Are you going for a hike, but unsure about what to take with you?
When it comes to escaping our daily routines and immersing ourselves in nature, hiking is considered one of the most effective methods. However, a successful hike entails more than simply locating an ideal trail.
In addition, it is essential to pack the appropriate essentials and gear during the planning process.
If you are a beginner hiker, it can be overwhelming to know exactly what to bring for hiking. That’s why I have created a list of the top hiking gear, which includes the essential items that you should always bring on every hike.
Pre-trip planning
Make sure to take a look at our day hiking guide for beginners. It provides useful tips on how to plan and get ready for a hike. It is essential to be well-prepared, so it is always recommended to gather information before reaching the starting point of the trail. Additionally, it is beneficial to refresh your knowledge on first-aid in order to handle injuries such as scrapes and insect stings. As part of the planning process, there are a few other essential things to consider.
- Research where you’re going
- Leave a trip plan (like the AdventureSmart trip plan) with a trusted friend
- Bring a guidebook or printed description of trail
- Hiking permit, if required
Hiking gear
Include the right gear to make a significant impact on your hike. Hiking poles, also known as trekking poles, are particularly beneficial for maintaining stability on uneven ground. Obtain knowledge on selecting a pair of hiking poles to complete your hiking essentials. Make sure to bring the best hiking gear.
- 20–30L daypack
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Rain cover or pack liner if the weather looks dodgy
Clothing and footwear
The first thing to do is to not bring cotton clothes with you. They are heavy, do not provide good insulation, and take a long time to dry when wet. Instead, choose breathable and moisture-wicking layers like synthetic materials and merino wool. Educate yourself on how to properly layer your clothing for outdoor activities to ensure comfort regardless of the weather or level of physical exertion. Another important tip is to select appropriate hiking boots or shoes that will be comfortable for your feet during your outdoor adventures. Remember to layer up with the right materials.
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- Hiking socks (synthetic or wool/wool blend)
- Liner socks, if needed
- Underwear and sports bra
- Hiking shirt – long sleeves help with sun protection
- Hiking shorts or pants
- Extra clothing is one of the 10 essentials. Weather can change quickly, and you may be out longer than planned. In every season, be prepared with additional waterproof outer layers, fleece jacket or warm layers, extra socks, gloves, and toque or neck gaiter.
When it rains, there is a high chance of getting wet, so it is advisable to bring rain gear to protect yourself and your belongings from getting soaked. You can find guidance on selecting the right raincoat and understanding the distinction between waterproof and water-resistant materials to endure harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it is crucial to have essential rain gear items and complementary layers for added protection.
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket
- Base layers
- Fleece pants
Navigation
When we suggest that people immerse themselves in nature, we are not implying that they should physically lose themselves. It is important for hikers to possess the knowledge of how to navigate to their destination and return safely. Therefore, ensure that you possess maps, a compass, and the ability to use them. If you desire additional tools, GPS navigation devices have significantly advanced and can aid in determining your location, planning routes, and communicating with your friends or family through messages (remember to always have a non-electronic backup for navigation). Therefore, make sure to bring along navigation tools such as these.
- Topographic map in a clear plastic bag or waterproof case
- Compass
- GPS
- Altimeter (optional but useful, since it gives your approximate elevation to help you figure out your location on the map)
Food and water
When preparing food for your hike, take into account the duration of the hike and the number of calories you will burn. The same applies to water, as dehydration is a common issue in the wilderness. It is useful to have water treatment tools such as tablets or pumps to purify water from a nearby creek if you run out. Take a look at our article on backpacking food and meal planning for easy recipes to eat while trekking. Additionally, remember to bring:
- Snacks and food for the day, plus extra food (enough for one more day)
- Water, plus additional water (about 1–2L more as a guideline, but this varies depending on weather and scenario)
- Water bottle or hydration bladder
- Water treatment – tablets are small and portable
- Electrolyte drink crystals (highly recommended)
Sun protection
It is crucial to protect yourself from the sun even when surrounded by trees or hiking on a cloudy day. In North America, the sun is most intense from 1pm to 4pm, particularly from April to October. During winter hikes, snow can reflect UV rays, increasing your risk of sun exposure. Familiarize yourself with our sun safety tips to ensure safety against the sun throughout the year, and remember to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hat with a nice wide brim
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
Beyond the Essentials for a Hike
Although a backpack, the essentials, and appropriate clothing are the only truly necessary items for a hiking trip, it is advisable to bring some additional items as well. Including these extras will significantly enhance your hiking experience.
- Trekking poles – For steep hikes, trekking poles can be a game changer. The poles work by helping you remain stable and take away pressure on your knees. Many hikers, especially beginners or backpackers, have found trekking poles to alleviate pain when hiking. Like all hiking gear, lightweight is key. Carbon fiber trekking poles are the gold standard.
- Trowel & Toilet Paper – When you gotta go, you gotta go. Part of the Leave No Trace principles involves burying your waste. If you have to go #2 on a hike, you should bring a trowel (a small shovel) to dig a hole and bury it. Your trowel doesn’t have to be fancy.
For toilet paper, I recommend either burying your toilet paper deep in the hole or packing out your toilet paper in a Ziploc bag. - Bug Spray – Mosquitos are quite the pest, particularly in the summer. Packing a small, travel-size bug spray is a great way to fend them off. I like to use a more natural lemon eucalyptus or Picardin bug spray. I find the smell isn’t quite as overwhelming and I don’t feel like I’m covering my body in toxic chemicals.
- Walkie Talkies – On a lot of hikes, you may not have quality cell phone service. If you’re splitting up from a group or arranging to meet at trailheads, walkie talkies can be a great way to communicate. I found my set of walkie talkies to be particularly useful when arranging transportation with friends or family after one way hikes.
- Bear Spray – If you’re hiking in grizzly bear country (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho), you’ll want to carry bear spray. This is like a bear-specific pepper spray. In an emergency, you can spray the bear to allow yourself to escape. This is only used as a last resort if slowly backing away isn’t an option.
Bear spray is available at outdoor retailers like REI and is essential for a hiking trip in places like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
