I was recently lucky enough to be invited to one of my favourite places - Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - to test out the new Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton. To test this innovative outdoor adventure aid, myself and some others tackled the Glyderau Mountain range (Glyders) – a 12 mile route from Capel Curig to Nant Peris that links some of Eryri’s most spectacular peaks. It traverses grassy plains, loose scree, hands-on scrambles, and long, leg-testing climbs.
You can read how I got on with the Hypershell, but in the meantime I thought I’d share the kit I trusted the most to get me over some of Eryri’s toughest peaks.
About Eryri National Park
Most people will have heard about Eyri National Park, previously referred to as Snowdonia before park officials dropped the English name in favour of its original Welsh name in 2022, which translates as ‘the place of the eagles’.
Covering 823 square miles of breathtaking landscapes in northwest Wales stretching from coastal estuaries near Harlech to the highest mountain summit in Wales, Yr Wyddfa, formerly known as Mount Snowdon (1,085 m).
Established in 1951, Eyri is one of the UKs first national parks, and is home to nine mountain ranges, over 100 lakes, and 84 peaks above 2,000 feet. Roughly a four hour drive from Bristol and two and a half hours from Birmingham, Eryri National Park is a haven for hikers, adventure seekers, climbers and nature lovers, as well as those interested in immersing themselves in Welsh culture.
The Welsh language is spoken proudly by most locals, and myths, legends, and folklore are associated with almost every lake, hill, mountain, and village – adding to the magical feel of the place.
Where to Stay in Eryri National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Eryri, choosing the right base can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for cosy local bed and breakfasts, mountain luxury or campsites with some of the best views in the UK, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few.
Betws-y-Coed - The Gateway to Gwydyr Forest
Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Eryri’, Betws-y-Coed has a range of trails suitable for all abilities. It’s a great place to base yourself to explore the beautiful Gwydyr Forest, and several waterfalls.
Beddgelert – Scenic and Serene
Beddgelert is a beautiful, calm village located in the heart of Eryri National Park where the rivers Glasyn and Colwyn meet, known for its charming stone cottages, tea rooms, and history - including a monument to the legend of Gelert, the loyal dog of the medieval Prince Llewelyn the Great.
Llanberis - Best for Eryri Access
Llanberis is the main gateway to Eryri, with direct access to the most popular walking routes, including the Llanberis path. There’s a range of accommodation in the town – from cosy guesthouses, to budget friendly hostels. Llanberis is also home to the Eyri Mountain Railway, which gives visitors a scenic route to the summit for those preferring a less challenging ascent.
Bangor - City Comforts with Easy Park Access
Bangor is easily accessible by train – with its own station – and is a great place to stay for those wanting a more urban environment with easy access to nature. One of Wales’ smallest cities, it’s home to shops, restaurants, pubs, and rail access to the heart of Eryri. Anglesey and the Menai Strait are both easy to get to by train, making it a great place to stay for day hikes.
Barmouth - Coastal Charm Meets Mountains
For those wanting to combine rugged mountains with coastal serenity, Barmouth offers access to both. Located near the Mawddach Trail, has beautiful beaches and easy access to the southern and western parts of Eryri.
What’s In My Kit Bag
Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX
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I've tested hundreds of walking boots over the years and I certainly have my favourites, which you can read about in our guide to the best walking boots.
For my recent trip to the Glyderau Mountain range in Eryri National Park I put my trust in the Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX hiking boots. I've been wearing them for a while but this was their biggest challenge yet. They were impressively supportive over the varied terrain - from jagged rock scrambling to uphill scree - and I could barely feel the uneven rocky ground below me due to the Dynamic Stabiliser Torsion (DST) frame. The 3D Auto-Fir ankle collar, which adapts to the shape of your ankle, was also a welcome addition in the Glyderau, where one moment you can be making a steep ascent, and the next you can be putting your ankles to the test on a rocky descent.
Read more: Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX review
Check availability at Amazon and Scarpa.
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TOG 24 Meru Cashmere Touch Roll Neck Base Layer
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When hiking in places where the weather can be unpredictable, for example at altitude, finding the best cold weather gear for winter walks is essential, that includes a good base layer. For this trip, I went with the TOG 24 Meru Cashmere Touch Roll Neck base layer, a stylish and exceptionally warm base layer.
Layered under my waterproof shell, it felt lightweight and incredibly soft, and I stayed cosy in blustery winds without overheating. Despite not being made from merino wool, by the end of Glyderau Traverse I stayed warm and dry, without any odours, or clamminess.
The roll neck adds an extra layer of protection against the wind and meant I didn't need a neck warmer, and after several serious hikes the fabric shows no sign of losing its shape.
Read more: TOG 24 Meru Cashmere Touch Roll Neck Base Layer
Check availability at TOG24.
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Finisterre Stormbird Waterproof Jacket
Like a with sudden changes in temperature, when hiking in a place as changeable as Eryri National Park, a solid, reliable waterproof jacket is a must. I put off shelling out for a quality waterproof jacket for years, ending many walks damp and miserable.
The best waterproof jacket should fit well without being too snug so you can layer a fleece of chunky jumper underneath. After nine hours of whipping the Stormbird out of my bag when I needed it against the wind and rain, I stayed completely dry, and it was completely windproof.
After putting it through its paces in Eyrie this jacket has become my go-to for all my adventures. It's highly technical, and has got me through some challenging hikes in comfort and style.
