Hiking trips vary in duration. You can go for a day or a weekend and have some fun. While pro hikers love to take longer trips that extend to weeks or months.
Are you planning to hike in snowy weather or a rocky mountain in summer? What to pack for hiking is an essential question on every hiker’s mind.
Here is the Hiking gear list for beginners that can help you come with every situation for novice hikers.
Hiking Essentials For Beginners
Packing a hiking backpack includes many essentials, from medical to food and clothing. Let’s discuss some essential hiking items that are crucial for your hiking trip.
1. You don’t want to get lost
A topographic map is the first thing that goes in your backpack, along with a compass. Both navigation tools are reliable, easy to carry, and durable. Most importantly, you won’t need a battery to charge them.
Ensure you know how to use these tools; otherwise, it’s a book in a donkey’s hand. Keep your map laminated or in a waterproof bag to prevent any damage.
It’s 2020, and there are thousands of map apps that can help navigate. Your GPS can help you navigate the hiking trail easily.
2. Sunblock
Sunblock is a must for day hiking for beginners. If you plan a hiking trip to the backcountry or dessert, a tube of sunblock, lip balm, and sunglasses is a must in your backpack.
You don’t want to suffer sunburn or cracked bleeding lips on your hiking trip.
3. Insulation
Insulation is an essential item in the hikers guide list for coaching. Weather is unpredictable even when the forecast says clear day. You never know when dark clouds shadow the trails.
An extra clothing layer in warm and cold weather is a must. You can pack a raincoat or hooded jacket to be safe. Avoid clothing and prefer synthetic material because of the rapid drying property.
4. Light
A reliable light source like a headlamp is essential to pack. Whether you’re planning for an overnight trip or not.
A day hiking trip sometimes takes longer than intended, and it’s challenging to navigate unfamiliar areas without light.
Phones flashlight also helps in navigating the dark, but it’s not a reliable source.
5. Medical kit
When planning a hiking trip, a medical kit is among basic trekking needs. You can purchase prepackaged medical kits from any medical store. These kits are prepared for minor injuries and ailments.
With more hiking experience, you will comprehend what medicines to add or deduct from the kit. Make sure your medical equipment is up to date before every hiking trip.
Hiking survival depends on fire
If you plan to take a hiking trip, it’s best to learn how to make fire caveman style. It’s best to pack two BIC lighters, firestarters cubes, and stormproof matches to make things easier.
Some survivalist hikers carry fire flint with them. Others like to make DIY fire starters, which are comfortable and made on a budget.
Hiking Equipment Essentials
You can carry lightweight multi-tools and essential repair equipment. The list could include
- Multi-tool knife
- Duct tape
- Tenacious tape
Tenacious tape fixes small punctures in sleeping bags, fabric tears, or puffy jackets.
Duct take is a handy tool that helps restore sunglasses and prevent blisters.
Food
Food is essential for any trip when going hiking. You should carry energetic food items to sustain energy. The day hike food list could contain item such as;
- Energy bars
- Dried fruits
- Nuts
- Jerky
- Sandwich for hiking
You can make some homemade hiking snacks that are high in calories. If you are planning for a longer hike pack some extra food. Hiking food for a week should be calorically dense to get yours through many days.
Water
Keeping hydrated during a hiking trip is very important. Your body requires a certain level of hydration to maintain a system in proper working order.
Moreover, water cools your body during scorching heat days. It also warms you up during chilly won’t. It also helps move your joints and muscles properly, preventing injuries.
Either bring enough water that lasts during your hike. Or, in case of long hikes, get a portable water purifier and locate water resources beforehand.
Shelter
The shelter is essential when you plan for thru-hiking. However, it’s smart to carry a lightweight shelter as day hiking essentials. You don’t know when you have to spend a night during a hike. Emergency bivvy and blankets are a great option when you are stuck in the wrong spot.
What To Pack For Hiking Beyond Essentials
All the essentials are packed, but you have some space left. Pro hikers already know what they do for their hiking trips. However, beginners often get confused about what to carry and what to go. In the end, they end with more useless items than useful.
Here is a checklist of items that are not essential for some while not so much for others.
- A power bank is essential if you are using your mobile for GPS and flashlight. Choose a portable and lightweight power bank that could fit in your pocket as well.
- Trowel and toilet paper will help in keeping the hiking trails clean. It’s recommended to dig a small hole for discharging human waste.
- Hand sanitizer is another day of hiking essentials that can help you stay clean. You can avoid getting sick by taking proper care of your hygiene.
- Trekking poles are an option hiking item that some hikers love to carry. They help support your weight, receiving some pressure from your knees. They are most beneficial for uphill or downhill hikes.
- If you’re going on an unknown hiking trail, it’s best to carry a Personal Locator Beacon. These devices can send emergency GPS signals from areas without reception. They are expensive and also need a subscription but worth it to be safe.
This hiking equipment essentials guide contains all the essentials that are required for a comfortable hiking trip.
You can add more essential things for your hiking trips. Such as certain medicines, thrones, gadgets you rely on, and many more.
Your backpack contents change throughout the hiking trips. You can update with equipment and other necessities.
The key is to pack light and useful items to enjoy your hike without a heavy backpack.
