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.
| Product | Type | Pros | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Quest 4 GTX (Mens/womens) | Mid-high | Waterproof, supportive | Mountain hikes | £200 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Goretex (Mens/womens) | Low-cut | Lightweight, breathable | Coastal walks | £135 |
| Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTX | Mid-high | Durable, excellent grip, waterproof | Mountain 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.
- Best Overall: Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 – Breathable, adjustable hood, underarm vents.
- Budget Pick: Regatta Pack-It III – Great for short hikes or backup layer.
- Premium Choice: Arc’teryx Beta AR – Expensive but elite-level performance.
3. Lightweight Daypacks for Hillwalkers
Choose a pack that’s comfortable, weather-resistant, and fits your frame.
- Top Pick: Osprey Talon 22 – Men’s favourite, ergonomic design.
- Women’s Pick: Osprey Tempest 20
- Budget Option: Quechua 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.
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.
- Best Value: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
- Ultralight Choice: LEKI Black Series Carbon
✅ 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.
- Top Base Layer: Icebreaker 200 Oasis Merino Wool
- Budget Option: Under Armour Tech 2.0
- Socks: Darn Tough Merino Hiker Socks – Lifetime guarantee!
✔ 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.
- App: OS 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 Device: Garmin eTrex 32x – Rugged, long battery life.
- Paper Backup: Ordnance Survey OL Series maps (e.g., Snowdon OL17).
7. Top Tech & Gadgets for 2025
- Solar Charger: Anker 21W Solar Panel – Keeps your devices alive off-grid.
- Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 – For early starts, sunset hikes or emergencies.
- Watch: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar – GPS, altimeter, weather, and more.
8. Safety & Useful Extras
- Collapsible water bottle (e.g., Hydrapak Stow)
- Filtering water bottle to keep hydrated on backcountry adventures
- Lightweight sit pad (I use mine all the time when running DofE expeditions)
- First aid kit (Comprehensive to the terrain)
- Emergency bivvy bag or shelter
- Power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) – I love my lightweight INIU power bank
- Dry bags for keeping gadgets and warm layers dry
- Apps to provide location to emergency services: What3words or OSMaps’ Locate me
- Healthy hiking snacks/meals to keep your energy levels high
Budget vs. Premium: What’s Worth the Investment?
| Gear Type | Spend More On | Save Here |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | ✅ | ❌ |
| Waterproof Layer | ✅ | ❌ |
| Backpack | ✅ (if frequent use) | ❌ for casual walkers |
| Clothing Layers | Optional | ✔️ |
| Navigation | ✅ | ❌ |
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.