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Walking Hiking and Camping Tips
Lost Cameras
Hi Mike, There are a lot of cameras listed in the Lost and Found section! If anyone should find a lost camera, how would they be able to trace the owner? A simple idea is to print your name and telephone number in large print on a sheet of paper, photograph it, and keep that photo as the first one on all your memory cards. If the camera is found by someone honest, you can be sure of a telephone call! Cheers, Ron
Ron Linton, Stockport
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Waterproofing Boots
Rather than spending a fortune on waterproof sprays try a can of car bumper restorer. This is available from lots of places including Poundland who do a 500ml can for £1 (Surprise!). Another advantage of this is that it dries almost instantly so a quick squirt from a can in the car boot before a walk is ideal. If you don't believe me try it on an old pair of boots and spray with water - magic!
Peter Mcfadden, Redditch
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Safety
Take a short (6-9ins) length of old cycle tye, cut down its length and keep in rucsac. This is very useful if you HAVE to get over a barbed wire fence and also in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances ove an electric fence. It will protect your vital bits!
Martin Somerville, Cardiff
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Washing Overtrousers
Wash overtrousers in car wash and wax shampoo. This puts a coating on the trousers helping to keep waterproof.
Peter Crowther, Ossett
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Waterproof Spray
When spraying boots put them inside a plastic carrier bag, this stops the spray blowing all over the place and concentrates it on the boots.
Peter Crowther, Ossett
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Bubble-wrap
I keep a reasonable sized bit of bubble-wrap in my rucksack - you can wrap it round our sandwiches or water bottle - it's brilliant for keeping your bum warm and dry when you sit down and it weighs almost nothing.
Joyce Harkin, Glasgow
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Waterproofing Matches
How many times have you gone to strike a soggy match, only to have the head drop off!!, avoid this predicament by first covering the head of NON-SAFETY matches with melted candle wax, this way they can be struck on any surface, and your match WILL light
Mac And Pauline Smith, Barry
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Bladdered
When youve finished with your bladder, empty of water, put in the freezer. itll stay clean, mould free, no dogy after taste when you come to reuse it.
Wayne Qualter, Newent
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Trousers
During April to October, I wear shorts for walking with long socks rolled down for hotter conditions and rolled up if it cools down. For Winter, I've gone back to wearing knee-length breeches with long woollen socks for the same heat management principles. Plus, they're more comfortable than trousers to walk in (less 'pull' on knees), easier to wear under waterproof leggings and with gaiters. Why did we ever abandon them?
Jeremy Dent, Stockport
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Cleaning a Water Bladder Drinking Tube
Secure garden wire to a pipe cleaner, long enough to reach the end and pass through a few times, spray with anti bacterial stuff (pipe cleaners from craft shops-home bargain toy shelf or wooly's craft shelf)
Derek Craig, Liverpool
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Keeping Your Water Bladder Clean
Use diluted Milton (baby bottle cleaner)and rinse well
L Ashman, Gwent
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Silver Foil Pie Dish
Silver foil can be really useful. It weighs practically nothing and is a good way of making sure your trangia doesn't scorch or burn the grass it's sat on. It'll also do as a plate if you have a mate along with you.
Steve Woodward, London
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Putting On Waterproof Trousers
When packing your waterproof trousers, pack a supermarket bag as well. When you need to put on the waterproof trousers, put your foot in the bag and then your leg will glide effortously through the trouser leg. Repeat for the second leg. This also has the advantage of not getting mud on the inside of your waterproofs which would transfer onto your walking gear. Simple but effective.
Colin Mccourt, East Cowes, Isle Of Wight
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Useful Poncho
My husband and I purchased two army ponchos for about £15 each which have proved very valuable. They roll up into a small ball and don't weigh much, they make great blankets to sit on and eat our lunch. We could use them as shelter if we become stranded. We can wear them over our clothes if it rains, we can also get changed under them and best of all if I need a 'wee' I can crouch down with it over my head and no-one can see. I can now drink as much water as I want without the worry.
