General Advice for Pilgrim Kit

One of the great benefits of pilgrimage is realising how little you actually need. For a society in which acquisition of ‘maximum stuff’ is one of our most sacred aspirations, carrying all your possessions in one bag is radical and beautiful freedom.

That being said, what you carry on pilgrimage should be well-chosen, and should serve your purposes in the best way possible.

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses [backpack] that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” (William Morris)

Britain has a mixed terrain and weathers. Pilgrims in different places and seasons will have different requirements. So please take my recommendations on these pages with a pinch of salt. I am ultimately only speaking from my own experience and preference.

My main recommendation is to NOT buy loads of new kit. The outdoor gear industry is very good at creating ‘new’ and ‘best ever’ gear, to manifest a perception of need for ever more new purchases. Goretex, for example, spend multiple millions each year on marketing to persuade us that their latest nylon jacket is even more waterproof and breathable than the last.

Try to ignore the hype, and avoid confusing desire with need. Wherever possible, borrow kit from friends and family, and use what you already possess. Better to get out and make journeys rather than delay in the hope of acquiring new equipment.

Rather get a little wet from a rainstorm that you didn’t miss while stuck at home researching new waterproofs.

That being said, weight and quality does matter. You will be carrying everything on your back. The harder it is to transport this gear, the less your mind will be able to expand beyond the consciousness of immediate physical struggle. Pilgrimage should not be a brutal slog against the pain of carrying too many kilos.

My recommendation is to aim for a pack that weighs 10kg (without food and water). Don’t stay at home stressing if it weighs more. Go for your journey, learn what you didn’t need, and discard this excess next time.

Different terrain will require different gear. If you are making pilgrimage in mountainous regions, your clothes and shelter will need to increase in durability and protective value. Likewise, seasonal variations are real. Also, the length of your journey will alter your needs. For a short pilgrimage, I would not pack slippers - but for a long one, I almost certainly would!

Kit choice is largely about personal preference. If you like a piece of equipment, and feel good using it, this is as high a recommendation as possible.

A large debate regarding pilgrimage kit is durability vs lightweightness. Gear that weighs almost nothing is a blessing in the backpack, but if it rips or fails when you use it, it wasn’t worth carrying. Also, ultralight kit is often the most expensive, so be sure you are achieving good value in what you buy. If it only endures for a few journeys, was it really worth the price tag?

Colour is another fundamental question. I always recommend muted shades, as bright red folk on the hillside do not blend into nature, but appear set apart. Also, if you are Coldharbouring you will be more likely to draw unwanted attention if your colours are bright and garish. However, some people are butterflies rather than moths, so go with what feels best to you.

There are many websites dedicated to recommendations and reviews of kit. Before buying anything, have a very good look around the internet. One of the best places to look for reviews is OutdoorGearLab. It is American, but much UK gear is also listed and reviewed. And the way they talk about gear can be eye-opening. A bag is not just a bag.

For a ‘one-stop-shop’ in pilgrimage gear, consdier Alpkit. This is a UK company who test their gear thoroughly. You could probably get everything you need from their website alone, and it will possibly be the best value available.

But even better value is secondhand, or borrowed kit.

Other great UK websites to look at are Tamarack Outdoors, and Ultralight Outdoor Gear.

If you have more spare cash, look to the USA. Manufacturers like Mountain Laurel Designs, TarpTent, Z-Packs and Enlightened Equipment, are miles ahead of UK equipment. The Americans lead the way. But importing their kit comes with a hefty import tax from HMRC, as well as a considerable delay for shipping, so bear this in mind!

If you prefer to buy things from physical shops, Go Outdoors and Cotswold Outdoor will be your two best bets in the UK. Or look for an independent specialist hiking/camping shop. There are some excellent ones out there!