For most walks, leadership doesn’t mean heroics — it means being quietly prepared. The weather’s fine, the group’s cheerful, and the route’s familiar. But even on the most straightforward day, a good leader carries what they need to manage the group, the route, and the little surprises that inevitably come up outdoors.
Packing for a lowland expedition isn’t about being ready for disaster — it’s about being consistently prepared, so things never become one.
Here’s what to carry — and more importantly, why. Its not an exhaustive list! If you’re camping out, naturally you’re going to have a lot more camping and cooking equipment with you! But we’ll have a look at that another day
Navigation Tools: Your Everyday Confidence
Even on well-trodden trails, you should always know where you are, where you’re going, and how you’ll get there — not just for your sake, but so you can lead decisively.
That starts with a proper map and compass. Yes, you might also have GPS on your phone, but it’s there to back you up, not to replace your skill. A route card with key timings and checkpoints helps keep things on track, especially if the group gets spread out. And don’t forget a whistle — simple, loud, and reliable.
You’re not trying to impress anyone with a compass around your neck. You’re simply making sure you can guide the group with confidence, even if the path gets less obvious.
Group Safety Kit: The Little Things That Keep Things Little
Most issues on a lowland walk are minor — a blister, a slight stumble, a forgotten snack. But having a compact, well-thought-out group safety kit means these things stay minor.
A small first aid kit with essentials, a lightweight group shelter (great for windy lunch stops, not just emergencies), and a few high-energy snacks can quietly solve problems before they start. Carry a spare headtorch too — not because you plan to be out after dark, but because occasionally, things take longer than expected.
When you’ve got these items with you, you rarely need to use them. That’s the irony of good leadership: Preparedness often Prevents the Problems you Packed for.
Your Own Essentials: Because You're Not Above the Basics
As the leader, you’re no good to anyone if you’re hungry, cold, or limping along with a preventable blister. You need to be self-sufficient and ready to look after yourself first — not just because it’s sensible, but because it sets the tone for the group.
Pack for the weather, bring layers you might not need, and throw in spare hat & gloves just in case. Bring more water than you think you’ll drink. And always carry your own snacks, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit for personal use.
The goal is simple: lead by example, without making a fuss about it.
Information and Planning Tools: Quiet Confidence in Your Pocket
It’s easy to assume that a day walk won’t need paperwork — but a few small extras can make you a more effective and calm leader.
A folded sheet with group medical info or emergency contacts (safely stored, of course) might never come out of your bag, but you’ll be glad it’s there. A small notebook lets you record timings, notes for future walks, or just jot down a phone number from someone interested in your next trip.
And having a printed risk assessment and route plan, even just for your own reference, means you’re not relying on memory if things go off-plan.
It’s not about bureaucracy — it’s about having a calm plan in your pocket, so you don’t need to guess.
The Thought Behind the Pack
There’s no universal list that fits every walk, every leader, or every group. What matters most is your thinking — have you prepared for a slightly delayed finish? For someone who forgot their gloves? For a path that’s a little wetter than expected?
Packing as a Lowland Expedition Leader isn’t about bracing for disaster — it’s about being so well-prepared that everything just flows. That’s the kind of leadership most people don’t notice on the day — but they remember it afterwards.
Find out more here and sign up to join one of our Lowland Expedition Leader courses.