Mandy Mahon, Warrington
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Cheaply Fix Rips And Tears In Expensive Breathable
If you have micro porous tape in your first aid kit it can also save the day when you rip a hole in your expensive breathable jacket. Use the tape from the inside of the jacket and it will seal the tear and keep everything breathable for a fraction of the cost of a professional patch.
Andy Gilbert, Fetcham
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Two-way Radios
Another safety tool we carry is the little PMR446 radios (readily available and not expensive) just in case we get split up...
Harry King, Bexleyheath
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Wind-up Flashlight
I always have a 'wind-up' LED flashlight in my rucksack, which I bought in Robert Dyas for about a fiver. You get loads of very bright white light for the sake of a few turns of the handle, with no batteries to run out. I was surprized at just how good it is was when I tested it in some caves. As far as I'm concerned, it's a must-have for being out and about in the dark.
Harry King, Bexleyheath
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Mobile Phones
Always carry a mobile phone when out walking. Keep it switched off to avoid a flat battery and annoying other walkers, and wrap it in a freezer bag to keep it dry. It could save your life!
Neil Becousse, Telford
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Lunch Stop
Buy a kneeling mat from your local garden centre. It is much more comfortable as a sit mat than an old scrap of Karrimat.
Brian Hunter-Rowe, Dorking
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Water Bladder Tip For Hot Weather
Keep a two-litre bottle of water in the fridge the night before you are going walking. When you put the water in the bladder add two trays of ice-cubes and a small amount of Robertsons Barley water. THis not only ensure that you have a cold dring for longer, but when the water does become warm, it has a more pleasant taste than just warm water. ENjoy. Colin
Colin Mccourt, East Cowes,isle Of Wight
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Water Bladder
If you haven't got a bladder cleaner (which aren't that good anyway) give it a wash out with warm water then throw it in the freezer till the morning before you next need it. Hey presto no more mould.
Ben Appleton, Liverpool
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Distance Counting
Get an old boot lace and tie one end to your bag shoulder straps the put ten draw cord toggles on and tie up the end. work out how many steps (average) it takes to walk 100m. Mines 67 so every 67 steps I move one of the toggles down and so on, when I get all 10 I have another set up on the other side to count the kilometers. Works wonders when walking up steep hills instead of just watching your feet.
Ben Appleton, Liverpool
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Targets
Whe doing a long or tricky walk set yourself interim targets based on your map. e.g when I get to the end of that straight bit I'll st down and have a break... helps a lot with motivation, its the only way I got up Ben Nevis (yes I'm a wimp)
Sharon Lockwood, Tamworth
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Handy!
1) For handy waterproof storage/a sit mate, B&Q have heavy duty, clear plastic bags for putting burst bags of sand / cement into. They're usually more than happy to give you a few if you ask nicely.
Conor O'hare, Belfast
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Boots - Wet Feet
After reading the article on Berghaus boots that leaked when less than two years old. My wife and I bought some Brasher Goretex lined boots. For my wifes first outing they were brilliant - 16 wet hours walking and dry feet. 6 months later, both pairs leak terribly. In fact I would say they keep water in better than they keep it out. 2 pairs failed implies a design error so beware of Brasher Boots.
Phil Willoughby, Milton Keynes
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Good Use For Cling Film!
Cling film can be used for multiple things on your trip particularly regarding first aid. It can be used to strap a sprained ankle, wrap around a burn or used to strap up a broken limb - how else could you get 40 metres of bandage in your ruck sack??
