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In our guide for how to plan a hike, you learned why you want to start hiking (yay!) and how to plan your hike. Now, let’s start to consider what you need to begin.
When I decided to start hiking, I had no experience and absolutely no idea what was required. Over time, I have learned what items to have in my backpack at all times. It is noteworthy that I only go on day hikes, which means I am never carrying gear specifically needed to stay overnight (shelter, sleeping bag, etc.), but I do have some emergency items in case I unexpectedly have to spend the night outdoors.
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Hiking Gear & Essential Basics
Here, I am going to focus on the essential gear and clothing you need to get started. Note that I said essential gear and clothing. You can build up, upgrade, and add on over time. While I will recommend what has worked well for me, you will need to select the gear that works best for your needs and your body. To begin, here are some of the essential items you’ll need to purchase:
Equipment
- Hiking Backpack
- Hydration – storage and filtration
- Navigation tools – compass and map
- Trekking Poles*
*I have included these because they may be required for your safety due to your physical limitations and/or the trails you are selecting. However, I have not purchased either of these items to date, so these recommendations come from my hiking companions.
Hiking Backpack Options
There are many different options to choose from. Personally, I started with Osprey and have never been disappointed. A great backpack that comes with a bladder (bonus!) is the Osprey Skimmer.
No matter which brand you choose, ensure that it is specifically made for hiking to ensure the material and organization best meet your hiking needs. It is important that you know how to properly size your backpack and Osprey has helpful articles and videos that tell you how to measure yourself to know what to order.
Hydration
Having a way to carry water on your hike is critical! I ensure I have water on me, even if I think it will be a quick, easy hike. I have found having the “bladder” to be useful for several reasons. Mainly, you can carry more water with ease, and it allows you to drink without having to stop because the mouthpiece is available. Personally, I carry a 3L reservoir and I purchased the bite valve cover to keep the valve clean.
To keep water from freezing in the bladder or the lines, you can opt for an insulating kit.
In addition to carrying water, you should have a way to filter water in the event you run out. Initially, I started with this life straw but after being in a position where I needed to use it, I learned I could only drink directly from the source, but not fill up my supply. I now have this filtration kit on me.
Navigation Tools
Remember, you often will not have cellular service when hiking so it is important that you be able to find your way back to safety. I always carry a compass, a physical map, and I pay the annual subscription for AllTrails+ so I can download the map offline and have it continue to guide me.
If you cannot print out a map in advance, the visitor centers often have them available. If you plan to depend on your phone for instructions, ensure the map is downloaded to be available offline and that you have a Power Bank to ensure your phone doesn’t die.
Hiking emergency supplies
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle
- Emergency Blanket
- Knife
- Flashlight and/or Headlamp
- Fire Starter and Matches
- Portable Charger/Power Bank
It is important to note that if you are flying, some of these items are prohibited in carry-on luggage! You must check TSA Requirements. Some of these items may be permitted in checked luggage or you can ship them to your destination in advance of your arrival.
Hiking First Aid Kit
I purchased a standard First Aid Kit and then I added accessories, as I saw fit. You can build your own first-aid kit for hiking to include the necessary components:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibacterial ointment.
- Assorted bandages.
- Gauze pads in various sizes.
- Medical tape.
- Moleskin or another type of blister treatment.
- Ibuprofen (or another preferred pain-relief medication)
- Insect sting treatment.
- Scissors
- Tweezer
Whistle
WhistleI carry a whistle to scare off animals and to help others locate me in the event of any emergency. My first aid kit included one, but any standard whistle will do. If you prefer, you can also get an electronic whistle.
Emergency Blanket
Although I only go on day hikes, I always carry an emergency blanket because, well, emergencies happen. Hypothermia is dangerous and these emergency blankets are super compactable so they take up no space at all. Be sure to have one blanket per person in your party.
Knife
When I was driving to my hiking destinations, I carried this knife with me. However, I found it a bit difficult to use and I was concerned about it being allowed through airport security, so then I purchased a Swiss Army Knife.
Flashlight
Even if you do not plan on hiking at night, having a flashlight (and/or headlamp) is always advised. I have gotten stuck on dark paths or returned later than expected and I was so glad to light to get me out safely. I purchased a rechargeable flashlight so I never had to worry about it dying.
Firestarter and Matches
Again, even though I only do day hiking, I am always prepared for a situation that may require me to be in the woods overnight. If ever I end up in such a situation, having this easy-to-use Fire Starter and stormproof Matches will save the day for me.
