Hiking checklists for your trip up the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Hiking Checklists

Northern Ireland has a host of hiking opportunities, from the famous Slieve Donard,to the scenic Sperrin Mountains, to Slieve Croob and beyond.

What should I take when go hiking? I hear you asking.

That depends in part on how long your planned hike will be. If you are planning to reach peaks then five hours should be adequate. Here is a tentative list.

Here’s our hiking checklists:

• Water – you will need it.

Small map of area – very useful, especially if you choose to hike off the beaten track.

Compass/GPS.

First Aid Kit.

High energy snacks like cereal bars, nuts,dried fruit or chocolate. What is the best dried fruit for hiking? We absolutely love apricots and raisins. Sweet, but not sticky and messy like dates.

Small towel.

Warm clothes – Even if you are hiking in the summer in Northern Ireland, on the mountains temperatures are lower and winds can be fierce. Bring layers and gear for rain. If you are hiking off the beaten track and away from mobile (cell) phone coverage ensure you are prepared for an overnight stay in case of accident.

Emergency blanket.

Hand sanitizer wipes or spray.

Mobile (Cell) phone

Extra pair of socks – they will come in handy if you step in water or mud.

Blister Plasters – this may sound strange but if you get a blister or your shoes hurt you it can save you a lot of trouble and pain.

Hiking checklists, we said. Here is another checklist:

Additional Items

Camera – you have to capture those stunning views.

Lighter.

Pocket Knife.

Sunglasses (on bright days they will come in handy).

Sunblock.

iPod. Some people cannot live without it. We do not recommend it though. There are so many relaxing sounds up there in Northern Ireland’s peaks, it is a pity to miss them.

Lipbalm. the wind may dry your lips

Flashlight

Whistle

Tissue paper

Bug spray.

Some rope.

How heavy my hiking backpack should be?

Now you are wondering, should I really carry all the above. Much depends on where you are going, with who and when. You do not want to overpack.

A rule of thumb is not to carry more than 1/3 of your body weight Preferably much less. You do not want to carry excess weight to the top of Slieve Donard!

Share the burden

If you are part of a sizeable group you can share. Before you start, have a meeting and put your hiking checklists together. Then designate. All of you will need water and a snack, but one First Aid Kit should be sufficient for the whole group. All of you will need the right clothes but one or two flashlights should do.

How should I pack my hiking back pack?

As a rule of the thumb, place heavier items at the bottom. On the top, place items you will need in an emergency. Place items you will use frequently, in one of the easily accessible, outer pockets.

“Be prepared.” So the Scouts motto says. Read more about hiking in Ireland and Northern Ireland:

Hiking safety tips

Hiking hazards

What to wear when hiking

and ofcourse…. the history of hiking!

Coming very very soon! Please check back, or even better, save yourself the hassle and subscribe to our blog! That way, you will never miss an update.

In the meantime, you might want to read how we huffed and puffed but managed to reach the top of Slieve Donard Co Down Ireland ?

After that, hiking up Slieve Croob was a doodle. Read our hiking story.

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