The Best Hiking Gear for Exploring Wales in 2025 (Including Free Downloadable Checklist)

Wales is a hiker’s dream. From the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the mystical valleys of the Bannau Brychieniog (Brecon Beacons) and the coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, the terrain is beautiful – but demanding. Having spent years exploring Wales on foot and working as a mountain leader, I’ve tested dozens of products in wind, rain, sun, and snow.

This guide breaks down the best hiking gear for 2025 – tailored to Welsh conditions and includes a free downloadable checklist for you to print off.

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost or price difference to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog and keeps all resources free to access 🙂


1. Best Hiking Boots for Welsh Terrain

Welsh trails are rocky, boggy, and often wet. Good boots are essential. My Hanwag’s have been reliable boots for Wales and beyond for the last 10 years.

ProductTypeProsBest ForPrice
Salomon Quest 4 GTX (Mens/womens)Mid-highWaterproof, supportiveMountain hikes £200
Merrell Moab 3 Goretex (Mens/womens)Low-cutLightweight, breathableCoastal walks£135
Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTXMid-highDurable, excellent grip, waterproofMountain hikes £250

👉 Tip: Always break in new boots before a long hike!


2. Waterproof Jackets to Survive Welsh Rain

Rain is a fact of life in Wales, even in summer. You might get lucky and avoid it once or twice but it’s best to make an investment and get a decent jacket if you plan on making Welsh adventures a regular thing.


3. Lightweight Daypacks for Hillwalkers

Choose a pack that’s comfortable, weather-resistant, and fits your frame.

  • Top PickOsprey Talon 22 – Men’s favourite, ergonomic design.
  • Women’s PickOsprey Tempest 20
  • Budget OptionQuechua MH500 – Under £45 and surprisingly durable. My Quechua daypack has been going strong for several summers.

✔ Add a rain cover (if it’s not included) and hydration bladder (like CamelBak Crux 2L) for all-day hikes.

Our Pick

Osprey Men’s Talon 22 Hiking Pack

Osprey Men's Talon 22 Hiking Pack
£93.99


4. Hiking Poles for Mountain Trails

Poles reduce knee strain and help with balance on steep or muddy slopes. They also preserve your muscles on multi-day hikes.

✅ Especially useful on steep ascents in Eryri (Snowdonia) or the Cambrian Mountains.


5. Base Layers & Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Avoid cotton – it gets wet and stays wet, which will make you cold and miserable.

✔ Bonus: Pack a buff, glove liners, and an extra layer even in the summer months!


6. Navigation Tools (GPS, Maps, and Apps)

Phones are great – until they die or lose signal.

  • AppOS Maps Premium – Best for UK trails. I’ve been using this for several years and it’s well worth the investment. Make sure to download the map route or area before heading to the mountains in case there is a lack of phone signal when you arrive. Pro Tip: Keep your phone in aeroplane mode to preserve battery life.
  • GPS DeviceGarmin eTrex 32x – Rugged, long battery life.
  • Paper Backup: Ordnance Survey OL Series maps (e.g., Snowdon OL17).
Our Pick

Garmin eTrex 22x, Brown

Garmin eTrex 22x, Brown
£245.85


7. Top Tech & Gadgets for 2025


8. Safety & Useful Extras

Our Pick

INIU Power Bank, 45W PD Lightest 10000mAh Portable Charger

INIU Power Bank, 45W PD Lightest 10000mAh Portable Charger
£23.21


9. Budget vs. Premium: What’s Worth the Investment?

Gear TypeSpend More OnSave Here
Footwear
Waterproof Layer
Backpack✅ (if frequent use)❌ for casual walkers
Clothing LayersOptional✔️
Navigation

10. Final Thoughts + Free Download

Wales is one of the best hiking destinations in the world – but don’t underestimate the weather and terrain. Investing in the right gear means safer, more enjoyable adventures.

📥 Download your Free Wales Hiking Gear Checklist (PDF)

Includes seasonal tips, safety reminders, and a printable checklist.

Louise

Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide, Snowboard Instructor & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and currently guides mountain trips in the UK.

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