Mark Taylor, Northampton
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Dry Your Socks/boots
After a day walking and finishing with your feet wet. When you are having a BBQ or fire throw in a couple of round polished stones to heat up. After the main extreme heat goes from them pop them into your socks and boots and leave over night. I have done this for years when camping and have had no problems at all. Happy hiking, Iain
Iain Macdonald, Kilncadzow
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Athlete's Foot Tip
Ok this may gross you out but I guarantee you it works.... and yes I've tried it. When I was camping around Australia I received a tip, without demonstration I'd like to add, that if you have Athlete's foot and you have no dog to your disposal to lick your feet (nice tip by the way), try urinating on your feet next time you shower... yes I know... but it works!! - I think it's something to do with the acid in your urine. Now the guys may be a bit more successful at this than the ladies... but if need be, use a cup to gather the urine first and then apply to your twinkles... gosh, Did I really just write that!? - Cheers.
Eddie Haselden, Plymouth
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Drying Out Your Boots
Remember after a wet walk to place scruppled up newspaper into your wet boots and then turn them upside down, this ensures that any water trapped inside or in the sole is drained out
Stephen Whiteside, Manchester
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If you have the type of gaiter fitted with heavy rubber stirrups you may have experienced a problem tightening them up, give them a spray of WD40, works wonders and gets them clean to boot. (pun intended).
Hew Thomas, Ammanford
Don't burn loo paper in hill country. In the dry season, it takes only the briefest touch of a flame for heather to catch light. Putting it out again is a big deal, and it takes only seconds for the situation to be beyond control by one person. Bury it!
Jonathan Reynolds, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Kids and grown-ups love it so, the happy world of Haribo! A bag of Tangfastics will perk up your group to walk that last one, five or ten kilometres!
Michael Nolan, Ormskirk, Lancashire
Need a small, closable net bag to keep all your "bits & bats" in? Washing tablets have one in each pack, "Lift" one when the missus isn't looking.
Alan Lever, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Waterproof your gear no matter the day. Buy inner liners, waterproof individual garment or items with seal tight bags. Wear a thermal vest in winter, you can strip to t-shirt when out. Take toilet roll-never know! Little survival kit-cheap.
Firoz Pate, Lancaster, Lancashire
Remember having a pair of clean and dry warm clothes waiting in your car to change after long walk.
Wei Lin, Leicester, Leicestershire
If you suffer from back problems that are made worse when walking with a rucsac (and to not have one would mean going without food and water for the day!) - always use a properly fitting one that has a good padded waist band.
Melanie del-Manso, Lilleshall, Newport, Shropshire
Turkey-sized roasting bags, available from supermarkets, are light and much, much, tougher than ordinary plastic bags. They are good for keeping gear dry in your rucksack and make very good map-cases.
David Coates, Solihull, West Midlands
Keep a 35mm film canister full of surgical spirit in your first aid kit, along with a needle threaded with cotton (not nylon). If you get a really good blister, soak the needle and thread in the surge, then pass them through the blister and squeeze
Mick Furey, Rotherham, S Yorks
Newly formed unbroken blisters can be treated by applying Bonjela mouth ulcer gel to the blister. It works better if appied overnight and left to dry. The blister will not have disappeared but will have dried out significantly and can be dressed.
Colin Glen, Enfield, Middx
Sounds awful (perhaps any medics can tell us why it works) but for athlete's foot - let the dog lick your feet! There must be something in their saliva - yuk; but it works!
Chris Higgs, Ipsley, Worcs
Always carry a couple of cable ties in your rucsack, they are ideal for temporary repairs on boots (sole comes away) and on rucsack straps.
William Dowell, Sunderland, Tyne Wear
I always pack Drapolene when going on a walking holiday! Designed to soothe babies' nappy rash it also provides immediate and long-lasting relief to chafing of private bits(!) caused by sweaty underwear!
Jean Shepherd, Godalming, Surrey
When you stop for a 'sit down break' - take your boots off, even socks in nice weather. I've done this for 30 years and even if your feet get a little cold, they'll soon heat up again when you get going. The comfort of fresh air around the toes.
Chris Higgs, Redditch, Worcs
I always keep a foot cooling spray (with peppermint) and a spare pair of dry socks in the car. As soon as I get to the car after a long walk I take off my sweaty walking socks, spray my feet with cooling spray, let my feet 'breathe' until dry.
