Introduction
Wondering what to pack for a waterfall walk? You don’t need loads of specialist equipment to explore waterfalls, but having the right things with you can make a big difference, particularly when paths are muddy, rocky or wet.
I’ve put together this quick checklist of the things I find useful when visiting waterfalls, so you can get packed and get out exploring without overthinking it.
The products I link to are the versions I personally use. Where clothing or footwear is gender-specific, I’ve linked to the women’s version, but similar options are available for men.
Day Pack
For shorter, straightforward walks, I have an old lightweight Carbrini rucksack that I use to carry the basics. I can’t find this available online anymore but I’ve linked a similar one here.
If the weather conditions are less favourable, I’m doing a longer walk, or I’ve got a full day of waterfalls planned, I use this Lowe Alpine rucksack instead. It has a larger capacity, so I can fit everything I need for a longer day, and it’s much more comfortable when I’m carrying more for several hours.
It has padded shoulder straps, chest and waist straps and a breathable back panel, which I find makes a noticeable difference on longer walks.
Walking Boots
Although I’ve called this section walking boots, I actually prefer walking shoes. Most people find walking boots more supportive for their ankles, particularly when you’re walking over muddy, uneven or rocky ground, which you’ll often encounter on waterfall walks.
I’m probably one of the rare exceptions, as I actually find walking shoes more supportive and comfortable for my feet. After trying various pairs, these Peter Storm walking shoes are the most supportive and comfortable I’ve found.
I like them so much that I actually have two pairs, one pink and one blue, and they are the only footwear I’ll use when I’m out exploring waterfalls.
They are somewhat waterproof, which is useful for damp and muddy paths, but they aren’t completely waterproof. If you’re going to be doing a particularly wet waterfall walk or your feet are likely to get properly wet, they can take a while to dry. Having two pairs means I always have a dry pair ready to go, which is one of the reasons I ended up buying a second pair. I also make sure to buy a boot bag with any shoes I buy to keep from getting mud over the rest of my kit.
I tend to like GO Outdoors for trying footwear because the majority of their larger stores have walking platforms where you can try shoes and boots on different gradients. Being able to walk uphill and downhill in them before you buy can be really useful, as a pair that feels comfortable when you’re standing on a flat shop floor might feel very different when you’re walking up or down a slope. But you can buy many of the same walking boot/shoe options from Amazon too.
Waterproof Jacket
I actually take two waterproof jackets with me when I’m exploring waterfalls, depending on the weather and what I’m planning to do.
I have a lightweight Regatta waterproof that I take when it’s too warm for a thicker coat but rain is forecast. I actually have the men’s/unisex version of this jacket, as I find it fits me well and does exactly what I need it to. I also find this one particularly useful when I’m visiting waterfalls that are in heavy flow or where the route takes you behind the waterfall, as you’re much more likely to get wet from the spray.
One of the things I really like about it is that it comes with a small bag that the jacket folds back into, so it takes up very little room in my rucksack when I’m not wearing it.
I also have a thicker, softshell waterproof jacket that I use on colder days. It’s warmer and more suitable when the weather is properly miserable, although it does take longer to dry out afterwards.
For me, having a lightweight waterproof that I can easily carry around, as well as a warmer option for colder days, means I’m covered for most of the conditions I’m likely to encounter on a waterfall walk.
If you’re planning to swim as part of your waterfall trip, take a look at my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide for some important safety advice.
Waterproof Trousers
These aren’t something I necessarily wear on every walk, but I like having them with me if the weather is looking wet or the route is likely to be particularly muddy.
There’s nothing worse than arriving home with completely soaked trousers because you’ve had to walk through wet vegetation or muddy sections of a path.
I’d recommend getting two pairs of these Peter Storm waterproof trousers.
Layers
I prefer wearing a few comfortable layers rather than one thick item of clothing.
The temperature can feel quite different depending on whether you’re walking in open countryside, through woodland or standing close to a waterfall, so layers make it much easier to adjust as you go.
A base layer and fleece are usually enough for me, with my waterproof jacket available if I need it. Other than the summer months, I tend to keep a scarf, gloves and woolly hat in my car and just decide what to take on the walk based on the conditions when I arrive.
I’ve actually had the same Regatta Fleece for over a decade which shows how well they last. I don’t think my exact one exists anymore but I’ve linked a similar fleece here.
Water and Snacks
Don’t forget the basics.
Take enough water for the length of your walk and something to eat, particularly if you’re going to be out for several hours. Even a relatively short waterfall walk can take longer than expected if you’re stopping to take photographs or exploring the area.
