Heading out for the adventure of a lifetime? Whether you’re off to faraway lands or set on exploring some places closer to home, there are many places to go and see, either with family and friends, or all by yourself.
If it’s your first time, it might sound intimidating and a little bit scary, but don’t worry! You just have to overcome that scary first step and pretty soon, you’ll become a pro at it!
One thing you need to do before taking that first step though, is to make sure you got the right equipment. You’ll need proper boots, enough water, warm clothing and a backpack with a first aid kit for starters.
But what else would you possibly need?
If you’re unsure about what you need and what to bring on your hiking trip, check out this guide. We go through the essentials, and if you’re a beginner this list is a great place to start!
1. A Good, Sturdy Hiking Backpack
You might be wondering if you can just bring any backpack or any sling bag, shoulder bag, or even just a purse or wallet. You might, but if you want to go far, you’ll have to bring essential hiking and camping gear, and the only way to do so is in a proper hiking backpack. It could be a small day backpack or a large backpack with proper space for your belongings..
In order to pick the backpack that will go perfectly well with your hiking or camping trip, here are some things to consider:
- Duration of the trip (Is this a day trip? Overnight? Extended time away that will take you 3 or more days?)
- Frame type
- Internal – body-hugging backpacks that keep the bearer stable in an uneven terrain
- External – appropriate if you’re carrying a heavy, irregular load (such as a kayak to the lake)
- Frameless – for those who like to hike fast and light
- Ventilation (some backpacks have a suspended mesh back panel on the part that touches your back, and that will usually grant a few inches of space between the actual backpack and your back, to allow fresh air to flow through to your back)
- Pack access
- Backpacks that only open on top (in which case, you have to pack the things you won’t need till the end of the day deep down inside)
- Backpacks that offer a zippered front or side panel (this makes it easier to reach the items that are deeper in your back)
- Pockets
- Elasticized side pockets – flat when empty but can stretch out to hold a lightweight water bottle, some snacks, or other loose objects
- Hipbelt pockets – can accommodate items you want to reach quickly, such as a smartphone, some snacks, energy gel, etc.
- Shovel pockets – flaps stuck to the front of a backpack with a buckle closure on top where you can stash a map, a jacket, or other lightweight items
- Front pocket – can hold smaller, less bulky items
Naturally, the longer your trip is, the more items you’ll have to bring. It really helps to plan your trip ahead of time so you can take everything into consideration, from your backpack to the different items you will be carrying.
See the best selling hiking day packs on Amazon.
See the best selling internal frame hiking backpacks on Amazon.
2. Proper Clothing and Footwear
As you plan your hiking trip, always remember to check the weather forecast and make sure that you are dressed for the conditions. It’s also best to be prepared for a sudden change in the weather and an unplanned night out in case there is a sudden storm or you’re unable to leave your camping grounds and have to extend your trip another day. It’s handy to pack extra clothes and to also consider what are the best kinds of clothing to wear for the trip you are going to take.
For hikes and camping trips that are on smoother trails and don’t require much effort, hiking shoes or trail runners (check out the different possibilities for men and women) are enough in terms of footwear.
Here are some quick tips for clothes when it comes to hiking:
- Don’t wear denim jeans. They hold on to water and will make you feel sweaty in hot temperatures and give you chills when the weather turns cold and wet.
- Get comfortable, sturdy pants. You never know what you’ll come across when you hike. Some trails are steep and may require you to maneuver quickly, so it’s good to wear something that will help you move freely and easily.
- Bring along a warm jacket or a rain jacket. A warm jacket will help for colder conditions while a rain jacket will block the rain and the wind. This is particularly important if you’re planning on hiking in the mountains, where weather can be tricky to forecast.
- Stay sheltered from the sun. Bring a hat and even a pair of sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Polyester does the trick. From pants to t-shirts to undergarments, you might want to consider getting clothing that’s made from polyester, nylon, or merino wool. They dry fast and have a good moisture management ability.
- Get sturdy shoes. You don’t have to wear leather boots, but make sure your feet are comfortable and that the shoes you wear will provide support and protection from rocks, roots, and give you traction for both wet and dry surfaces.
For best selling hiking shoes for men, click here.
For best selling hiking shoes for women, click here.
For best selling trail runners for men, click here.
For best selling trail runners for women, click here.