Gear List for the Novice Hiker

Now that we have taken a deep breath to put our mind at ease, let’s dig in! First and foremost, you want to make sure that you invest in a pair of quality hiking boots to protect your feet on your trek. There is nothing worse than being miles away from civilization and having sore feet and blisters form. This will be extremely unpleasant and make for a long hike back to the parking lot. There are several different types of hikers that you can choose from. For those that enjoy a lighter, more flexible fit, you may like a trail runner. These are good for smoother terrain or a paved trail. Something more durable would be a hiking shoe and hiking boots. These are built for more technical terrain that trail runners wouldn’t be suitable for. I always opt to get waterproof boots, as I like to hike in areas that may have water crossings and to err on the side of caution of a surprise rain storm that may sneak up on you. Waterproof boots don’t breathe as well as non-waterproof boots, so it is a good idea to invest in a few pairs of moisture wicking socks. Above all, the most important factor for your footwear is to ensure that they fit properly. Make sure that your boots aren’t too tight or too loose. If you aren’t sure about how your hikers will fit, visit a local outfitter and have them size you. You won’t regret doing this!

• Backpack

Another essential item you’ll want on your venture is a solid backpack. Again, this may feel like a daunting task. Don’t sweat it! There are plenty of resources out there that will simplify the process of choosing the pack that best suits you. The pack you choose will be dependent on what type of adventure you’ll be on. If it’s a simple day hike, anything from a school backpack to a 24 liter day pack will suffice. If you’re on a multi-day or longer backpacking trip, you’ll want something larger and more technical. I use the Osprey Atmos AG 65 liter pack on my longer trips. The anti-gravity (AG) feature makes life easy on the trail, as it makes your pack load feel much lighter. This pack also has adjustable hip belts and an adjustable torso to ensure that your pack fits you just right. There is plenty of room for your gear in this pack. With multiple pockets and lash points, you’ll be able to pack everything you need for your weekend journey. Osprey thought ahead and even incorporated a rain cover that comes in the bottom of the pack. As previously noted, there are plenty of options to choose from when deciding on the pack that you need for your upcoming adventure. A reputable source that I often use is http://www.REI.com. These experts know the in’s and out’s of adventure gear. If you’re uncertain about how a pack may fit, I suggest visiting an REI and ask one of the employees to help get you sized. They will ensure that the pack fits you perfectly so that you can enjoy every step you take on the trail.

• Trail Attire

Something else that you’ll want to consider is what to wear on the trail. This will be dependent on the season that you’re hiking. Summer hikes will require loose-fitting clothes that will keep you cool. I suggest wearing a ball cap or a ventilated shade hat to keep your head shielded from the sun. Winter hiking will require layers. You’ll want a moisture wicking base-layer that keeps you warm. A popular choice is Moreno wool. A good mid-layer consists of a long sleeve polyester shirt or fleece jacket. As for pants, you’ll want something wind and water resistant to protect your legs from the elements. For your outer-layer, you’ll want to consider something wind and water resistant or waterproof (weather dependent). The shoulder seasons (Spring/Fall) may require you to pack a variety of the aforementioned attire. Don’t forget to pack a few pairs of moisture wicking socks! I always bring a spare pair in case the one’s that I am wearing get wet. Wet feet in nature = bad juju! It’s always smart to check the forecast of the region that you’re traveling to, so that you will be fully prepared for what to pack for your upcoming adventure.

• Water Bottle/Bladder

Water is probably THE most essential item that you’ll need in your gear list for the novice hiker. The rule of thumb is to drink at least 1 liter of water per hour while hiking. I personally love the Osprey 2.5L water bladder. It conveniently slides into your pack and the long hose that comes with it makes adequate water intake effortless. I always pack an extra water bottle as a reserve, just in case things don’t go your way on the trail (see my gear list on the Main Menu). If you’re hiking in higher elevations or in cooler weather, you may want to consider taking a little extra water with you, as dehydration is more of a risk secondary to increased breathing effort and the cooler air masking the effects of dehydration.

• Trail Snacks

You’ll be burning through hundreds, if not thousands of calories while hiking. It’s important to pack nutritious, high calorie snacks and food items for your journey. Some of my favorite snacks that I bring on every hike are Uncrustables, Clif Bars, dehydrated fruit, trail mix, and Goldfish (just to name a few). I focus on snacks that have plenty of protein and carbs in them, as this will refuel your muscles to push through those steep climbs and slick descents on the trail. I aim to have a snack at least once an hour to keep my body fueled. Pending the length of the hike, I will have lunch at the halfway point or at my destination. There’s nothing more rewarding than a scrumptious lunch at an alpine like or an overlook with towering peaks! You may choose to have a nice hot meal while on the trail. In this case, you’ll want to pack your favorite dehydrated meal and camp stove with a compact cookset. Refer to My Gear List on the Main Menu to see what I use to cook my trail meals with.

• A Good Knife

Because you’ll be in nature, miles away from civilization, it’s a good idea to invest in a good knife to add to your gear list for the novice hiker. This tool is quite literally lifesaving. If you get lost in nature, your knife will be essential in how you make fire. Pro Tip: bring a flint rod with you just in case your lighter or matches run out. A solid knife will also help you cut away thick brush or small branches that may obstruct the trail. It also goes without saying, that carrying a knife on you while in nature, adds a security blanket for your safety. Whether it’s rogue wildlife or an unwelcome guest, a solid knife will improve your chances of defending yourself and escaping to safety.