You have been planning and practicing on shorter, easier trails, and now it’s time to strike out on a more challenging trail. Forget the hype; learn what hiking gear is really essential without carrying so much that you can’t make it past the parking lot.
Carrying what is really needed without breaking the bank will make the adventure more enjoyable, and possibly save your life. I have hiked thousands of miles, mostly solo. It’s been a wild ride at times. A trip and fall, getting lost, or other mishaps can happen even on an easy trail.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is not intended to serve as expert advice. Please consult the resources listed for the most accurate information.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you.
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Hiking Boots
Footwear is probably the most important purchase you will make. The style is an individual choice. Many hikers prefer trail runners, which are lighter. I like a sturdier mid-rise waterproof shoe. The Merrell Moab 3 is a great pick. They give me the confidence I need to navigate hilly, rocky terrain and are great for creek crossings and muddy sites. Merrell has many styles for both men and women.
For your first pair, it is best to go to a store where you can try on several brands and styles. Try to walk around the store as much as possible to get a good feel for how the boots will perform for you. Be sure to break them in on shorter hikes before any long journeys. Once you have found your perfect pair, you can always order future pairs online if that’s easier.
Where to Buy:
- REI (Recreration Equipment, Inc)
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shop
- Online:
Socks
A good pair of comfortable hiking socks will help the miles pass more easily. Avoid cotton; wool is a better choice for managing blisters and keeping your feet dry and cool. Being allergic to wool, I avoided it for the longest time. But I found the Darn Tough Merino wool socks provided all-day comfort without being scratchy. If you plan on covering a lot of wet terrain, these are a great safety option. Wet feet can be dangerous in the wild. Tuck an extra pair in your pack.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon
Backpack
A backpack is not something to skimp on once you have committed to more advanced adventures. Finding your first backpack may take some time and research. This is also an item that should be fitted in person, and you need to pick a model that is comfortable for your body type. If at all possible, try to head to a store that specializes in outdoor gear. REI has a wide selection and knowledgeable staff. I went to a Chicago location, and the salesperson took the time to help me choose a comfortable pack. They filled it with some gear and let me walk around the store for about 30 minutes to make sure it would work for me. They also gave me detailed instructions on how to load and wear the pack.
I ended up choosing an Osprey Kyte 48. I wanted something I could use for both day hikes and backpacking. This model is especially tailored for women, but Osprey also offers men’s packs.
I also have an Osprey Tempest 9 daypack that works great for short trips.
Where to Buy:
- REI
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Local outdoor specialty shops – often found near popular hiking areas
- Online – see links above
Hiking Poles
You may not need them on every adventure, but a sturdy pair of hiking poles can be a game changer if you plan on hiking a lot of hills, especially on rough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I resisted trekking poles for a long time, but made the mistake of hiking Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio without them. I ended up getting a bad case of “black toes” (bruising under the nail bed), which took over a year to completely clear. It was so painful I had to cut my trip short. On trails with a lot of elevation gain, you need something to stabilize your descents.
This is a decent mid-budget choice:
Compass
Invest in a compass and learn how to use it correctly. Modern technology is great, but the old-fashioned ways never fail. You don’t need to spend a lot, but do get a model with:
- A clear baseplate that allows you to see a map underneath
- Straight sides for aligning two points or for drawing lines
- Liquid-filled needle housing – keeps the magnetic needle fairly steady when taking readings
- A directional arrow and an orienteering arrow
OK, now you might be totally confused. Not to worry, there are lots of great resources for learning navigation. This is a great tutorial for mastering the basics:
This is the compass I use:
Where to Buy:
- Amazon
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
Knives
You can get decent knives priced from $20 to $500 or more. The knives pictured below have served me well for many years. The Morakniv (yes, that is spelled correctly; it’s a Swedish brand) and the BPS were both under $50 on Amazon and are great for beginners.
There are many knife manufacturers out there that can provide high-quality products for the more experienced user who wants to develop advanced skills. I can recommend those below, but there are many others.
Graeber Forge Based in Michigan, this site offers both ready now and custom order knives, that are hand-forged on-site. I’ve seen their products at an outdoor market, and they are pretty amazing. Find them here: Graber Forge
Georgia Bushcraft. Based in Georgia, this site offers a wide selection of high-quality knives and other outdoor products. I had the privilege of taking one of their survival classes, which is where I learned about their store. Find them here: Georgia Bushcraft
I am not an affiliate of either of these companies; these are just some product choices I feel you can trust.
The items listed above give a good starting base for your journeys. Have fun researching the products that you will hopefully love and enjoy on many outdoor trips.
Take time to review the list below for more items to help make nature travel safe.
Adventure Essentials
You have probably heard the term “Ten Essentials”. This is a hiking gear checklist of basic outdoor safety items to carry when hiking, backpacking, and camping. They will be important if an emergency occurs. Suppose you take a wrong turn and step off the trail. It’s getting late, the sun is going down, and now it’s suddenly a lot colder when you finally realize you are miles out of the way. Hopefully this will never happen, but it is way better to be prepared.
Important Items to Bring:
A map and compass are critical items for safe travels; know how to use them, and study the route before starting. It’s low-tech, but batteries can die, and the outdoors does not guarantee a cell signal. Having a fully charged phone is still important, and I always include mine.
Wear a hat and sunglasses. Even in winter (think snow blindness) or on cloudy days, UV rays can be harmful. Hats can also reduce tick exposure. Apply sunscreen; the higher the SPF, the better. Mosquito/insect repellent is also important in the summer. I like to put on both sunscreen and repellent in the parking lot to reduce the weight of my backpack.
Prepare for sudden weather changes by dressing in layers. This doesn’t mean a lot of extra weight. You can always take that jacket off and tie it around your waist. Plan for extremes with base and mid-layers, and an outer shell as needed depending on the weather forecast. Even a small pocket rain poncho can be a big help during a sudden downpour.
There is no need to rush out and buy an expensive first-aid kit that probably won’t include many useful items. You probably already have a good starting point right at home. A few alcohol wipes, wound-closure strips, Band-Aids, gauze, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen are decent starter items. A tape or a small, lightweight ankle brace could come in handy. I also like to carry some of those bleed-stop patches (found in most drugstores).
Even if you plan to be back to your vehicle long before sunset, it’s always a good idea to bring emergency lighting with fully charged batteries. A headlamp is best because it is hands-free, lightweight, and can be worn on a neck strap to keep pack weight low.
An emergency fire source can be an essential item. Just be aware of fire safety and any bans in your area. I personally would only light a fire outside of an established ring as a life-saving measure in a true emergency. Waterproof matches or a lighter are useful, but a couple of small Duraflame fire starters are going to get your fire going quickly.
At the very least, a good knife can help in many backcountry situations. I personally carry a fixed blade in a sheath that can be clipped to a belt loop. This is a safer option than a folding pocket knife for beginners. Duct tape and a multi-tool can also be helpful additions.
Water is the most important item in the backcountry—drink often and before feeling thirsty. If you know for certain there will be available water sources along your route, collecting it with a purification system is also an option. But this skill requires some study and preparation. Bring extra food, especially lightweight snacks that don’t require cooking, such as energy bars, peanut butter packets, nuts, dried fruit, etc. Hiking requires a lot of fuel.
An emergency shelter should always be part of your kit. Even on a beautiful day, an injury or a sudden storm could sideline your adventure. I always bring a space blanket. They are inexpensive, reusable, and weigh almost nothing. A tent or a bivy is also an option.
I hope this post has given you some inspiration and ideas for building up your hiking gear arsenal. That’s it for now. Until next time, get some dirt under your boots!
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