Shara Higgins, Ely, Cambs
Use supermarket freezer bags with strip seals as a map case, mobile phone protector, storing keys, money, first aid kit, mess tins, and any other hiking bric-a-brac. Keeps things bone dry, even in your pockets.
Trevor Hill, Taunton, Somerset
Use a disposable cigarette lighter for gas stoves. More reliable than matches and lights with one click in wet weather. Lasts for years.
Trevor Hill, Taunton, Somerset
To aviod lost keys take some time to find a hiding place on your car (not the top of the tyre or in the moulding of the bumper) and leave a spare key safely secured there. If you're unlucky enough to lose your keys you won't be stranded.
David Bald, Thirsk, N Yorks
Reference the tip about freezing a bottle of water, remember not to fill it to the top. Leave the neck of the bottle empty approx 1/5th to allow for expansion during the freezing process and avoid embarrisment and wet gear.
David Bald, Thirsk, N Yorks
Simple tip that a lot of people overlook. Never take heavy glass bottles if you can help it. Plastic is much lighter. Oh and those clockwork battery chargers for your moble phone could just get you out of a scrape or two.
Roger Edwards, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Always carry a camera and have it ready at short notice. When assisting other people with blisters etc, ensure you take a picture of their face when applying the tincture of benzine or other stinging antiseptic.
John Turner, Dunfermline, Fife. Scotland
Take a walking stick when walking up hills. It helps you mentally because you feel its helping you but all its doing is balancing you. Also walk with smaller strides up hills.
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To help prevent 'hot-spots' and blisters, rub Vaseline into the feet and heels before setting out. It can also be used in other places to prevent chafing.
Paul Brown, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Don't be tempted to lean forwards when walking up hills, its much easier if you keep upright.
Aaron Sharpe, Bradford, West Yorkshire
To prevent blisters and a good way to stop them hurting when you do get them is to put 1-2 layers of zinc oxide tape over likely places. This is cheaper than the proper blister plasters but works just as well.
Daniel Mallandaine, Torquay, Devon
After a hard days walking on the hill I always have a dry tee-shirt waiting in the car to put on.
Mike Cooper, Rochdale, Lancs
Use your thin inner sock inside out ie with the seams on the outside. The seams in contact with the foot can be the start of foot problems . A bonus is that they feel more comfortable
Bob Ollerenshaw, Newthorpe, Notts
If you suffer from blisters on your feet it is a good tip to rub vaseline on your feet before you put on your socks as this will help prevent blisters. I have been doing it for years and it has worked for me.
Louise Finlay, Londonderry, Londonderry
If you have flat feet or feet with very high arches you may develope painful arthritis in the toes and mid-foot joints. This can be prvented by wearing orthoses which will guard again strain and offer extra stability.
Ana Rodrigo, London, Uk
If its misty, set yourself a navigation challenge. Use your compass and map on a part of the UK you know well and see how it looks in bad weather. Count your paces and try time estimating, in case one day you need it for real
Graham Taylor, Poynton, Cheshire
Always wash your feet after each day's walk and then let them breath with nothing on them. Then massage to stop stiffness
Vicky Campbell, Cowdenbeath, Fife
Flapjacks are ideal snacks for walkers. They are high in calories and are a source of slow release energy (low GI) and they taste nice!
Kaye Mann, Rotherham, S. Yorks
A 90 degree bend in your arm makes your arms a shorter pendulum, so they can swing faster as your step speeds up. At normal speed allow your arms to swing freely and rhythmically, remembering that your arm speed controls your leg speed.
Sheraz Chowdry, Streatham, London
Always wear two pairs of socks, that way the rubbing is between the layers of socks, and not your feet! Its very effective!
Nichola Gabriel, Hereford, England
Never wear more than 2 pairs of socks inside your walking boots or you will get blisters- no matter how cold your toes are!
Olivia Taylor, Whitchurch, Shropshire
There's no such thing as bad weather: just different weather! Get out and enjoy!
