Don't let gear overwhelm you – here's what you actually need for your first hiking adventures
Starting your hiking journey can feel overwhelming when you're faced with endless gear lists and conflicting advice. Trust me, I've been there. When I first started hiking, I spent hours researching what seemed like hundreds of "essential" items, only to realize that most of my best early hikes happened with just a water bottle and a sense of adventure!
But here's the thing: while you don't need to buy out the entire outdoor store, having the right essentials can make the difference between a great day on the trail and a potentially dangerous situation. Today, I want to cut through the noise and give you a practical, beginner-friendly guide to hiking gear that actually matters.
The Foundation: Understanding the Ten Essentials
Before we dive into specific gear recommendations, let's talk about the Ten Essentials – a collection of systems developed by The Mountaineers in the 1930s to help hikers be prepared for emergency situations. The original list has evolved from individual items to a "systems" approach, designed to answer two basic questions: Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? And can you safely spend a night – or more – out?
These aren't just arbitrary suggestions – they're time-tested categories that have helped countless hikers stay safe. Let's break them down in a way that makes sense for beginners.
Your Essential Hiking Gear Checklist
1. Navigation Tools
What you need: A map of your hiking area and a basic compass Why it matters: Navigation is one of the Ten Essentials, and if you're at all unfamiliar with your surroundings, you'll want to make sure you have at least one—or, ideally, two—ways to stay oriented
Beginner recommendation: Start with a detailed trail map (Green Trails maps are excellent) and a basic compass. Many hikers also use AllTrails+ for planning and navigation, which allows you to build custom routes, check recent trail reviews, and download offline maps. Just remember – smartphone-based apps might not work with poor or no cell service.
2. The Right Backpack
What you need: A comfortable daypack that fits your torso Why it matters: A pack that fits properly will distribute weight properly (ideally mainly at your hips) which will save wear and tear on your shoulders
Beginner recommendation: A 20-liter pack can offer enough space for all of your hiking essentials like a liter of water, enough snacks for even an ambitious hike, a phone, and an extra emergency layer. Don't go bigger than you need – you'll just end up carrying more weight.
3. Proper Footwear
What you need: Hiking boots or shoes with good traction Why it matters: Footwear is one of the most important items you need to choose, and it's a very personal choice
Beginner recommendation: As a beginner hiker, you should opt for a pair of lightweight hiking boots. When you start hiking there is no need to buy very heavy boots. Make sure to break them in before your first hike to avoid blisters.
4. Water and Hydration
What you need: Water bottles or hydration system Why it matters: Dehydration is one of the most common maladies that hikers end up dealing with
Beginner recommendation: A pretty good rule of thumb is to plan to bring at least a liter of water for every two hours you plan to be out on trail. For water intake, about a half liter per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures is a good starting place.
5. Food and Snacks
What you need: Energy-dense, lightweight food Why it matters: A good general recommendation for how much to eat is 200-300 calories per hour
Beginner recommendation: High-protein, easy-to-eat snacks are ideal for hiking. Protein bars are a go-to, with Clif Builders, KIND bars, and Lenny & Larry's Cookies being favorites. Always pack more than you think you'll need.
6. Weather Protection
What you need: Rain jacket and extra insulation layer Why it matters: Weather can change quickly in the mountains. A sunny, warm day can turn into a cold downpour in a very short period of time
Beginner recommendation: For a summer hike, typically bring a raincoat and rain pants, as well as a lightweight down jacket. Always bring a warm hat and thin gloves. Do NOT wear cotton! Clothes for hiking should be lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
7. First Aid Kit
What you need: Basic medical supplies for minor injuries Why it matters: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and other medications will come in handy for addressing minor injuries and emergencies on the trail
Beginner recommendation: You can absolutely put together a first aid kit with the right amount of research, but it will likely be more expensive and less comprehensive than a premade kit. Start with a pre-made kit and learn how to use everything in it.
8. Sun Protection
What you need: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat Why it matters: Not having sun protection can result in sunburn and/or snow blindness in the short term and potentially premature skin aging, skin cancer and cataracts in the long term
Beginner recommendation: Keep a travel-size tube of sunscreen in your day pack. Typically hike in a baseball hat and sunglasses, to keep your face and eyes protected.
9. Illumination
What you need: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries Why it matters: Being able to find your way through the wilderness at night is essential, so you always need to have a light source with you
Beginner recommendation: A headlamp is the preferred choice of most backcountry travelers because it keeps your hands free for all types of tasks. If the darkness rolls in earlier than you expected, then a lightweight backpacking headlamp can help you continue on the path.
10. Emergency Shelter and Repair Kit
What you need: Emergency shelter and basic repair items Why it matters: Common items include duct tape, cordage, fabric repair tape, zip ties, safety pins and repair parts
Beginner recommendation: Keep a large garbage bag in your day pack, which could be used in a pinch as emergency shelter. It also doubles as a place to put wet and muddy gear after your hike. A handful of zip ties and a small roll of duct tape can go a long way towards fixing a busted trekking pole, a hole in your boot, or even a tear in your backpack.
Nice-to-Have Items for Beginners
Once you have the essentials covered, here are some additional items that can enhance your hiking experience:
Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are particularly useful on slippery and muddy trails and can provide extra balance. Trekking poles allow you to incorporate your upper body into your hike, adding balance and stability when needed.
Multi-tool or Knife: Knives are handy for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic Swiss Army knife or something with more features, like a Leatherman Skeletool can be invaluable.
Emergency Whistle: Most sternum straps on backpacks include a whistle, which you should blow if you think a rescue is close.
What You DON'T Need as a Beginner
Let's be real – outdoor gear marketing can make you feel like you need everything. Here's what you can skip when starting out:
- Expensive GPS units (your phone with offline maps works fine)
- Heavy-duty mountaineering boots for day hikes
- Complicated water purification systems for day trips
- Professional-grade rain gear for fair weather hiking
- Multiple layers of technical clothing
Building Your Kit Over Time
Learning how to select hiking gear comes with experience. Start with the basics and add items as you discover what you actually need. If you want to go deeper and learn more, then invest in the more expensive gear.
Remember, one of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don't need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you're ready to head into the wilderness.
Safety First: The Mindset Behind the Gear
These essentials are not only practical items but also a mindset, a preparation for the unexpected, and a commitment to safety and self-sufficiency. True, on a routine trip you may use only a few of them or none at all. It's when something goes awry that you'll truly appreciate the value of carrying these items that could be essential to your survival.
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
- Start small: Choose an easy, well-marked trail close to home
- Rent or borrow: Many outdoor stores rent gear, and friends often have extra equipment
- Buy gradually: Start with a good pack, proper footwear, and the safety essentials
- Practice at home: Learn to use your compass and first aid kit before you need them
- Join others: If you have friends who hike, ask them to take you on a trek. Most people are happy to share their expertise, let you borrow gear and introduce newbies to their favorite trails
Final Thoughts
Although hiking gear can be complicated, the act of hiking is as simple as walking in nature. Don't let gear anxiety keep you from getting outdoors. Start with the essentials, learn as you go, and remember that the best gear is the gear you actually carry and know how to use.
Your first hiking adventure doesn't require a thousand-dollar gear setup – it requires preparation, common sense, and respect for the outdoors. Pack smart, hike safe, and most importantly, have fun out there.
The trail is calling. Are you ready to answer?
What's your biggest concern about hiking gear? Have you had any experiences with essential items that saved your day? Drop a comment below and let's help each other build the perfect hiking kit!