Portable Charger/Power Bank
Carrying a Portable Charger/Power Bank ensures that both my cell phone and flashlight will remain charged. I carry this on my any time I go out because it is very lightweight and takes up very little space. Just be sure to fully charge your power bank before each hike.
Download your free essentials packing list!
Clothes for hiking
- Hiking Footwear – Columbia hiking boots or Columbia hiking shoes
- Hiking socks
- Moisture Wicking & Sun Protective Shirts
- Pants, shorts, and/or leggings
- Jacket
- Polarized Sunglasses
What clothing you choose to wear will ultimately depend on your budget, the climate you are dressing for, what works best for your body, and what is most comfortable. It took a lot of trial-and-error for me to find what I liked best, and I continue to try new options.
Layers are your friend when you are dressing for a hike. In addition, always carry extra clothes. I keep an entire outfit in my backpack – in addition to any layers I may need.
Hiking Footwear
Hiking footwear needs vary. Whether you decide to buy boots, shoes, or both, be sure they are moisture wicking (inside), water repellant (outside), and are comfortable for you. Footwear designed for hiking provides added support, prevents stubbed toes, and offers traction to help you navigate the trails with greater ease.
I always recommend trying your boots or shoes out before your first hike to ensure they properly fit. Some boots and shoes require you to break them in first. However, the two I have recommended do not require this. I simply tried them out on various paths near my home before taking them on a hiking trip.
Now, you may be wondering, “do I need hiking boots or shoes?” For mostly flat, well-maintained trails, hiking shoes can work fine. Hiking boots tend to be higher, so they support your ankles. I started out with only hiking boots and only recently added hiking shoes to my arsenal.
 
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot |
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Hiking Socks
Hands down, my favorite socks are Wrightsock. They are amazing! They’re specifically designed to keep your feet cool and blister-free. My personal favorites are the Coolmesh II Quarter Socks.
Moisture Wicking & Sun Protective Shirts
When you are hiking, you need to prepare for the various temperatures outdoors, as well as the varying temperatures of your body. I like to start out early in the morning when it tends to be cooler. But, as the day goes on, the temperature can vary over 50 degrees. In addition, I tend to warm up as I get into my hike (especially those with inclines) and then I cool off after I reach my destination and begin to descend.
When looking for tops, remember to avoid cotton! Cotton absorbs sweat and will leave you feeling wet, which can lead to hypothermia. As such, breathable fabrics like merino wool or polyester/nylon are best to wick away sweat, dry quickly, and some even have odor-neutralizing properties to keep you smelling fresh.
Two things to look for in hiking tops are (1) moisture wicking, (2) sun-protective/UV-blocking. Remember, layering is key!
Here are a few of my favorite tops:
Pictured: Columbia hiking boots, Columbia unlined pants, Columbia rain jacket and a positive attitude despite the rain 🙂
Pants, Shorts, and/or Leggings
Personally, I prefer pants and capris to shorts when I am hiking. The length and style vary depending on the weather and terrain of my hike.
Having “hiking” pants is not required to begin. Many people prefer to wear leggings. I have found the JoyLab leggings (also sold at Target) work best for my body – the waist stays in place and the material is durable, so it does not get easily snagged or torn. However, leggings are not water resistant and are not always warm enough so I also have unlined Columbia Water Repellant & Sun Protective Pants or lined Eddie Bauer Water Repellent & Sun Protective Pants.
Jacket
Various jackets are necessary depending on the location and season for your hike. If you are hiking in the desert, you still want to have a jacket in the event you are stuck there overnight because temperatures can plummet. If you are hiking up a mountain, the weather conditions can vary greatly from the beginning to the end, so you need to be prepared for each instance.
Here are a few of the jackets I have used:
- Columbia rain jacket (I always keep this one tucked away in my pack just in case)
- Columbia Warm winter jacket
Pictured: Columbia hiking boots, JoyLab leggings, Columbia Warm winter jacket, and polarized sunglasses
Polarized Sunglasses
Protecting yourself from the sun is always important! I noted wearing sun blocking clothing and also recommend you invest in sunglasses. The style, size, and shape is a very personal decision, but I strongly encourage you to purchase polarized lenses.
Start your hiking journey today!
I hope you have found this guide useful in preparing for your hiking adventure! I would love for you to comment below and share some of your favorite items. There are so many choices and it is always great to hear from someone who can attest to the product.
Happy Hiking!
*Heads up: this page includes affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Ancorio only endorses items that have been personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers.
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