Ultimate Hiking Gear Checklist
Quick answer: For a hike longer than an afternoon, your ultimate hiking gear checklist should cover four areas: food and water, comfortable layered clothing, somewhere to sleep, and emergency equipment. Get those right and you can relax and enjoy the trail.
There is nothing as relaxing as a good long walk surrounded by nature, but if you are going further than a stroll in the park, you need to prepare. Hiking is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities and has so many benefits. Here is what you should think about, and what you certainly do not want to forget.
1. Food and Water
Far from civilization, you have to think about your basic needs, starting with water. If you will be away for more than a few days, you cannot realistically carry all the water you need.
Water essentials
- Collapsible water containers that you can refill along the way.
- Water purifying tablets, a must-have if you are not sure you will have access to clean water.
- A map of your route, checked ahead of time for water sources.
Food options
You can plan to stop at guest cabins, gather berries and fruit along the way, or, the best option, bring dehydrated rations similar to military rations that you can easily prepare on the trail to fuel yourself up.
2. Comfortable Hiking Clothes
When you are going up a mountain, the last thing you want to think about is an itchy shirt sleeve. Before you set off, make sure every piece of clothing is as comfortable as possible. Working from the feet up:
- Footwear: waterproof and sturdy, able to handle any terrain, and never the kind that causes blisters.
- Bottoms: something long, like full length tights, to protect your legs from stinging plants and bugs.
- Top layers: a comfortable shirt, a lightweight hoodie and a waterproof jacket. As the weather warms up, take them off one at a time.
- Hat and sunglasses: to protect your head and eyes, especially on a summer hike.
- One change of clothes: in case you get caught in a storm and get soaked.
3. Somewhere to Sleep
There are plenty of ways to go hiking. You can plan your route from one cabin to another so you always have a place to sleep, or you can bring your own camping equipment.
Either way, pack:
- A sleeping bag, since most mountain huts are not well equipped.
- A fire starter kit so you can stay warm and cook.
- A smoke tablet to throw into the fire and keep bugs away, depending on the area.
4. Emergency Gear
Nobody plans on getting into trouble, getting lost or needing emergency help, but it happens. Be prepared, especially if you are hiking alone or in a very small group.
- Satellite phone: regular cellphones often cannot get a signal deep in the woods or far from any town. A satellite phone lets you call for help and let people know you are okay.
- Flare: even when help is on the way, it can be very hard to spot someone in the woods, especially in the dark. A brightly colored jacket, or one with fluorescent details, also helps.
- First-aid kit: no need to empty your medicine cupboard. Painkillers, bandages, any prescription medication you take, and a broad-spectrum antibiotic if your doctor provides one should have you covered.
Hiking Gear Checklist at a Glance
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Food and water | Collapsible containers, purifying tablets, route map, dehydrated rations |
| Clothing | Waterproof boots, full-length tights, shirt, hoodie, waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, spare clothes |
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag, fire starter kit, smoke tablet |
| Emergency | Satellite phone, flare, bright jacket, first-aid kit |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get enough water on a multi-day hike?
Carry collapsible containers to refill along the way, check your route map for water sources and bring purifying tablets in case the water is not clean.
Why bring a satellite phone hiking?
Regular cellphones often have no signal deep in the woods, while a satellite phone lets you call for help.
What should I wear on a long hike?
Sturdy waterproof footwear, long bottoms, layered tops with a waterproof jacket, plus a hat and sunglasses.
Conclusion
Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise, and it is also a time to be alone with your thoughts. If a long trip feels daunting, start with a short hike and work your way up to the big ones.
