What to pack for a peatland day hike: waterproofs, footwear and fire safety essentials

Peatlands feel like a different world: broad, soft, often silent, with a strange buoyancy underfoot and an honesty about weather — what starts as a light drizzle can become a sodden, wind-lashed slog in minutes. I’ve spent countless days walking across blanket bogs and raised mires around Britain, and packing for a peatland hike has become a small ritual: choose items that keep you dry, protect your feet and leave the landscape as you found it. Below I share what I take with me, why each piece matters, and a few practical tips for staying safe and low-impact on these fragile, watery edges.

Waterproofs: layers that actually work in peatland weather

In peatland country you don’t get to think of waterproofs as optional — they’re mission-critical. But it’s not just about having a waterproof jacket; it’s about choosing breathable, durable layers that stand up to wind, driving rain and the abrasion of tussocks and heather.

Outer shell jacket — I favour a fully taped, two- or three-layer hardshell with a hood that fits over a hat. My go-to over the years has been a jacket with Gore-Tex or a similar membrane (Montane and Rab make excellent, lightweight hardshells). Look for one with a long hem and a good storm flap over the main zip.

Waterproof trousers — Make them easy to pull on and off without removing boots (side zips are brilliant). Breathable fabrics and articulated knees make long walks less sweaty. If you’re crossing wet fences or wading, reinforced knees and seat are a big plus.

Mid-layer — A warm, quick-drying fleece or synthetic insulated jacket. Peatlands are cold when wet; a synthetic mid-layer (not down) keeps insulating value even when damp.

Pack rain cover — Waterproofing your kit is as important as waterproofing you. I use a taped pack cover and stuff internal dry bags for camera and spare clothes.

Tip: if your jacket or trousers start to wet out (surface water soaking through), a small tube of Nikwax or a spay rejuvenator in your first aid kit can buy you extra hours — but don’t expect miracles on a prolonged deluge.

Footwear and socks: the peatland foot armour

Feet win or lose the day on peat. The right footwear balances waterproofing, ankle support and sole grip for tussocky, often slippery ground.

Boot type — For true peatland routes I wear mid- to high-cut waterproof boots with a robust sole (Vibram or similar). Leather-lined boots offer durability and ankle support; modern synthetic boots favour lightness and breathability. Brands I’ve trusted include Meindl, Scarpa and Berghaus for UK conditions.

Trail shoes? — If your route is drier and you prefer lighter footwear, a waterproof trail shoe can work — but accept less ankle support and occasional wet socks. I reserve trail shoes for short, dry-season circuits.

Socks — Merino blends are my favourite: they handle moisture, reduce blisters and stay reasonably warm when damp. Pack a spare pair in a dry bag — changing socks at lunch can save you from cold-foot misery later.

Gaiters — Low and mid gaiters keep peat and heather out of boots and protect the lower leg from wet. In deep bog or sedge, full-height gaiters prevent spray and provide abrasion resistance.

Tip: if you suspect you'll need to cross deep bog or sedge, consider waterproof overtrousers that reach below the gaiter top. It’s awkward to be fixing a flooded boot mid-crossing.

Navigation and hazards: reading peatland terrain

Peatlands can be featureless; the odd ridge, wall or track matters. A reliable navigation kit and the skills to use it are crucial.

Map and compass — I always carry an OS map and a compass and know how to re-orient on the go. GPS devices are brilliant for reassurance, but battery life can be a limit in cold, wet weather.

GPS/phone — A dedicated handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex or similar) plus a phone with offline maps. Keep devices in dry bags and carry a small power bank.

Route planning — Pre-plan waypoints: stiles, fence lines, burns and safe crossing points. Look for duckboards or established routes; these are there for a reason.

Hazards to watch for: quaking bogs, hidden pools, and fence lines with barbed wire. When in doubt, skirt the edge and probe with a walking pole rather than plunging in.

Fire safety and cooking: how to heat food without harming peat

Fire in peatland country is a sensitive matter. Peat burns slowly and smoulders deep below the surface; a negligent campfire can cause long-term damage and is often illegal. I treat open fire use on peat as a last resort and plan to use a stove wherever possible.

Stove choice — A lightweight canister stove (Jetboil, MSR) or a small liquid-fuel stove (Trangia/primus-type) is my usual kit. Use a stove stand or a flat metal heat-reflective mat to avoid scorching the ground. Gas canisters are convenient but must be carried out.

Fire prohibition awareness — Check local access and fire bans. In dry spells peat can ignite and burn underground for months. If a local authority or land manager advises no fires, don’t light one.

Ignition tools — Waterproof matches, a lighter and a ferrocerium rod. I keep them in separate dry containers.

Small pot, mug and windshields — A low-profile pot reduces wind exposure; a windshield increases fuel efficiency and reduces the heat transferred to the ground.

Tip: always pack out fuel canisters and any food waste. If you must have a small warming fire for emergency shelter, use only clean mineral surfaces or a contained fire pan and make absolutely sure the peat and soil are not scorched. In most cases a hot drink from a stove will do just fine.

Safety essentials and repairs

On remote peatlands you need to be self-reliant. My waterproof kit bag always contains a few items I hope I never use.

First-aid kit — Include blister care (Compeed), a compression bandage, and treatments for hypothermia. Wrap everything inside a dry bag.

Emergency shelter — A lightweight bivvy or survival bag that can reflect heat and keep a soaked walker from becoming hypothermic.

Repair kit — A small sewing kit, duct tape, zip ties, a spare bootlace and crampon-style studs or rubber sole glue can save a walk.

Torch/headlamp — With spare batteries; peatland weather can collapse visibility quickly and you don’t want to be navigating by stars over a wet bog.

Whistle and signalling — A loud whistle and a mirror or compact signal device are compact but invaluable.

Tip: keep a lightweight tarp or poncho in your pack — it doubles as emergency shelter, a groundsheet when drying socks and a windbreak for a quick brew stop.

Camera and ethics: photographing peatland life without leaving a trace

Photographing peatland birds and plants requires stealth, patience and respect. I carry a compact setup that fits into a waterproof camera bag: a weather-sealed mirrorless body, a 24–70mm for landscapes, and a 70–200mm for cautious wildlife work. A small, sturdy tripod (I often use ground-level support rather than a full tripod to avoid sinking) and lens cloths are essential.

Respect boundaries — Keep to established paths and avoid trampling vegetation for a ‘better’ angle. Peat-forming plants are slow-growing and easily damaged.

Ethical approach — Don’t disturb nesting birds or corral wildlife for a photograph. Patience and time give you far better images than any forced approach.

Finally, think of peatlands the way I do: as a shared, fragile archive of carbon, wildlife and culture. Pack to keep yourself safe and warm, pack to keep the place intact, and you’ll come away with memories (and photos) that reward thoughtful preparation.

Item	Why	Recommended examples
Hardshell jacket	Keeps rain out, breathable	Montane, Rab, Arc'teryx
Waterproof trousers	Protects legs from spray and abrasion	Berghaus, Patagonia
Mid-layer (synthetic)	Warm even when damp	Rab Microlight, Montane Prism
Waterproof boots + gaiters	Support and keep peat out	Meindl, Scarpa; Rab gaiters
Stove and windscreen	Safe hot food without open fire	Jetboil, MSR, Trangia
Map, compass, GPS	Essential navigation	OS maps, Garmin eTrex
First aid + emergency bag	Safety in remote places	Custom kit