David Whitworth, Bradford, West Yorks
If you get a blister, thread a piece of cotton through it and leave the cotton in sticking out both ends. The cotton soaks up the blister but keeps the skin whole so the blister doesn't rub. Sounds disgusting but it really works!
Alison Holloway, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Take a strong and curious Labrador, seem to complete my walks in half the time since I got one!
Rita Swift, Dunstable, Beds
Even when walking with a group, always carry a small first aid kit containing stuff to treat your feet during or at the end of a walking day. You are far more likely to sort out your feet in private and in good time than use a communal first aid kit.
Ralph Wilson, Gleaston, Ulverston, Cumbria
Use antiperspirant on your feet, dry feet are happy feet. Feet should be washed daily to allow them time to breathe in between applications of antiperspirant.
Daphne Rowbotham, Bradford, West Yorkshire
When walking make sure your laces are tied up so that the lace goes straight across from one hole to the next without any diagonal lace up. This protects your feet the most helping you to walk for longer and more comfortably.
Laura Mcnair, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire
Make sure you have suncream with you - even on cloudy days you can get painfullly sunburnt!
Martin Lindley, Bolton, Lancs
I always pack a pair of fleece lined slippers (with waterproof soles) for the end of the walking day. As sson as I finish walking, I take off my boots and socks, wash and talcum my feet and then slip them into my lovely soft, roomy slippers - BLISS.
Sally Watts, Milton Keynes, Mk5 8eh
Save your old T-shirts, socks and undercrackers for when doing a long distance walk. Then wear and throw away as you go so your pack gets lighter the more tired you get!
Alexandra Cavendish-howard, Leeds, West Yorkshire
FILL A USED PLASTIC BOTTLE WITH WATER..FREEZE OVERNIGHT..NEXT DAY AS IT MELTS WHILE YOU'RE WALKING YOU ALWAYS HAVE COLD WATER TO DRINK
Jeanette Baldini, Bradford, West Yorkshire
Do you use those tiny plastic bottles of various sizes provided in well-known camp kitchen sets? If you prefer milk for your hilltop brew or use exotic trekking luxuries like shampoo, washing up liquid, olive oil or tomato ketchup - they're brilliant.
Trevor Morgan, Linlithgow, West Lothian
On very cold peak assauts - lay out your silver emergency blanket, put all your daypack kit in the middle, gather up the edges and place the whole lot in the daypack. Your water won't freeze even at the top of Kilimanjaro.
Elizabeth Gould, Bath, England
Rap duck tape around water bottle(s) for misc. use. Also, very good for blisters when applied early on...
Larry Hicks, Old Fort, Nc, Usa
Rub your feet with talcum powder before putting on socks and hiking boots. It's kinder to your feet than a foot deodorant and keeps you cool for longer too.
Tina Higgins, Dudley, West Midlands
Try rubbing vaseline to the inside of heels on new boots/shoes etc it can soften the leather.
Catherine Cutting, Basildon, Essex
Dont go for a long walk in new boots, break them in beforehand.
M Radden, Redruth, Cornwall
After cleaning your boots and especially if they are damp inside, stuff them with crumpled up newspaper - this will help them dry out and keep their shape.
Catriona Mitchell, Ealing, London
Have you opened your First Aid container only to find that the safety pins (or other small metal items)are missing or buried in the dressings etc? Stick them together with a piece of Blu-Tack and they will stay together.
Alan Lever, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Use re-sealable supermarket bread bags to keep your clothing dry in the rucksack. They are clear - so you can see whats inside them, two different sizes (for loaves & baps etc.) and free (assuming that you eat bread)
Alan Lever, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Always carry a walking stick for those big leaps we have to do across leats (water channels)! I use mine for a variety of things plus it helps you to keep your balance when venturing onto those rocky Devon clitters!
Paul Hopkinson, Brixham, Devon
When walking uphill count to 12 every four steps. You will soon find yourself in a good pattern and will soon be at the top of the hill.
