'National Trust' Easter on Pembrokeshire's Stackpole Estate

If it’s your first OutdoorLads event or you are trying something for the first time and you’re unsure what kit you’ll need - don’t worry – the following should help.
 

This is only a guide - you will need to consider the weather forecast and the activity as described. An event in April for example can be like a summer event or something more like a winter one.

 

If you have any questions just message the event leader.

   Day walks (easy, low level, summer)

For lots of low level day walks in the summer you need very little gear. (This excludes any walks at height – like in North Wales, the Lakes or Scotland.)

• Good walking shoes or boots are always a good idea – as even in the height of summer we can end up wading through soggy mud.
• A waterproof jacket is pretty essential in all but the most drought like conditions. If there is the slightest chance of rain (and when isn’t there?) a pair of waterproof trousers is also useful.
• For summer walks we would also recommend bringing a hat and sun screen, you are likely to be in the sun for up to 8 hours and we often see people quite pink at the end of a good walk.

 Day walks (medium or hard, at altitude, summer)

A summer day in places like the Lakes, Scottish Highlands or North Wales can turn quite nasty at the top of the mountains so you need to be prepared.

• Proper walking boots, a water-proof jacket and water proof trousers are essential for nearly all walks in these areas.
• You might be dressed in only a T-shirt when you start, but if the weather changes (and it often does) you will be very thankful you packed a number of warm layers, like long sleeve tops, and fleece tops.
• It might be 10 degrees cooler at the top and in spring and autumn hats and gloves are a good idea – even if it is warm when you start the day.
• It may seem weird packing sun screen and a wooly hat – but you could well end using both on the high fells in summer.
• Comfortable loose fitting trousers are best – stay away from Jeans as when these get wet you will get cold and the weight of them will double.
• We recommend against wearing cotton t-shirts when climbing mountains. They'll retain your sweat and in the cool conditions on top of a mountain you'll get very cold very quickly. Baselayers from any outdoors shop or a footie top are the way to go.

 Day walks (easy, winter)

For easy winter walks (that stay at low levels) you will need:

• proper walking boots,
• water-proof jacket and trousers,
• a selection of warm layers, several thinner layers are better than one really thick one,
• hat and gloves,
• loose comfortable trousers, not Jeans,
• something to keep the contents of your rucksack dry. Either dry bags or a waterproof cover.

Even walks marked as easy can include stretches of open ridge ways, moorlands, cliff tops or other places where, without lots of warm clothing you can get really cold.

   Day walks (hard, winter)

If you are thinking of booking on one of these walks you should pay particular attention to the event page details and it's best to get in touch with the leader to make sure you have what you need. You will need all the things for an easy winter walk (above) but you may need extra items like the following:

• torch
• survival bag
• crampons
• poles
   

 Climbing (indoor)

Wear a t-shirt and shorts or tracksuit bottoms. No jeans or trousers that will hamper your movement. You can hire a climbing harness and proper climbing shoes from the centre. If you'd prefer not to hire shoes then you can climb in a pair of snug fitting trainers. Any questions on appropriate clothing or climbing gear then please feel free to contact the event leader.

Climbing (outdoor)

If you are on an outdoor climbing event you need to bring warm clothes and waterproofs. OutdoorLads usually provide harnesses, but you should check with the event leader.
  Camping

If you haven’t been camping since you were in the Scouts here is what you need.

If it’s your first trip you are likely to want to get away with the bare minimum.

• Tents start off relatively cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. These tend to start from £10 upwards (‘festival tents’) that are light and do the job – but only just. You may find that they leak, break or blow away.
• A thin foam ‘carry mat’ is good to sleep on (under £10) and you can use your clothes to make a pillow. Or if you have the room places like Tesco often sell air beds that cost as little as a fiver.
• Don’t forget you will need something to sleep in. You can buy a sleeping bag from as little as a tenner. This will tend to be thin but will do the job at most summer camps. At camps later in the year you will want something warmer though.
• Some places such as Argos/ASDA sell camping sets where you can buy a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a lamp for approx. £50-£60.
• If you have friends that camp you may find it beneficial to talk to them first and they may even lend you some kit.
• Check if the event has a pub nearby for dinner, and buy cereal pots or porridge pots from places like M&S for breakfast. You can easily beg a cup of tea from more seasoned campers – but it helps if you have a cup, and don’t forget a plastic glass if you like your wine! If you are coming by car, a folding chair (£10) is great. As you may be sitting outside late into the evening. Some proper warm clothing always comes in handy – even in the summer. Don’t forget a torch, or you may never make it back to your tent. Finally, ear plugs are always a great idea.

Once you have been once or twice you will know what kit you need to be able to cook a full English breakfast and host a party for 8 in your tent. Until then the above basics will see you right.

You will obviously need what ever kit you need for the daytime activities.

   Hostels

You hardly need anything special for hostels. Most, but not all, provide full bedding, but do check as one or two events ask you to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. You always need a towel. A couple of nice to have items is a torch (so you can get into the room when everyone has gone to sleep, without turning the light on) and ear plugs (we do have some right snorers).

You will obviously need what ever kit you need for the daytime activities.
   If you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to connect to either support@outdoorlads.com or the event leader.