Starting hiking is an exciting adventure, but having the right gear makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and enjoyment on the trail. This comprehensive guide covers the essential hiking gear beginners need to hit the trail while avoiding unnecessary frills.
Great way to get exercise
Hiking is a wonderful activity that offers numerous benefits, including exercise, connection with nature, and stress reduction. It’s a great way to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and productivity. However, as a beginner, it’s important to have the right hiking gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re new to hiking, you might have questions about how to start, what to wear, and what to expect. In this article, we’ll address these common concerns and provide a beginner’s guide to hiking.
Key Hiking Gear Essentials for Beginners
Gear | Details |
---|---|
Hiking shoes/boots | Durable, supportive footwear prevents injury and fatigue. Waterproof if wet trails. |
Daypack | Lightweight pack with waist and chest straps to evenly distribute weight. |
Water and filtration | Durable bottles plus filter or treatment tabs for natural water sources. |
Food | High protein/energy trail snacks and sandwiches. |
Navigation | Topo maps, compass, GPS device, and/or charged phone with offline maps app. |
First aid kit | Bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, blister care, etc. |
Firestarter | Windproof lighter and/or stormproof matches to start an emergency fire. |
Shelter | Lightweight emergency blanket or tarp for a makeshift shelter. |
Flashlight | Compact LED flashlight. Headlamps are preferred for hands-free hiking. |
Pocket knife or multi-tool | For utility tasks, cutting rope or food, self-defense (where legal). |
Hiking Clothes & Footwear
Hiking Shoes vs. Boots – Low “approach shoes” are light and flexible while still giving ankle support. Boots provide more stability for carrying heavy loads or hiking rough terrain but can be hot and stiff. Try on different styles for the best fit.
Socks – Wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks prevent hot spots and blisters better than cotton socks which absorb sweat. Bring extra in case they get wet.
Base Layers – Snug sweat-wicking shirts and leggings are worn under outerwear to keep you dry and comfortable in any weather. Wool or synthetic fabrics are preferred.
Hiking Pants – Look for light, quick-drying nylon pants with zip-off legs for versatility. Soft stretchy fabrics allow free movement.
Hiking Shorts – Lightweight, breathable shorts that wick moisture and dry quickly. Avoid heavy cotton.
Outer Shell Jacket – Windproof, waterproof jacket with hood for protection from the elements. Breathable fabrics prevent overheating.
** hats** – Wide-brimmed for sun protection and warm wool beanies to prevent heat loss in cool weather. baseball caps don’t shield ears and neck.
Daypacks
Key features for beginner daypacks:
- Capacity 20L or 25L is sufficient for essentials
- Lightweight but durable fabric
- Padded shoulder straps and hip belt spread weight
- External bungee cords and pockets for water bottles, rain gear etc
- Laptop sleeve for trail maps
- Hydration reservoir compatible if you want hands-free drinking
- Rain cover included
Avoid overly technical packs if just doing day hikes. Simpler is better starting out.
Navigation Essentials
Topographic Maps – Waterproof and tear-resistant. Study elevation lines and landmarks first. Gaia GPS and CalTopo apps allow the printing custom maps.
Compass – Essential if poor visibility. Learn to take bearings and triangulate position on a map. Smartphone compasses are unreliable.
Personal Locator Beacon – PLB with GPS transmitter alerts authorities and SAR teams in an emergency. Priceless insurance on remote hikes.
GPS Device/App – Dedicated GPS units are more rugged and reliable than phones. Download offline topographic map data. Bring a backup battery pack.
Guidebook – Describes trails, terrain, stream crossings, distances, landmarks and more details than maps.
Water & Food
- Durable yet lightweight water bottles – aluminum, Tritan plastic or collapsible
- Water filter or chemical purifier tabs for natural water sources
- High protein/calorie trail snacks – protein bars, jerky, mixed nuts, peanut butter packets
- Sandwiches, wraps, dinner meals in a bag for longer hikes
- Electrolyte tablets or powders added to water prevent cramps and dehydration
- Insulated thermos for hot coffee/tea
Avoid heavy, bulky foods that must be cooked. Boil-in-bag rice or dehydrated camping meals are lighter options if you have stove and pot.
Safety & Emergency Gear
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, antibiotics, tape, trauma shears, pain meds, etc.
- Firestarter like stormproof matches, windproof lighters, ferro rod, tinder
- Emergency blanket for warmth and makeshift shelter
- Bear spray for protection from dangerous wildlife where required
- Pepper spray for self-defense against malicious wildlife (humans)
- Paracord for repairing gear, rigging shelter, etc.
- Emergency whistle and signal mirror for rescue attraction
- Duct tape – versatile for improvised repairs and blister care
- Spare batteries for GPS, flashlight, headlamp
Don’t go ultra-minimalist. Emergency needs outweigh ounces.
Backpacking Tents (For Overnight Hikes)
Look for:
- Lightest weight for the space needed
- Freestanding dome design is easiest to pitch on uneven ground
- Durable ripstop nylon or silicone-treated nylon rain fly and floor
- Aluminum poles are lighter than steel
- Vestibule for storing gear safe from rain
- Interior pockets to organize gear
- Easy set-up in under 5 minutes
Recommended Beginner-Friendly Hiking Trails
Yosemite Valley (Yosemite National Park, California)
- Iconic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls
- Paved and gravel paths with very little elevation gain
- Shuttle buses provide easy point-to-point hiking options
Cascade Pass (North Cascades National Park, Washington)
- Alpine views of surrounding peaks and ridges
- Gradual grade over 7.5 miles makes it feel easier than mileage suggests
- Mix of forests, meadows and boulder fields keeps interest piqued
Emerald Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado)
- Stunning lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers
- Starts at over 8,000 feet elevation but is graded for beginners
- Option to make loop with nearby trails
- Alpine scenery without extreme difficulty
Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)
- Tropical coastal views along the iconic Na Pali Coast
- Needs permit but no camping gear required for day hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach
- Wide trail allows passing tricky sections
- Serious terrain made doable for beginners through partial routes
Things to Avoid When Getting Started with Hiking
While enthusiasm for hiking is great, beginners should avoid biting off more than they can chew. Stick to simpler day hikes without highly technical terrain or extreme elevation until you build experience and stamina. Other things to avoid starting out:
- Don’t hike alone, especially on secluded trails. Go with a group or experienced partner.
- Don’t wear brand-new boots on a long hike. Break them in for shorter walks first to avoid serious blisters.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate. Drink regularly throughout the hike. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance sneak up on you.
- Don’t rely solely on your phone for navigation. Phones run out of batteries and lose signals. Have a backup paper map and compass.
- Don’t leave essentials behind to save weight. Safety takes priority over shaving off a few ounces from your pack.
- Don’t try to set mileage records. Hiking is not a race. Keep a comfortable pace you can sustain all day if needed.
Conclusion
The bottom line is to start simple, focus on fun and safety, and gradually work your way up. With the right beginner hiking gear and mindset, you’ll be tackling more advanced adventures in no time!
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