Hiking 101: Hiking Gear For Beginners
Updated April 2023
Wearing an Osprey daypack in New Zealand (photo by Disa Wold, @disa)
This comprehensive list details what gear you need to get started hiking.
THIS IS PART 3 IN MY HIKING 101 SERIES THAT COVERS HIKING AND BACKPACKING for beginners.
Someone once said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. While I don’t completely agree with this sentiment, it’s also not entirely wrong. The right gear—no matter the hobby—is essential to make the experience more enjoyable and for your safety.
After a decade of hiking, I’ve done my fair share of trading and upgrading to find the gear that works. For me, I choose gear that is functional, lightweight and affordable. In addition to listing the gear you should start investing in, I’ve also included recommended brands and items to make shopping easier.
Some items are ideal to buy brand new, in which case I typically recommend visiting your local REI or outdoor recreation store. If you’re just starting out and not totally committed, consider buying second hand gear or borrowing or renting to see what works best for you before buying new.
Table of Contents
1. Backpacks
2. Hiking Boots
3. Hiking Poles
4. Headlamp
5. First-Aid Kit
6. Safety & Navigation
7. Water & Snacks
8. Bonus Gear
The hiking backpack, also known as the daypack, is key to the whole operation. It holds all the goodies you’ll be taking along on your adventure; snacks, layers, headlamp, water and more. There are several factors that go into deciding which backpack is best for you, with the biggest factors below.
How much space do you need?
Backpacks are measured in liters, and daypacks are typically in the 18-28 liter range. You’ll see a number beside a product name, which indicates its liter capacity.
If you need more space (i.e. for camera, coat, etc.), opt for the 22-28 liter range. If you’re trying to hike light, try 18-22 liters, or even 16 liters.
Do you use a water reservoir?
Many backpacks have a sleeve to hold a water reservoir (aka: hydration miracle workers). Reservoirs come in 1-3 liters and allow you to access water through a tube in your bag so you can sip on the go.
Some backpacks include one, so if you’re in the market for both a bag and a reservoir, I suggest going that route.
Do you use hiking poles?
If you currently use hiking poles, or eventually plan to, I recommend purchasing a bag that has pole loops right off the bat. These allow you to attach your poles to the bag when you aren’t using them.
Do you want Hip belts?
Hip belts disperse the weight from your shoulders and upper back down to your hips, which can make the bag more comfortable to carry. They also have small pockets to hold things like chapstick and phones.
Recommended daypacks
Osprey Temptest 20
The Temptest 20 is excellent all-around daypack with all the bells and whistles and none of the bulk. The men’s equivalent is the Talon 22.
REI Trail 25
For the price, roominess and thoughtful design (like two separate pole loops and a rain cover), it’s hard to beat the REI Trail 25, which comes in women’s and men’s versions.
Cotopaxi Luzon 24
For a functional and lightweight bag, the Cotopaxi Luzon 24 shines. Plus, each bag is a unique combination of colors!
I know I said that the backpack is the key to the hiking operation but that designation may be better given to hiking boots. Sure, running shoes like Nikes may do for short hikes, but if you are planning to really jump into the hiking scene, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is non-negotiable. There are many factors that set boots a part from each other, so consider the tips below when getting your first pair.
Ankle Support
Low-ankle boots are light and good for casual hikes, while high-ankle boots provide support on challenging and uneven terrain. There’s also the sweet spot of the mid-ankle boot.
Comfort
You want your boots to be snug, but not overly so. When untied, you should be able to fit a finger behind your heel. In between sizes? Go up. Your toes want to breathe and hiking can cause the feet to swell.
Pack Weight
If you want to be fast and nimble and won’t be lugging a heavy pack, a light and flexible hiking shoe may be best. If you plan on long-distance hikes, consider a sturdier sole with more support. That said, many thru-hikers wear lighter shoes - it’s all about what is comfy to you.
Water resistance
For dry feet in the elements, leather is the way to go (or Gore-Tex). Leather also withstands a beating and last over time. Synthetic material, like nylon, is lighter but less water resistant. You can always treat your boots with a water repellant though.
Recommended Hiking Boots
Danner Mountain 600
For an all-around hiking boot, it’s hard to beat leather Danners. The Mountain 600, available for both men and women, is sturdy, supportive, comfy and waterproof.
Altra Lone Peak Trail Runner
The Lone Peak is light, breathable and easy to move in with great traction. It is also ideal for those with wide feet. Available for both men and women.
Merrell Moab Mid
Merrell is a well-known brand that makes highly-regarded hiking boots. The Moab Mid is ultra-comfortable, durable and waterproof. There is also a men’s version.
On uneven terrain, in snow, or up demanding elevation, hiking poles make all the difference. Many beginner hikes don’t require them but as you tackle different terrain they may be a nice addition. Plus, your knees will thank you!
