List of hiking gear essentials for beginner hikers
Hiking Gear essentials for beginner hikers!
When I first began hiking, I had a difficult time finding a simple list of essentials that were specifically for beginner hikers. The beginner hiker part is important because I don't need an extravagant list of essentials for a casual hike! So here is my simple list of hiking essentials for beginners.
The gear!
Here are my top 10 gear essentials for a one-day hike
- Hiking Shoes
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Backpack
- Water
- Food
- Small first aid kit
- Portable charger
- Sun protection
- Bathroom essentials
- Pocket Knife
Hiking Shoes
There are various types of hiking shoes to choose from! I would start with choosing a shoe that is versatile to many types of terrain. I personally like the Merrell Brand.
These are the ones I have!
Avian Light 2 Vent
These are no longer on the Merrell website. But, here are similar shoes.
Weather Appropriate Clothing
It's always important to check the weather before you leave for your hike. So make sure you do!
There are moisture-wicking, insulated, heavy-weight, light-weight, and more!
At the time I post this blog, it will be spring weather. So here are some clothes I recommend you wear!
- Versatile Pant
These pants are from Back Country Gear, $59.50
They have great stretch, reflective details, snap pockets, and they are cute!
This shirt is from REI Co-Op, $21.83
- Moisture-wicking Shirt
It is moisture-wicking, short sleeve, and light-weight.
Other: Wear moisture-wicking socks and undergarments.
Backpack
Any backpack with enough space and compartments will do!
I use a UA Storm Scrimmage Backpack from Under Armour, $44.99
It's light-weight, breathable, comfort padding on back and straps, and various compartments.
You do not need a specific hiking bag if you're a beginner!
Water and Food
It's always important to pack more food than you think you need, even if it's just a day trip!
Depending on your trip needs, you may want to invest in a portable water filter straw! Or you can just bring enough water bottles (that's what I do on day trips).
- Water filter straw, Amazon. 2-pack $28.88
These straws allow you to drink any outdoor water by using a filtration system built within the straw.
For food, I would say pack non-perishable foods such as trail mix, granola bars, freeze-dried fruits and veggies, ready-made salad pouches (that don't require refrigeration).
These types of foods allow for minimal storage space used and are also lightweight!
Small first aid kit
Really, you could just pack the essential band-aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol pads and bandages in a Ziploc bag, but for those like me, you want a small cute compact ready to use kit. Here is one that I use from Amazon.
- DeftGet First Aid Kit, $13.95.
This kit includes bandaids, bandages, tweezers, emergency blanket, whistle, and so much more. It has a total of 163 pieces.
Portable Charger
I think this is a must-have!!! Especially if you are planning on using your phone as a way of navigation! Here is the one I use!
- OUTXE Quick Charge Portable Charger, Amazon, $47.99
This charger has great features! It's waterproof, dustproof, recharges 2x faster than most, has a flashlight and so much more!
Sun Protection
Protection from the sun includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats! Even on cold and gloomy days, it is so important to take care of your skin. So include it in your hiking arsenal always!
Bathroom Essentials
This one is pretty simple! Depending on whether you want to use natures toilet paper or your own, you need to pack for it!
Check out my blog post on how to poop in the woods! It will give you a better idea of what your plan should be when nature calls!
I would say pack at least toilet paper, Ziploc bag, and odor blocking bag!
Pocket Knife
Having a good pocket knife is important. It can be used to help prepare food, prepare fires, first-aid, and more! Here is a handy one I found on Amazon!
- Folding Pocket Knife, $13.91
This is a pretty basic pocket knife, except that it includes a built-in fire starter!!
I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know down in the comments and tell me how you felt!
Also, if you haven't already, go check out more here!
I also wear Merrells! Awesome list for beginners. Sometimes we’re just on a little day trip out. It’s great to have some safety/survival items. But, we don’t need to prepared for the absolute worst. I think it’s just packing smart for the extent of your adventure!
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