
Hiking Gear List
Considerations
- Think about the weather, terrain, altitude, and environment where you will be hiking. Arid, hot southwest hikes require more water and less insect protection than cooler, humid midwest hikes. Modify your gear as needed based on the environment.
- Buy what you need, but not more. If you will only be on groomed trails, don't spend money on gaiters that are unnecessary, but make sure you get them if your trek takes you through rough brush. Buy a light, inexpensive headlamp rather than one with eight different brightness levels and a flashing mode - unless you really need that for some reason.
- Get Advice. Ask other hikers for recommendations. If you see someone on the trail with a piece of gear you're interested in, ask how its been working for them.
Essential Gear
___ Day pack or Fanny pack
___ Compass
___ Map
___ Water
___ Water filter
___ Water-purification tablets
___ Water bottle(s)
___ Headlamp or Flashlight
___ Food
___ Matches
___ Backup Fire Starter
___ First-aid kit
___ Knife
___ Sunscreen
___ Sunglasses
___ Whistle
___ Insect repellent
Footwear
___ Boots/shoes adequate for terrain
___ Gaiters
___ Hiking socks
Clothing
___ Convertible nylon pants/shorts
___ Fleece jacket
___ Polypropylene underwear (shirt & pants)
___ Wide-brimmed hat
___ Long-sleeved shirt
___ Hooded rain jacket and pants
___ Gloves
Accessories
___ Key & I.D.
___ Money
___ 50-foot nylon cord
___ Plastic garbage bags
___ Resealable plastic bags
___ Toilet paper
___ Hiking Poles
___ Lip balm (with sunscreen)
___ Repair/sewing kit
___ Pencil and paper
___ Bandanna
___ Watch
Gadgets & Extras
___ Cellphone
___ Camera ___ GPS
___ Weather radio
___ Field guides
___ Binoculars
___ Hiking Books
___ Pocket Stove
Hike On: Hiking Boots
Comments:
Mar 29, 2012 - Doug
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.
Apr 24, 2012 - Cody Doyenyou forgot to add hatchets, climbing ropes, and water proof bags.
May 30, 2012 - BarryGreat 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.
Sep 29, 2012 - Hiking DudeLyndall - 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.
Feb 01, 2013 - Redzuan Rasuldont 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.
Feb 26, 2013 - mattyea who needs food anyway...
Mar 29, 2013 - PocquetteI 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!!!!!
Sep 16, 2013 - IrisWhat's in your first aid kit? I assume plasters, desinfectant, blisters-plasters, small scissors, few painkillers. Anything else?
Sep 18, 2013 - Hiking Dude@Iris - if you look at the "Hiking Safety" link, it has first aid kit contents.
Dec 07, 2013 - vicFirst 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.
Feb 23, 2014 - Wium la CockExcellent 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.
Apr 17, 2014 - B HGreat 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.
Jul 04, 2014 - Alan LearnedThese 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.
Dec 10, 2014 - ZaremMy 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.
May 12, 2015 - CarrieI 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.
May 12, 2015 - Hiking DudeThanks 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
Aug 07, 2015 - ManjeetReally thanks for sharing this post
Aug 31, 2015 - BradI 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.
Sep 28, 2015 - Paolo OriggiThanks 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.
Sep 30, 2015 - Hiking Dude@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.
Mar 06, 2016 - Care bear 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.
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?
May 06, 2016 - Hemanth PhaniIt must be better if you even add bluetooth speaker under the gadget list. I feel it is pretty
necessary :)
Aug 11, 2016 - Andre VermautHi 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.
Aug 12, 2016 - Hiking DudeAug 12, 2016 - Andre VermautThanks buddy. Appreciate the nod.
Jun 14, 2017 - sky millergreat article.
Aug 10, 2017 - chillifilhey 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?
Aug 10, 2017 - Hiking Dude@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.
Jan 02, 2018 - Kristoff KücheSir : 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 .
Jan 04, 2018 - Mike HuntA "spot" device is good to have too for emergency and tracking purposes.
Mar 08, 2018 - Ann F. SnookI never thought to bring a sewing kit. Great idea!
Jul 02, 2019 - max woodwhen you have sunglasses,please remember to prepare sunglasses strap to
hold it,i buy this brand "Polesem" before, it worked well.
Jun 22, 2020 - JohnI 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
Jul 03, 2020 - joeI 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.
Sep 30, 2020 - Mohammad AayanThanks this is perfect!
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