What It Means to Be a Group Hike or Walk Leader

Leading a group on a hike or walk is a responsibility and an honour. You are both guide and guardian, setting the pace and ensuring everyone stays safe and enjoys the journey. A big part of the role is carrying, or organizing, the right safety and first aid equipment. Here is what you need to know.

The Essentials

1. First Aid Kit
   Every leader needs a first aid kit that suits the size of the group. Aim for one medium kit per three people. That means if you have a group of six hikers, carry two kits. This ensures that if the group ever splits, each party has adequate supplies.
2. Whistle
   A simple aluminium whistle can cost as little as £2.00. Attach it to your pack zip so it is always to hand. In poor visibility or if someone wanders off, one blast on the whistle can bring your group back together.
3. Guidance Media
   You should carry both traditional and digital navigation aids. A folded map and compass remain reliable if your phone battery dies. Equally, a navigation app can help you share real‑time location with participants before you set off.
4. Power Banks
   Keeping phones and GPS devices charged is vital. A small power bank can give you one or two top‑ups. Share the load by asking another member to carry a spare.
5. Torch With Spares
   Even short walks can overrun. Carry a torch plus spare batteries or a USB‑rechargeable light. Head torches work well because they leave your hands free.
6. Survival Shelter
   A lightweight, four‑man survival shelter can serve multiple purposes. It protects injured hikers, offers shade in hot weather and keeps out wind and rain for a quick rest.
7. Bright Red Bivvy Bags
   Unlike silver survival blankets, red bivvy bags are highly visible to search and rescue teams. They also trap heat effectively and can be shared among two or three people if necessary.

The Should Haves

1. GPS Locator
   A personal locator beacon or dedicated GPS device can be life‑saving in remote areas. These devices send your exact coordinates to rescue services if the worst happens.
2. Pocket Mask for CPR
   If you are trained in CPR, a pocket mask adds an extra layer of safety when performing rescue breaths. It is small enough to fit in a first aid kit or pocket.
3. Harness and Rope
   For more challenging terrain, a lightweight harness and short length of rope can help secure an injured hiker or assist with tricky scrambles.

Sharing the Load

Organising who carries what early on is good practice. Agree a list so everyone knows their responsibility. For example, one person might carry two first aid kits, another the survival shelter, while each member carries a small personal kit containing antiseptic wipes and plasters. These mini kits cost around £5.00 from any local chemist and take up minimal space. Torches and whistles should be carried by all participants whenever possible.

Looking Ahead

At Gorilla Mountain Gear we are developing an Allure Kit, a compact bundle with all the essentials for group leaders. Soon we will also offer a ready‑made Event Leader Bag containing every item on this list. It will take the guesswork out of preparation and let you focus on guiding your group.

Being a hike or walk leader is about care, confidence and preparation. With the right kit and clear planning you can lead memorable adventures while keeping your group safe on every trail.