Tim Aldridge, Mattersey, Yorkshire
A walking stick will support you as well as warn of hidden ravines or gutters.
Gops Bharat, Ipswich, Suffolk
Take a small packet of dried friut with you on a walk. A quick and easy way to get some extra energy.
Amanda Husband, Droitwich, Worcs
Always walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Ken Walsh, Wallasey, Merseyside
You lose 80% of your heat through your head - if you want to keep your feet warm, wear a hat!
Andrew Canham, Sutton Bridge, Lincs
Always challenge yourself. Every time you go for a walk, go 300 metres further than last time until your stamina increases.
Kate Mccullough, Kiama, NSW, Australia
When lacing your boots up instead of tying a knot at the top as is usual with shoes, back lace a few hooks down before tying. This will prevent the top of the boot pinching and make for a more comfortable fit.
Shaun Wilson, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Sounds obvious but . . . always take water with you on your walks.
Sarah Wardle, Deeping St James, Peterborough
Make sure your rucksack is packed evenly, and everything is inside a plastic bag. That way if it rains your things wont get wet.
Lauren Harper, Bletchley, Bucks
To harden up your feet soak them in hot water and surgical spirt.
Margaret Donaldson, Kennoway, Fife
Always stretch before and after walking.
Samantha Boff, Mapperley, Nottingham
Always carry two plastic bags and an extra pair of socks, should your feet get wet, put on the dry socks and the bags over the socks, this will keep your feet dry and help them to stay warm.
Deb Gittins, Serlby, S Yorks
Always carry a small tube of anticeptic cream and a couple of plasters for any insect bites of grazes that may occur when walking, plus a spare pair of socks.
Christine Hulme, Romiley, Cheshire
To clean muddy soles of boots use a toothbrush. The bristles are small enough and soft enough to remove the dirt.
Charlotte Kelly, Pendlebury, Greater Manchester
I've spent weeks walking in the Drakensberg (Natal) in new boots without a blister by daily rotating my socks (by which I mean wearing two pairs at all times but changing inside-out and outside-in) and by letting my steaming pinkies breath free.
Graham Nurse, Luton, Beds
Always take a carrier bag with you on walks, so you always have something to sit on, rather than getting trousers wet and uncomfortable
Rebecca Townsend, Beccles, Suffolk
Sounds obvious but . . . Set realistic targets
Mark Pickering, Stoke-on-trent, England
Take a couple of of sealed, ziplock bags in which you should keep any medication. This stops the (emergency) medication getting wet.
Sanjay Baijal, Hounslow, Middlesex
I ask in beauty shops/counters for sample pots. These are ideal size for holding creams/potions for your first aid kit, and save you carrying whole tubes/bottles.
Rose Widdecombe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Always wear lots of layers so you can add and remove to regulate your temperature.
Andrew Hubbard, Woking, Surrey
I've found baby wipes useful, but make sure you take your dirty ones home with you. Also a small bag of dried fruit, rasins, apricots etc, Nice when you have nothing left to drink.
Penny Lambert, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Never skimp on the cost when buying boots and socks!
David Crichton, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire
Always remember a carrier bag to take away your rubbish when out and about & don't forget to take a whistle with you.
Cheryl Robley, Carlisle, Cumbria
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in your walking boots and odour will not occur!!
Julie Smith, Warwick, Warks
Sounds obvious but . . . Always remember to tell someone where you are going and when you are expecting to be back, just in case something goes wrong.
Louise Baker, Ledbury, Herefordshire
If you want small containers for sugar, salt or something similar, simply use the plastic capsule that your camera film comes in. They are small so won't get in the way and they are watertight.
Ciaran Mc Cann, Newry, Down
Make sure you don't over-do it when youare starting out. gradually build up your walking distance over time and ensure you have broken in your boots well before a long walk.
Tom Greenfield, Plymouth, Devon
Sound obvious but - always take something to eat with you which will keep your energy levels high, such as a bar of chocolate.
