If you’re a beginner hiker, the first thing you’ll need is a good pair of hiking boots. Choose a comfortable pair with a high quality sole.
You should also bring a trowel for digging a hole to bury waste and toilet paper, as part of Leave No Trace principles. Navigational gear like a map and compass is also important, even for dayhikes. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Hiking Essentials for Beginners.
The backpack you choose is one of the most important pieces of hiking gear that you will own. It will determine the amount of gear that you can bring on your hikes and how comfortable you will be. Having a backpack that is the right size for your trip and has enough storage space is vital for comfort and safety.
If you are new to hiking, consider getting a smaller backpack so that you can see if you enjoy this activity before investing in a larger pack. It is also a good idea to get a backpack that has different pockets and compartments so that you can keep your belongings organized and accessible. Some backpacks have zipped divider panels, front stash pockets and J-shaped openings that make it easy to find things like water bottles or tent poles.
When choosing a backpack, it is also important to measure your hips to ensure that the pack fits you properly. You can do this by standing up straight, putting your hands on your hips and locating the bump that is closest to your waist. This is called your iliac crest and will help you to find the best backpack for hiking.
Water
Hydration is a vital component for any hiker. It helps the body remove unnecessary wastes, regulates the body temperature, and lubricates joints to protect them. It also keeps the muscles and organs working at optimal levels, which is particularly important when hiking in warm or cold temperatures or at altitude.
The amount of water you need varies according to your body weight, exertion level and the temperature. A good rule of thumb is a half-liter per hour in moderate conditions, but you may need to increase this as the weather and terrain conditions change. You should also plan to bring electrolyte replacement drinks for longer hikes to ensure you get the nutrients your body loses through sweat.
A water filtration system is essential for backcountry hiking. Even pristine-looking streams, lakes and rivers can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections and other health problems. A filtration system will help prevent these risks and keep your hiking adventure enjoyable and safe.
Food
Food is important when hiking, as you’ll need to refuel after exerting so much energy. Make sure you have enough to last the day and take a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Taking pre-packaged dehydrated meals is an easy option, but you can also get creative and pack your own savoury snacks.
Avoid sugary snacks, which can cause your blood sugar to drop and make you sluggish on the trail. Instead, prioritize nutrient-dense foods that offer sustained energy. This includes whole grains like oats and quinoa, lean proteins like eggs and tofu, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Makhana is an excellent snack to pack for hikes, as it promotes digestive health and offers a good source of fiber. It can be eaten on its own or combined with other trail mix ingredients like nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Dried vegetables are another great addition to your meal plans as they can be easily cooked into noodles, rice or couscous and add a boost of vitamin and mineral content.
Shelter
While hiking, a shelter is important to protect yourself from the elements. A tent, tarp or bivy sack is ideal for beginner hikers. It’s also a good idea to bring a sleeping bag and extra clothing layers.
Beginner hikers should also carry the ten essentials and a backpack that is suitable for their needs. The ten essentials include potentially lifesaving gear like navigation, headlamps, a first aid kit and repair tools. You should also bring extra food and water.
It’s important to wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes that provide traction and support. Clothing made of wicking fabrics is recommended because it helps reduce sweat. Long pants or tights help prevent chafing from brush or tree branches, while a long-sleeved shirt can protect against sun burn. Remember to pack extra food, especially calorie-dense options. It is a good idea to practice Leave No Trace by packing out all trash, even small crumbs that may attract animals and insects. Lastly, beginners should consider carrying a map and compass or downloading maps on their phone that can be used offline.
Lights
While all hikers should stick to a general “10 essentials” list, the more you know your hiking style and abilities, the more liberty you can take with some items. For example, if you’re planning on day hiking on a well-traveled trail close to civilization during warm summer conditions, you may not need to bring an emergency shelter.
One of the most important pieces of gear is a flashlight or headlamp. Having these lights will allow you to see the trail ahead of you, so you don’t trip over any obstacles or run into any dangerous animals that might be lurking around.
A good quality flashlight or headlamp should be able to project light a significant distance and have adjustable settings. It’s also a good idea to purchase rechargeable batteries for your flashlight or headlamp, as you might be away from civilization for a long time.
Another important piece of gear is a first aid kit, which should be a part of every hiker’s backpack. It is also recommended to carry a bag for trash, as leaving any debris behind can damage the environment and harm other hikers.
First Aid Kit
When it comes to hiking safety, a first aid kit is one of the most important things that you can carry with you. Whether you purchase a prepackaged first aid kit or create your own hiking first aid kit from a list like the one here, having it with you can make your walk much safer and help ensure that any medical issues are treated as quickly as possible.
A first aid kit should include items that will address common hiking injuries or illnesses such as cuts, grazes, blisters and sprains, as well as more serious conditions like asthma and diarrhoea. You should also pack symptom-relieving medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Remember to remove all the items from their packaging and to label them properly (with any information that came with them such as recommended doses and contraindications). Make sure the kit is packed in resealable plastic bags and that you have a waterproof notepad for recording your actions in case of an accident or emergency. Also, consider bringing a whistle for signalling your location to mountain rescue services in case you get lost.
Maps
Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to be prepared. This includes having a map and a compass. It’s also a good idea to leave your itinerary with someone before heading out, so that they can notify the authorities if you don’t return.
A topographical map is an essential tool for hiking, as it shows the elevation of the terrain. Studying the map allows hikers to spatially orient themselves on trail and navigate in difficult or remote terrain. For example, navigating along a mountain ridge with the use of contour lines (squiggly lines that depict different elevations) can help you avoid hiking in unnecessarily steep terrain.
While apps like AllTrails and Google maps may seem convenient, it’s a smart idea to bring a physical map as well, especially if you’ll be hiking in a wilderness area with limited cell service. Humans have been using maps for DECADES, and they’re a reliable way to navigate in the wilderness when your phone dies or the app fails.
Leave No Trace
Depending on the area you’re hiking in, local rules and regulations may apply (campfire bans, private land boundaries, dog restrictions, etc). Make sure everyone in your group knows about these so that you don’t accidentally violate them.
Sun protection is essential — a sun hat and long-sleeved shirt will protect you from the sun’s harsh rays, even on a cloudy day. In addition to these basics, you’ll want a waterproof jacket in case of rain and a backpack to carry the Ten Essentials, food and extra gear.
Finally, it’s important to leave no trace when hiking. Always pack out your trash (including packaging) and deposit human waste in a hole, six-to-eight inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and the trail. You should also avoid taking or moving any natural objects. This includes rocks, plants and other features that make up the landscape of a trail. This helps maintain the quality of the hiking experience for future hikers. The Leave No Trace principles are more than just a rule, they’re the core of outdoor ethics.