Military training is well known for teaching discipline, resilience and decision-making under pressure, but it’s also about learning how to use minimal gear to maximum advantage in a wide range of outdoor situations. That’s knowledge that hillwalkers can benefit from too. We’ve teamed up with MILITARY to bring you top transferrable kit tips from the military sphere.
8 military gear hacks for hikers
1. Stick Those Ticks
If you’re heading to a tick-infested area, take some sticky tape. Tuck your shirt into your trousers, your trousers into your boots, and wrap a layer of tape around your ankles with the adhesive side facing outwards. It should catch any ground-based invaders trying to make their way inside your clothing.
2. Pack Your Survival Essentials
In his ‘80s classic SAS Survival Handbook, John Wiseman recommends carrying “a pocket-sized kit of carefully selected key survival aids”. A multitool is essential, but he also advises a pocket-sized survival tin containing items such as a compass, water purification tablets, beta light, first aid kit and – believe it or not – a non-lubricated condom (the ultimate emergency water-carrying device!)
3. Preserve Your Night Vision
When you’re walking in darkness, your eyes become more sensitive to light in a process known as ‘dark adaptation’. This can take up to 30 minutes to take full effect – and even a short burst of bright white light will reset it completely. That’s why it’s sensible to use a head torch with red light mode. Red light still affects night vision, but not to the same extent, so it’s a better choice for moving in the dark.
4. Bring Fire Power
Never rely on just one method of starting a fire. It’s too easy for a flint to be accidentally dropped or matches to get wet. As well as taking matches in a waterproof tin, include an outdoor lighter and a firesteel in your fire-lighting arsenal – all easy to track down at a good military store.
5. Pack Some Paracord
The ultimate survival tool, paracord has an internal structure which allows its inner yarns to be removed for fishing, snare-making, sewing and a lot more. You can use it to create an emergency splint or tourniquet, replace broken straps or bootlaces, secure a tarp or even start a fire (the flammable fibres make excellent tinder). Use a paracord bracelet so it’s always at your fingertips.
6. Discover the Power of Ponchos
Cheap, light and versatile, a military poncho is a worthy addition to your backpack. It can be used as a backup for a failed waterproof, but also as a groundsheet, windbreak, emergency shelter and a dry place to sit on wet ground.
7. Make Your Gear Work Harder
Why carry something that just does one job? While a webbing belt will hold up your trousers, it’s also useful for securing loads and shelter construction. A steel cup works for heating drinks and melting snow; a trekking pole can become tarp support; and a shemagh is a towel, a sling and sun protection as well as a scarf.
8. Shop at Army Stores
Online military shops don’t just sell army clothing and combat gear – they stock a huge range of equipment, much of which is transferrable to general outdoors use. Look out for clothing sales, where you can find excellent deals on trusted outdoor and tactical brands. A good place to start is MILITARY, a long-established supplier of military and outdoor equipment, tactical clothing and footwear, operating since 1998 and with a dedicated UK store launched in 2024. Its Military Rewards Club points scheme, regular sales and monthly discount codes make it a great place to pick up bargain gear for your next trip into the wild.
MILITARY stores enjoy very high ratings on Trustpilot and other review platforms. Customers particularly appreciate fast order fulfilment, professional customer service, a smooth purchasing process and the high quality of the products offered.
