Packing for a Weekend Ridge Walk
A weekend ridge walk doesn't need an expedition's worth of gear. The temptation is always to overpack — another layer, another gadget, another just-in-case item that adds weight without adding value. After years of getting this wrong, here's what I've learned about getting it right.
The Principle
Everything you carry should earn its place. If it doesn't keep you warm, dry, fed, or safe, question whether it needs to come. The goal isn't minimalism for its own sake — it's freedom. A lighter pack means more energy for the walk itself.
Clothing
The layering system is your friend. Three layers for your torso, two for your legs, and one good waterproof shell that actually works.
Base layer: Merino wool. Not cotton. Not synthetic. Merino regulates temperature, doesn't hold smell, and feels good against skin after hours of walking. It costs more upfront but lasts for years.
Mid layer: A light fleece or thin down jacket. Something you can stuff into a pocket when the sun comes out. Avoid heavy fleeces — they're bulky and slow to dry.
Shell: This is the one item worth spending real money on. A proper waterproof with taped seams, a decent hood, and pit zips. You'll thank yourself on day two when the rain comes sideways.
Everything you carry should earn its place. The goal isn't minimalism for its own sake — it's freedom.
Food and Water
For a weekend, keep it simple. You don't need a camp stove if you can tolerate cold food. But if hot drinks matter to you (they matter to me), a small stove and a single pot weigh less than you think.
Bring food that doesn't need cooking: hard cheese, salami, good bread, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate. One luxury item per day — a fresh orange, a small bar of dark chocolate, whatever makes the rest of the food taste better by contrast.
Water: carry at least one litre, and know where your refill points are. A simple water filter weighs almost nothing and opens up every stream as a water source.
Navigation
A paper map and a compass. Always. Even if you're comfortable with GPS. Batteries die. Phones break. Screens are unreadable in rain. A 1:25,000 map shows you everything you need, and learning to read one is a skill that compounds over time.
Trail Takeaways
- •Pack merino base layers — they outperform everything else over multiple days
- •Your waterproof jacket is your most important single item
- •Bring one luxury food item per day to lift morale
- •Always carry a paper map, even if you trust your GPS
- •Test your pack weight before the trip — if it feels heavy at home, it will feel heavier on the hill
The Test
Here's a simple test: pack your bag, then carry it around the house for ten minutes. If anything feels wrong — too heavy, poorly distributed, straps digging — fix it before you leave. The hill is not the place to discover problems.