

Sunscreen: use whatever brand you prefer. Apply early and often, even when it’s cloudy. I’ve had some of my worst sunburns when it’s cloudy and I’ve forgotten to reapply my sun cream.

I have a Columbia hat that’s very similar to this one, and I always get complimented on it when I’m out on a walk. It’s cool, and it keeps my face and neck well shaded. This is my standard summer walking hat.

For the cold, you probably already have a suitable hat. Any beanie will do, as long as it keeps your head warm. Sometimes, if it’s not too cold, I like a warm headband like this one from Pachamama. I can no longer find the exact pattern that I have, but they have many different colors and patterns. They are wool on the outside, fleece on the inside. It keeps my ears and head warm but also cool on the top, which can be refreshing on a crisp day.

Train tickets

Or whatever other transportation tickets you need to get to the start of the trail and to get home at the end of your journey.

Watch

Yes, you have your phone with you…but what if the battery dies? You need to know what time it is, and how long you’ve got until sundown.

Whistle

I have a whistle attached to each one of my backpacks. Know how to use it. The emergency signal is: six blasts, wait one minute, six more blasts. Keep going until help is with you.

Waterproof hiking shoes/boots

Shoes and boots are very, very personal. You’re going to have to go with what works for you. My links here are just for reference. I’ve tried many shoes and boots over the years. You’re probably going to want to go to a shop and try these on before buying them (though, to be honest, I’ve bought shoes online without trying them on first). Be sure to bring the same hiking socks you’ll be wearing with them. Because hiking socks are extra padded, you may need to buy a half-size or a whole size larger than you usually wear.

In the winter and when it’s raining or muddy, I wear my boots. The boots that I love, love, love are the Scarpa Womens Terra GTX Boot, which I got at Cotswold Outdoors near Covent Garden. They are leather and are totally waterproof, and I regularly re-waterproof them after a particularly wet or muddy walk with Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather.

For 3-season and dry weather walking, my favorite shoes for years were the Salomon Women’s Hiking Shoes X Ultra 3 Prime GTX W. They are Gore-Tex, not leather, and they are light and breathable and good for hot weather walking. This is an old model, however, so you may have to look at something new if you want a similar shoe.

My new favorite walking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Low Mesh Women’s Trail Running Shoes. They have a Footshape Toe Box, which allows your toes to spread out naturally (which is good if you’re used to wearing barefoot-style shoes), and Zero-Drop, which means that the heel isn’t higher than the toe. They also have excellent grip, which is great for going downhill.

And for years I’ve been a fan of Vibram FiveFingers shoes, but these are a true barefoot shoe and you won’t be comfortable wearing these for a hike if you’ve got a big pack on. They’re great for a nice shorter day hike, probably less than 10 miles (and with a lighter pack).

Water bottles

I like to carry both a water bottle and a water reservoir. I prefer these wide mouth bottles from Nalgene as they’re not too heavy, and they’re easy to clean. Plus, they come in lots of different colors. I also use these bottles when I go camping.

Water pouch

I use Osprey backpacks and so I also use an Osprey water reservoir. I’ve heard complaints from other walkers about their water bladders making the water taste like plastic, but this has never been a problem with my Osprey reservoir. I have a 2.5 L hydration pack, but I don’t always fill it up. I may just fill it to the 1.5 L line when going out for a day hike, and then bring my 1 L Nalgene bottle for a total of 2.5 L of water. Note that I tend to bring more water than I actually need, especially when going out with a group. (Amazon link | Osprey website)

Waterproof jacket + trousers

The North Face is one of my favorite brands. I can’t link to the exact jacket that I have because I bought it back in 2011. I’ve worn this jacket for thousands of miles of walks, and I’ve never had to re-waterproof it. I think I got it for sale at an outdoors shop for £50. The link above is to their women’s waterproof section.

Another brand that I love is Rab, and they have great outdoor clothing. I have one of their puffy jackets that I love (link to that below) and as much as I love The North Face, I think I’ll get a Rab jacket whenever I need to replace my current waterproof. I really like their Women’s Downpour Plus Jacket, which comes in a variety of colors and is reasonably priced for a good quality waterproof jacket. But personally, I’m leaning toward the Women’s Spark Jacket, mostly because I love those chest pockets. They’re really convenient.

For the bottoms, I use Berghaus waterproof overtrousers: these go on top of your normal walking trousers. If it’s already raining when I leave the house in the morning for a walk, I leave with both pairs of trousers on. Otherwise, I leave in my normal walking trousers (link below) and fold these overtrousers up in my backpack. This model is an upgrade of the ones I’ve had for years. The important details: they unzip down the sides so that you can pull them on over your boots and normal trousers without too much fuss. This is important if it’s suddenly started pouring down rain when you’re out on the trail and you want to cover up fast.

I never leave the house for a walk without my waterproofs in my backpack, no matter how nice the weather may seem.

Whistle

 I have a whistle attached to each one of my backpacks. Know how to use it. The emergency signal is: six blasts, wait one minute, six more blasts. Keep going until help is with you.

I think that’s everything! I will be updating and adding to this post, so please let me know if you have any questions.