Hiking Gear List

I agree--this is a great site for anyone who wants to get out on the trail.  I am planning a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail for May and I've been referencing it frequently as I begin to prepare.  The one thing you talk about is the loneliness people feel on a long hike and I'm wondering how it's going for you.  I've read your posts and it seems like you're having a bit of people contact, but tell me:  How's the loneliness factor, and how are your dealing with it?  Here's hoping you make the 800 miles on the AZ Trail.

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you forgot to add hatchets, climbing ropes, and water proof bags.

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Great Help to check I had everything for a list I wrote up for a hike with scouts but you seem to have not written down the basics of a sleeping bag or a tent, ect.

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Lyndall - those items are needed for a hike, they are needed for camping.  I would only take those things if I planned to be out more than a day hike.

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dont forget your power bank to recharge your gps and cellphone. If you from another country, bring some power converter suit to country socket and power supply. try to minimise tools, choice the multi-purposed tool. water resistence bag is very useful. study early the place you want to go hiking carefully.

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yea who needs food anyway...

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I completely agree with you're gear list I'm 14, live in northern minesota and do a lot of hiking out in my back yard and I just wanted to fine tune my gear kit. and found out I was missing a couple items. Thanks!!!!!

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What's in your first aid kit? I assume plasters, desinfectant, blisters-plasters, small scissors, few painkillers. Anything else?

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@Iris - if you look at the "Hiking Safety" link, it has first aid kit contents.

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First thing I bought that you didn't mention was an emergency blanket.  It only weighs a few ounces and can also be used for first aid, shelter, ground tarp, and gear cover not to mention it reflects 90% of your body heat back to you in cold weather.

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Excellent info. I am from South Africa, know the bush and yes, you have your list right on the button, in my opinion.I do however have a small("tea-")candle, pocket pack Kleenex, wound closure strips, 2 steri-pak scalpel blades and 2 Rehidrat sachets in my fanny-pack as well. We have a product here in South Africa called "Soak-it" eco wipes. It is basically a type op wipe that is compressed (disk of 1/2 in thick by 3/4 inch circ.) of and when exposed to water, unfolds/ unravels  to a square wipe of 12 inches x 12 inches. I also keep three of these in my fanny pack. When wet, they wipe anything, as can be imagined, and when dry, they even serve as excellent kindling, especially with a fine coat of Vaseline Lip-Ice to retard flammability. Hope this helps. Keep on hiking dude, keep on hiking.

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Great information. I love all the posts, I really enjoyed, I would like more information about this, because it is very nice, Thanks for sharing. I like the site best.

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These were the biggest mistakes I made on a recent AT section hike: 1) I over-estimated how far I could go in a day. I relied too much on official maps and guidebooks that proved inaccurate, often conflicting, and were subsequently confusing. 2) I did not carry enough water containers. One water bladder is NOT enough, especially in summer hiking prodigious hills where springs are less reliable in warm dry months, even after rains. 3) I brought too many clothes. You need much less than you think. It's okay to stink after a couple of days. Not even your just as stinky partner will care. 4) I carried an overly ample first aid kit. Unless it's the apocalypse, it will prove unnecessarily heavy. 5) I did not know what and where everything in my pack was. Despite their best intentions, do NOT let anyone else pack your things! Nor should you pack theirs. 6) And this I thought was surprising: Not bringing enough food. Snacks only get you so far. Nothing beats a hot meal, even in summer.

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My 1st kit is as follows: Benadryl. Antacid tablets, Antibiotic Ointment,Antiseptic Towelettes, Bandages, Gauze or Moleskin,Medical Tape, Ace Bandage, Safety Pins, Eye Drops,Tweezers,Scissors,Balm,Nail Clippers & File. You don't need excessive amounts, mine fits in a small pencil pouch for about $1. Some hikers may think it's a bit excessive, but I rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.  

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I am about to go on my first hike.  I would love to have all this stuff but I am not sure what I should get for this first time out.  We are going on an easy hike one day, just in and out before dark. We are going to be in the sun for the hike and we are in Northern Colorado.

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Thanks for sharing this post. Its really useful. If anyone is looking for a bag to use they should also check out this giveaway by Uber Pakk, giving away this cool foldable backpack that anyone can WIN. Check it out. bit.ly/coolbag11

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Really thanks for sharing this post

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I would like to note that you should get waterproof matches rather than just any regular match. And also I have a snake bite kit in my backpack. Just in case.

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Thanks hiking dude! Helped a lot, but i have a question. What type of clothing is great for rocky terrain? All the way from Chaclacayo, Peru.

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@Paolo - I don't think that clothing is dependent on the terrain.   The temperature, weather, and time of year determine what clothing is needed.
The terrain would determine what kind of footwear is needed.  The rougher and rockier the ground is, the heavier and more resilient a shoe would need to be.  

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We are planning to hike the APT clear thru...we are so excited! I can't wait my best friend and I are starting the "getting fit " and saving part of the planning ...but I am struggling with what brands and where to shop for gear?? Anyone have any advice on brand names and shopping places?

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It must be better if you even add bluetooth speaker under the gadget list. I feel it is pretty necessary :)

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Hi all. Hoping to solo the Iceland North to South (approx. 400 miles, 20 days) next June/July. Any and all advice would be welcomed, both practically regarding gear/dos and don'ts and the potential affects of isolation and loneliness during the walk. Cheers.

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@Andre - Very cool!
See this page and this page for info from a couple guys that hiked Iceland.

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Thanks buddy. Appreciate the nod.

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great article.

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hey hiking dude brilliant list, im planning on doing the pct next year, do you have a kit list for a long 5-7 month trip or is it just more of the same?

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@chili - you can see the gear I've taken on my long hikes at each individual tall page, but it's all pretty much the same whether 3 days or 3 months.  You just resupply the consumables as they run out.  And you might need warmer or lighter items as the general temps change over months.

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Sir : Certainly if you are hiking many areas in Canada or northern USA you may encounter bears . It may be wise to take bear spray and bear bells . I take it a step further and take bear bangers that fit my flare gun . Both handy to have if something happens in a remote area . I also carry an emergency beacon strobe . It's light and may save your life .

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A "spot" device is good to have too for emergency and tracking purposes.

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I never thought to bring a sewing kit. Great idea!

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when you have sunglasses,please remember to prepare sunglasses strap to hold it,i buy this brand "Polesem" before, it worked well.

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I always carry a pair of long heavy duty welding gloves. Good around the fire, hot pots, collecting kindling especially thorny wood etc. Also good around spiders, scorpions and snakes

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I cut a section from a  Thermarest RidgeRest  to use to sit on for breaks and a million other uses. Can kneel on it when getting water. Place it outside the tent to put your bare feet on to keep dirt out of the tent. It fans campfire flames incredibly well too. Weighs  around 5 oz tops but worth the weight.

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