What clothes to pack for The Lakes in October for a week hiking

October is one of those odd months in the UK when the weather could be something drastically different every single day for the entire month. One day it could be 24℃ and you’re walking around in shorts and a t-shirt, the next it could be 7℃, foggy to the point of zero visibility and you’re wrapped in 10 layers. This list should account for all possibilities without feeling like you’re over packed or catch you short.

This list is based upon staying in a hotel or bnb style accommodation, but many things still apply for hostels or even camping.

Bags

Personally, my bag type of choice is a backpack, I use the Osprey Atmos AG 65 in men’s (I got it fitted and realised my shoulders were to broad for the women’s!) and I would also bring a smaller rucksack for the belongings you want easily accessible on the journey to the Lakes and to take on your hikes, I use a 28 litre Eurohike bag that I actually bought on my recent trip to The Lakes.

Top layers

• 1-2 long-sleeve tops – I would recommend 1 tight top and 1 loose long-sleeve t-shirt
• 2-4 t-shirts – I would say depending on how many hikes you plan to do you should have 2 (either long or short sleeve) tops that you do not wear for activities during the week as you’ll want something clean and fresh to put on after a post-hike shower and potentially 1 nicer top in case a need for one presents itself
• 2-3 hoodies or jumpers – definitely don’t cut down on the jumpers because if you bring just 1 and it gets thoroughly soaked through, chances are you won’t always be able to dry it in time to use it again
• 1 lightweight puffer jacket – I personally would recommend the decathlon pack away puffer coats as they can pack up super small but provide that extra layer of warmth and wind protection, however this shouldn’t be brought as a substitute for a raincoat as they’re not very waterproof.
• 1 waterproof (at least) – personally I’d bring 2 for exactly the same reason as the hoodies, in case it gets too wet and you can’t dry it you don’t want to get caught short.

Bottom layers

• 2-3 pairs of leggings – leggings are some of the best long trousers to bring when hiking as they’re thick enough to be warm and not usually get stung by nettles through but also breathable and stretchy so as to not feel constricting.
• 1-2 pairs of tracksuit bottoms/sweatpants – I love putting on thick trackies after a nice hot post-hike shower and winding down for the day. They’re also quick to throw on if you need to run to the shops for some emergency tea bags and can also be perfect to throw on for the car journey home from a walk to get out of your wet clothes.
• 1 pair of walking/waterproof trousers – I love my walking trousers, they might not be the most flattering trousers in the world but they are by far the greatest hiking companion. I love pockets and mine have soooooo many and it means I can have important things close to hand like walking books, blister plasters and a few snacks without having to stop and rummage through the rucksack to find them every few miles, and they protect your legs from getting cold and wet which I always find ruins my mood on a hike. Mine also convert into shorts, so alternatively, if you find yourself getting too hot, you can just unzip them and put the ‘sleeves’ in a bag.

Other items of clothing

• More undies than you think you’ll need – if you’re going for a 7 day week, I’d pack at least 9 pairs of undies, just in case you get absolutely soaked to the skin on a morning hike, you’ll definitely need a spare pair!
• More bras (or alternatives) than you think you’ll need – for the exact same reason, however many bras you think you’ll need, I’d recommend bringing 1 spare just in case
• Beanie hat – it’s starting to get very cold in October so a hat is a must.
• 3-5 pairs of walking socks – you always need to bring lots of walking socks if you plan on hiking as you should always take a spare on a hike in case you get blisters, and you should also have some dry socks for the next day.
• 1-3 normal socks – you don’t want to have to wear you’re walking socks all the time
• PJs – I love sitting in my PJs with a hot drink so this is a must for me
• Swimwear – this is a potential as some people will still take a refreshing dip in a lake even in October

DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored, these are my honest opinions and product recommendations