Torch, phone, map and compass: things that might save your life while out walking

Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is keen to reinforce the message in your print supplement on the joy of walking (12 June) about enjoying the outdoors and putting a best foot forward. However, in the article about equipment (From boots to base layers: the best walking gear, 12 June), you omitted to mention a couple of other pieces of kit that mountain rescue volunteers would always recommend walkers to carry. A torch can be a life-saver, as can a map and compass with the knowledge and skills to use them.

Mobile phones are also invaluable in an emergency – as long as there’s a signal – but they need to have battery power too. MREW recommends carrying a power pack for charging, or reserving one charged phone for emergency use so that, if the worst happens, walkers can use their phone to do what only a phone can do – call 999 for the police and request our help.
Andy Simpson
Mountain Rescue England and Wales