Recommended Hiking Poles
Black Diamond Trail Back
This is your basic and affordable pair of hiking poles that have foam grips.
REI Traverse Trekking Poles
Affordable, easy-to-adjust poles that have cork grips, which are great for those sweaty hands.
Black Diamond Distance Z Poles
A little pricier but worth it for the convenience being collapsable. They clock in at under a pound in weight, too!
Whether or not you intend to use it or not, you should always have a headlamp. You never know if you will get lost or lose track of time, and you don’t want to find yourself in the pitch black dark without a light. A headlamp is also essential if you decide to do sunrise or sunset hikes, which I highly recommend. Trust me, you want a headlamp.
This is a pretty straightforward purchase, but there are a few features that stand out like tilt adjustment, brightness levels, beam distance, beam type and charging source. For beginners, keep it simple and consider the two main factors below.
Light modes
If you’re just getting an emergency headlamp, then various light modes aren’t essential. For backpacking and camping, being able to choose the brightness level is ideal. I especially like a red light option, which is easier on the eyes.
Lumens
This is the amount of light it gives off (not to be confused with “watts”).Headlamps come in 5-500 lumens, with the higher number being brightest. For hiking and camping, something in the 200-300 range is ideal - bright enough without being blinding.
Recommended Head Lamps
Black Diamond Astro 250
For a basic headlamp, the Astro 250 gets the job done and is budget-friendly.
Petzl Tikka
With four settings, the Tikka is functional and lightweight. What more do you need?
Biolight 330
For an exceptional lamp with all the optimal features, splurge on the Biolight 330.
Although I rarely use my first-aid kit, when I do need it I am mighty thankful for I have it. As a beginner hiker, you will likely (read: hopefully) only use bandaids for small cuts, but you’ll need a few more items as well, just in case. Alcohol wipes are helpful (as is alcohol to drink, but I digress) and moleskin for blisters is great in a pinch.
I recommend buying a small pre-filled first-aid kit, though you can also make your own—just be sure it contains all the essentials. And don’t forget to bring sunscreen and bug repellent in summertime!
Recommended First-Aid Kits
Hart Day hike first aid kit
Lightweight (3.5 ounces), has all the essentials, and the loop is nice to hang it in an easy-to-grab spot.
Adventure Medical Kit
At 3.4 ounces, this lightweight first-aid kit gets the job done.
SOL Scout kit
This is a slightly fancier kit (waterproof matches included) in a small, lightweight and dry bag.
This category is full of things you probably won’t use but really do need. Sure, you might be going on a popular trail but you’re still in the wilderness and you never know what can happen. Backcountry hikers have fancy satellite radios and navigation systems but as a beginner you only need a few key items that you can get for cheap.
Recommended Gear
Multi-Tool Knife
A simple pocket-knife, like a Swiss Army Knife will do. If you are feeling fancier, you can snag something with more features, like a Leatherman Skeletool, which I have and swear by.
Compass
Most beginners won’t be using a compass, but it’s a good piece of equipment to have! For starters, go for something cheap, like a Suunto Clipper.
Whistle
Many hiking backpacks come with a small whistle on the chest strap. If yours doesn’t find a cheap one to add to your hiking arsenal, like this Fox 40 Classic Whistle.
Water
I like to hike with a 2-liter water reservoir. It allows me to lazily sip on-the-go rather than pull out my water bottle. In winter (when the reservoir tube can freeze) or when backpacking (when I filter water), I like to add a small, lightweight 16 oz. Nalgene bottle to the mix.
If you’re hiking with just a re-useable water bottle, go for a 32 oz Nalgene! I also like to add NUUN electrolyte tablets to my water, which adds a little something-something.
Snacks
High-protein, easy-to-eat snacks are ideal for hiking. Protein bars are my go-to, with Clif Builders, KIND bars, and Lenny & Larry’s Cookies being my favorites.
Other simple snacks include:
Trail mix
Nuts
Dried fruit
Fruit/veggie + peanut butter
For energy, I throw in 1-2 packs of GU Energy Gel and/or Clif Shot Bloks.
I try to pack light but there are a few things I throw into my bag for good measure. Among them are:
Small Doggy Bag
Not essential but it’s handy to have a little bag to hold your trash (and pick up any liter you see along the way!). I use small biodegradable dog poop bags.
Journal
I enjoy writing about my hikes and sometimes even drawing the scenery around me. Rite in the Rain is a great little notepad that doesn’t let water make ink bleed or run.
Z Seat
This might be my most unnecessary hiking item, but I love it nonetheless. The Z Seat foam pad is a lovely thing for my toosh for a mid-hike lunch break and rest.