It is essential that all participants on a club walk have suitable clothing, footwear and equipment to wear on the walk and equally important a change of clothing, shoes and a towel for the return.

Boots must be recognised, sturdy hiking boots, suitable for waxing to make them waterproof (Goretex in boots doesn't really work on Irish mountains) and with a high ankle support and non-slip, Vibram, Contagrip or equivalent soles. The best brands available locally are Meindle, Salamon, Demon, Brasher etc. Good boots are worth paying up to 150 for and will usually give the return, should not require much wearing-in and will be even more comfortable if the insoles are replaced by Sorbuthane liners or equivalent.

Socks should also be chosen carefully. The Bridgedale company makes excellent socks that have thicker material around the heels, ankles, soles and toes and thereby provide greater comfort. This should obviate the need for a second pair or liner socks. If you want to really splash out and treat yourself there are now socks available that are completely waterproof but they start at around 35! A spare pair of socks is highly recommended to change into en route if it's a long walk or a severe wetting is experienced.

A Waterproof Jacket is the next essential item. This is also worth spending a bit on, as the return will be obtained if a good Gortex, Triplepoint or similar type jacket is purchased.

Waterproof Trousers or Pull-ups must be carried in your rucksack for persistent rain, sleet or snow and for extra warmth on winter days.

A Fleece, Windbloc or similar Pile Jacket / Top is also essential.

A Warm Hat, preferably with ear covering and two pairs of gloves, one thick, one thin should always be taken along.

Thermal vests, Dryflo or equivalent are best as the first layer and if it is going to be really cold or one is out at night then thermal leggings are also recommended.

Gaiters are excellent in boggy areas or for river/stream crossings and in general in wintertime.

Rucksack: You will need a decent-sized day sack (at least 35 L) to carry what you are not wearing and to hold the following essential or recommended items:

• Walking Poles are becoming increasingly common and are widely used in Europe on the hills. They are a personal choice but they do protect your knees.
• A Bivvy Bag or orange survival bag (double-size) must be carried at all times.
• A liner such as a large refuse bag is very useful to keep the contents of your rucksack dry in wet weather.
• A Headtorch plus spare battery is highly recommended or failing that a small hand torch. You never know when this could prove extremely useful.
• A whistle is essential and know your distress signals, 6 blasts in quick succession repeated after a one minute interval. The response should be 3 blasts in quick succession repeated after a one minute interval.
• The 1:50000 Discovery Series map of the route in a waterproof cover or in the new waterproof Lam-fold edition is a great asset, both to yourself for route-finding practice, or to the leader if he/she should lose theirs for some reason.
• A compass (Silva 3 or equivalent) if you know how to use it is essential.
• A personal First Aid pack is recommended.

Food and Drink: This is very much a personal choice but plenty of fluids are essential at all times of the year and preferably some hot drink in the winter. A good volume to bring is around 2.5 litres total including water. On very hot or long days this can be increased to 3 L or more. Some form of energy-rich (juice) or isotonic drink together with water is recommended.

Little and often is a good maxim for both drinking and eating. It is advisable to hydrate the body wellbefore setting off and to keep sipping either from the new Platypus or Camel-Bak water containers that are connected to the top of a rucksack by plastic tubing or alternatively to stop and take drinks frequently from a bottle. Fruits such as bananas or apples, dried fruit and nut mixtures, chocolate raisins or peanuts, sweets etc. are all useful together with ones personal dietary preferences for the main lunch break(s) and stops en route. Fruitcake is another handy alternative to sweets, which can tend to make one thirsty.