Tried & Tested on UK Hills
Honest reviews of the gear I actually use. No fluff — just what works on UK hills in UK weather.
If I could only recommend one pair of boots for UK fell walking, these would be it. The Kinesis MF GTX is a mid-cut boot that handles everything from long summer days in the Dales to full winter conditions on Bleaklow. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry in the inevitable Peak District downpours, and the stiff sole gives excellent support on rocky descents. I've put hundreds of miles on a pair and they've never let me down.
The Peak District doesn't do mercy when it comes to weather, and a good waterproof is non-negotiable. The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 is the jacket I recommend to anyone who asks. It's genuinely waterproof — not just water resistant — and the breathability means you won't be soaked from the inside out on the climbs. Packs down small enough to always have in your bag.
For a full day on the fells, 22 litres is the sweet spot. Enough room for waterproofs, food, water, first aid and spare layers — without the temptation to overload it. The Talon 22 sits close to your back, doesn't shift around on technical terrain, and the ventilated back panel keeps you cooler on the big climbs. The integrated rain cover is a nice touch.
Navigation on UK hills comes down to two things — a phone with OS Maps loaded offline, and a paper map as backup. The OS Maps app is excellent, giving you 1:25,000 mapping with your GPS position. But always carry the paper map. Phones die, screens crack, and on Bleaklow in low cloud you'll be very glad you have a compass and a paper OS OL1 to back you up.
A good insulation layer is what separates a comfortable summit from a miserable one. The Fireball Lite packs tiny — smaller than a water bottle — but delivers serious warmth when you stop for lunch on an exposed ridge. I wear it under my waterproof in cold conditions or as an outer on calm, dry days. The Primaloft insulation performs even when damp, which matters a lot on UK hills.