Read more: Finisterre Stormbird Waterproof Jacket review
Check availability at Finisterre.
Patagonia Granite Crest Waterproof Trousers
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You really cannot underestimate the importance of the best waterproof trousers, especially in places like the Glyderau, where the weather could flip at any moment, from sun-dappled peaks to misty showers in a heartbeat. That’s why I was so glad I had my Patagonia Granite Crest Waterproof Trousers with me. From the moment I stepped onto the first rocky ridge, they felt like a quiet, reliable companion: lightweight enough to move freely across scree and boulder fields, yet tough enough to shrug off the sideways rain and damp heather. The three-quarter zips were a small but brilliant detail, letting me pull them on and off over my boots as clouds rolled in and out, and the pockets came in handy for quick snacks and a map when I paused to drink in the sweeping vistas.
By midday, I was crouched on a mossy rock, savoring a chocolate bar and watching mist swirl around the crags, and I realized how much of a difference dry, comfortable trousers make. They didn’t just protect me from the wet, they let me move confidently, pause wherever I liked, and fully enjoy the raw, rugged beauty of Eryri without worrying about soaked legs or stiff muscles. By the time I descended back into the valleys, I felt like those trousers had earned their place in every future adventure.
Read more: Patagonia Granite Crest Waterproof Trousers
Check availability at Alpine Trek.
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Osprey Tempest 22 Backpack
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I've been on the search for the best hiking backpacks for some years now. I've been a loyal user of my Osprey Renn 65 for some years now, so I thought I'd take the Tempest (specifically designed for women) to the Glyderau.
Comfort is this backpack's main strength, as well as capacity. The AirScape™ back panel kept my back cool on steep, sweaty ascents, and the BioStretch™ harness and hip belt wrap snugly around my torso and hips, distributing weight evenly so I rarely feel strain.
The Tempest is a bit like the TARDIS, deceptively large on the inside, and I was able to carry two 1 litre water bottles, my waterproof jacket, and enough snacks for the nine hour trek easily.
Read more: Osprey Tempest 22 backpack review
Check availability at Osprey.
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Nalgene 1 Litre Narrow Mouth Bottle
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One of the best camping accessories you can invest in is a good water bottle, and on a hike as long and as challenging as the Glyderau, you'll want to carry as much water as you can in a durable and large enough water bottle. For years, my go-to has been my Nalgene water bottle, and I've always got either the narrow or the wide mouth versions on the go.
I've tried all sorts of water bottles over the years - from stainless steel, to collapsible, and ones with strange pop up mouth pieces - but I haven't found one more durable or easy to use as the Nalgene range. There are thinner and taller bottles available - which some might favour over this stockier style when trying to fit everything into a backpack - but I find the more narrow bottles tend to fall out of side pockets.
While my old faithful model is almost vintage now - a testament to its durability - the newer models are made with materials derived from 50% recycled plastic waste that was destined for landfills, all their bottles are BPA/BOS free (chemicals in plastics that can be harmful). Another bonus of the wide mouth bottles is that if you're planning a trip at high altitude with below freezing temperatures, the wide mouth is less likely to freeze shut than narrow-necked bottles.
Read more: Nalgene Narrow Mouth Water Bottle review
Check availability at Nalgene and Amazon.
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Dare2B Unisex Endurance Stretch Gloves
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As the weather turns colder, or when hiking in unpredictable weather, it's important to get yourself a pair of the best hiking gloves. I pulled on my Dare2B Endurance Stretch Gloves as the wind picked up along the ridge above Llyn Idwal – that sharp, biting cold you only get in the Glyderau. The fit was spot on – snug without being restrictive – and the stretch-binding cuffs kept the chill firmly out. The recycled fabric flexed easily as I scrambled over wet rock, and the gel-print palms gave me just enough grip to feel secure.
When I paused near Tryfan’s summit to take a quick photo, the touchscreen-friendly fingertips came into their own – no need to peel the gloves off in the wind. The reflective detailing caught the last light on the way down, a subtle bonus for fading visibility. They’re not full-on winter gloves, but for a brisk day in Eryri, they were perfect – lightweight, comfortable, and warm enough to let me enjoy the view without thinking about frozen fingers.
Read more: Dare2B Unisex Endurance Stretch Gloves review
Check availability at Dare2B.
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Regatta Anti-Blister Socks
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I set off into the Glyderau already nursing a blister from the day before – not exactly the ideal start for a long hike. Prone to blisters, I'm always on the look out for the best walking socks around, and I’d packed my Regatta Anti-Blister Socks and decided to trust them from the get-go. The difference was immediate – the twin-layer design meant the inner fabric moved with my skin while the outer layer took the friction, stopping that sharp sting every time my heel rubbed.
As I climbed towards Glyder Fawr, my feet stayed comfortable and dry despite the damp air rolling off the mountains. Even on the rocky descents near Llyn Idwal, the cushioning underfoot kept things bearable – no sliding, no hot spots, just steady comfort. By the time I reached the bottom, the blister hadn’t worsened at all – a minor miracle in Welsh mountain weather. They might not look like much, but these socks turned what could have been a miserable day into one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Read more: Regatta Anti-Blister Socks review
Check availability at Regatta.
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Have we missed any products you'd like to see reviewed? Want to share your experience with any of the above models? Contact leonie.helm@ourmedia.co.uk