I usually take a banana and a Nature Valley bar with me, which gives me something quick and easy to eat while I’m out. Even on a relatively short waterfall walk, I like having a snack with me in case I’m out for longer than expected.
I also always take plenty of water. My go-to is this reusable water bottle because it holds 1 litre, doesn’t leak and doesn’t have a built-in straw. I’ve found bottles with built-in straws can be a bit of a nightmare to clean, so I prefer keeping things simple. I have two and I always fill both up to take with me and leave one in the car if it’s a relatively short walk.
Your Phone
Your phone is one of the most useful things you can have with you.
I use mine for navigation, checking the weather, taking photographs and staying in contact with people if I need to.
I’d also make sure it’s reasonably well charged before setting off. If you’re going somewhere remote, your phone may be doing quite a lot of work throughout the day.
Power Bank
If you’re using your phone for navigation and taking lots of photographs, a power bank is worth carrying.
It’s one of those things you might not need on every walk, but I’d much rather have one with me and not need it than run out of battery when I’m still trying to find my way back to the car.
Walking Poles
Walking poles can be really useful on steep, muddy or uneven waterfall routes, but it’s worth trying out using one and using two to see which option you prefer.
For me, I prefer using one walking pole in my dominant hand and keeping my other hand free. I find this particularly useful on routes where there are steep rocks or steps that require a bit of scrambling, as I can put the pole away or move it out of the way and have a free hand to help me on the trickier sections.
The walking pole I personally use is currently out of stock, but I’ve linked a similar one here.
Waterproof or Dry Bag
My larger walking rucksack comes with a waterproof cover that fits over the whole bag, so I tend to just use this rather than carrying a separate dry bag on most walks.
If I know I’m going to be out all day in the rain, though, I’ll also pack a smaller waterproof bag to keep inside my rucksack. I use this for the things I really don’t want getting wet, such as my phone, power bank and other important essentials.
That way, even if my rucksack is getting soaked throughout the day, I’ve got a second layer of protection for the things I really need to keep dry.
Before setting off, it’s also worth checking the waterfall guide for your planned walk so you know what to expect. If you’re new to my guides, you can find out How to Use the Waterfall Guides here.
Spare Socks and Clothes
This is one I wouldn’t overlook.
If you’re going somewhere particularly wet or muddy, a spare pair of socks can be worth their weight in gold. I also like having a change of clothes in the car so I don’t have to sit in wet or muddy clothing for the journey home.
You don’t necessarily need to carry all of this with you during the walk. Keeping a change of clothes in the car can be enough.
Sun Protection
Waterfalls might make you think about rain and wet weather, but don’t forget that you can still spend several hours outside on a sunny day.
Depending on the weather and how exposed your route is, I might take suncream, sunglasses and a hat with me. This is especially worth remembering in summer when you’re likely to be outside for longer.
Insect Repellent
If you’re heading into woodland or areas with long grass, particularly during the warmer months, insect repellent can be useful.
I don’t take it on every walk, but it’s something worth considering depending on where you’re going and the time of year.
It’s also worth checking yourself for ticks after walks, particularly if you’ve been walking through long grass, woodland or dense vegetation. I keep a small tick removal card in my walking kit too. They’re inexpensive, take up hardly any room and are designed to help you remove a tick safely if you find one.
Small First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit is another thing I like to have with me.
You don’t need to carry a huge amount for a normal waterfall walk, but having a few basic items for minor cuts, blisters or scrapes can be useful.
What you take should obviously depend on the length and difficulty of the route you’re doing.
Waterfall Walk Packing Checklist
☐ Walking boots
☐ Boot bag
☐ Day pack
☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Waterproof trousers
☐ Warm layers
☐ Water bottle
☐ Snacks
☐ Phone
☐ Power bank
☐ Small first aid kit
☐ Walking poles
☐ Waterproof/dry bag
☐ Spare socks
☐ Change of clothes
☐ Sun protection
☐ Insect repellent
You don’t need to take every item on every walk. Use the checklist as a starting point and adjust what you pack depending on where you’re going, the weather and how long you’ll be out.
Final Thoughts
The best waterfall walks don’t require a huge amount of equipment. A few sensible essentials can make the difference between spending the day worrying about wet feet, muddy paths and a dying phone and simply enjoying where you are.
I always think it’s better to be prepared without overpacking. Check the route, check the weather, tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading out alone, and take what you actually need for the conditions you’re likely to encounter.
That way, you can spend less time worrying about what you’ve forgotten and more time enjoying the waterfalls.