Eleanor Robertson, Paisley, Renfrewshire
Next time you are in the walking shop, buy a spare pair of laces for your boots and keep them in the car. Then if you go out and your laces snap, you have a handy replacement close by! (Better still - take them with you in you rucksack!)
Mark Calpin, Glasgow, Strathclyde
On damp and wet days always take along a carrier bag with you if you are travelling to your walk in the car. This way when you return to the car you can put your muddy,wet boots in the bag and keep the inside of your car clean
Nik Aynsworth, Tibshelf, Derbyshire
Always take a map and check the weather before you go! Sounds obvious but . . . .
Lance Hart, Moulton, Lincs
To help dry sweaty/damp boots, stuff them with scrunched up dry newspaper overnight.
John Burst, Christchurch, Dorset
Cold drink on a hot day! Freeze water in a drinks bottle overnight till it freezes solid. Then when you're walking it will melt slowly during the day and you will have lovely chilled water to drink.
Alexandra Cavendish-Howard, Leeds, West Yorkshire
When backpacking if your clothes get wet sleep with them at the bottom of your sleeping bag and your natural body heat will warm and dry them during the night. Also, flip socks inside out the speed dry the inside of the sock.
Melissa Tuttle, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Waterproof Containers for Free. For small items, like matches that you want to keep dry, use a film container. Also useful for things like washing up liquid.
Stuart Charters, West Cornforth, Ferryhill, Co. Durham
To stop the key fob getting wet and in-operative, wrap tightly in a plastic bag, and then do the same in a second plastic bag before putting in rucsac pocket. This will ensure that when you get back to your car you can get in!
Iain Mckelvie, Leyland, Lancashire
Carry two plastic bags. If you cannot dry out your walking boots then wear the bags over your dry socks inside your boots untill you can dry your boots,i have used this idea several times and it is also good for keeping your feet warm.
Kenneth Carden, Ipswich, Suffolk
On big long routes that involve a lot of downhill over rock, ensure toe nails have been cut to prevent bruising and holes in socks!
Denise Hillman, Manchester, Lancs
Overnight stop and nowhere to dry your wet boots? Use a pair of chemically activated handwarmers (available at most walking shops) to slip inside each boot overnight. They can be re-activated by a squeeze if necessary before you set out.
Paul Brown, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Ladies - Take a large golfing umbrella with you when you go walking on treeless moorland. It'll act as temporary 'bushes' if you need the call of nature!
Bill Dawson, Altrincham, Cheshire
My Top Tip for putting on waterproof trousers without getting them muddy from your boots is to take a plastic bag with you from a shop or supermarket - put it over boot - pull on trouser leg - repeat with other boot - hey presto, mud goes on inside of bag and not of trousers.
Tim Nobes, Kendal, Cumbria
Always have one of those bar towels hanging from your rucksack by a safety pin. When one end is wet, just unclip it and turn it round. Result? One dry end! Also, hanging there it tends to dry in the breeze. BTW, try to get a real ale one - it's more 'au fait'.
Les Singleton, Derbyshire
The best water carrier I've used is the silver bag inside a wine box container. Just heat the neck of the stopper with a hair drier for a few mins to take out. Wash and fill and use as normal. With them being silver it helps to keep water cool. You can also use it as a pillow if half filled with air or a floating aid for play or crossing lakes/rivers. PS. If you've ever been in your tent/sleeping bag - all cosy and warm when it's raining at 3 am - busting for a pee .... take a spare one. PPS. Don't get them mixed up!
Peter V
My idea of being seen in low light while walking on roads is to have a small flashing red light (available from cycle shops) on the rear of my rucksack and on the front I have an orange one.
Tony Savage, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire
Many newer back packs have reflective material sewn into them to improve visibility on busy roads. But if you have an older version, tie a cyclist's (or horse's) reflective arm (leg) band to your back pack using the loop designed to hold an ice-axe. Driver's approaching from behind will easily see you (and hopefully give you a bit more room!)
Nick Workman, New Mills, Derbyshire
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