My First Hostel Event

Hostels are fun, great value weekends away, perfect for making new friends and exploring a new part of the country.

OutdoorLads often take over the whole hostel for the weekend. Hostels are clean and often basic. Rooms are shared, usually with bunk beds sharing between 2 and 8 in a room with shared bathrooms.

We have access to the equipped kitchen and fridges.

The weekend is run by an OutdoorLads Leader. Hostel weekends are relaxed and we all muck in to support the leader to make the event fun and enjoyable, from cooking to clearing up. 

The event page will include location, how to get there, including nearest public transport options. There’s often a chat set up prior to the event to chat and share travel plans. Members often car share and offer to pick-up members from the nearest station.

Arrival at the hostel: Try not to arrive early as the hostel may not be ready. If you’re planning on arriving particularly late, please let the leader know.

When you arrive, find the leader to check-in and they will show you around and point you in the direction of the bedrooms. Put a bag on your chosen bed, so it’s clear the bed is taken. 

The leader will provide a briefing on the first evening and talk through any planned activities.

The evenings are informal and social. Feel free to bring a board game along!

The leader will usually bring the food for the Saturday night. The host leader is a volunteer, not a chef and it’s hard cooking for lots of people.  They’re trained in food preparation and hygiene standards. 

Hostels can be remote and far from shops, take time to read the event page to ensure you bring everything with you to have a stress-free weekend.

What to bring recommends the kit you’ll need for the weekend including bedding and clothing for any of the activities. Don’t forget towel, toiletries, phone charger and essential medicines.

For walks we recommend a backpack for water, food, extra layers and waterproofs to stay dry, jeans are best to avoid as uncomfortable when wet.

Food & drink details the food for the weekend. Friday evening food is often a shared buffet. Bring something enough for one or two people that can be shared. Homemade food or shop bought is fine.

Tea, coffee and light breakfasts are included. Saturday evening meal is usually included. Bring drink and snacks for the weekend.

Check any food required for the activities, often a packed lunch is needed and a bottle of water.

Please ensure any special dietary requirements are listed on your profile or notify the leader in advance.

Meeting & times shows the start time and end time - you must be registered to see this.

See who’s already going shows the event leader and other OutdoorLads attending – you must be registered to see this.

Who are our leaders?

Our hosts are OutdoorLads volunteers who’ve been trained and assessed to lead hostel weekends, including member welfare, cooking and leading any of the activities.

They are stars putting in huge amounts of time, planning and effort to make the weekend fun, run smoothly and safely.

During the weekend if you have any questions, problems or need any help, just ask the leader. 

If you have any questions please contact the leader or contact us.

Great savings

If you’re looking to buy new kit for your next adventure, check out your exclusive discounts under Membership menu!