When you go out walking even for a short while you nearly always need to carry some bits and pieces. These could be just your keys and mobile phone or you might need some money, lip salve, water, tissues, personal alarm, umbrella etc. and then if you are walking with children there are all sorts of things you might need,including a cuddly toy.

Having your hands uncluttered makes it easier to walk and to enjoy your walking plus it helps you keep your balance. Depending on your needs – there are various ways of carrying your belongings.

The easiest way is to put things in your pockets – a lot of jackets have special pockets for mobile phones and zipped pockets for valuables. You can also get trousers with plenty of zipped or hidden pockets.
Trousers belts are ideal for attaching your pedometer or step meter to. Be careful that you don’t weigh yourself down with things try and take just the basics with you. Remember items in leg pockets can bang against your leg as you walk and become uncomfortable.

Another option is to have a bum bag. These come in all shapes and sizes - but for short walks especially when you are just starting a walking plan you only need a small one.
Here are some point to remember when choosing a bum bag.

• A bum bag should fit snugly into the small of your back so do make sure you try one on before you buy and that it has some weight in it – after all the whole reason you are buying one is because you want to carry things!
• You need to do a bum bag up fairly tightly so that as you walk it does not move around or bang against you.
• Check the strap is strongly made – some can have flimsy straps that tear or worse dig into you.
• There are bum bags available that have holders for one or two water bottles
• Look for one with a padded back
• A main compartment and a secondary smaller one are more useful than one big compartment – this means you can keep your money and keys separate from other bits and bobs.
• Check whether the fabric is waterproof

There are waist bags or pockets that clip or slip onto your belt and are worn at the side – these have many of the same features as bum bags but the added option that you can take them off your belt and because they usually come with a shoulder strap can therefore be worn on the shoulder when you are not walking.
Both these and bum bags can be useful when out shopping or on holiday as well as when out walking.

A smaller option is to go for a wrist bag that fits around your wrist usually tighten with Velcro and these will take keys, a tissue and a few coins. They can weigh down your wrist especially if you suffer from weak wrists and become uncomfortable if walking for more than 15 minutes – so again try before you buy.

If you are going to walk for half an hour or more and/or are walking with children then a lightweight day sack (daypack/rucksack) could be an option. Why not take a look at choosing a day sack? It is very easy to find yourself just popping in items when you have a day sack but try to limit things to the necessities. Remember the whole point of going for a walk is to enjoy yourself and get fitter/slimmer so don’t put obstacles in your way, to prevent you from doing this.

Enjoy your walking