Preparing to head out on the trails but not sure what hiking things to bring? Having the right gear, clothing, navigation tools, first aid, and other essentials creates a safe, comfortable hike. Whereas lacking key items can derail your experience if weather changes or emergencies arise. Use these comprehensive hiking things to bring a checklist to pack properly for day hikes or backpacking overnights based on your specific trip plans.
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Hiking Things to Bring – Footwear and Clothing
Sturdy and properly fitted hiking boots or shoes provide the critical foundation for every hike by protecting feet and providing stability. Look for good arch support, traction lugs, and lightweight yet supportive materials. Properly fitted moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters.
Clothing for the trails focuses on lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable fabrics to keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Use the layering principle:
- Base layer long sleeves and pants
- Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
- Outer shell waterproof jacket and pants
- Accessories like a warm hat, gloves, and buff
Hiking Things to Bring – Navigation Tools
Don’t get lost by arming yourself with essential navigation and illumination hiking things to bring:
- Paper map and compass with ability to orienteer
- Handheld GPS device with extra charged batteries
- Smartphone with GPS app and external battery charger
- Headlamp for night or emergency use
- Altimeter watch if tackling major elevation changes
Know how to use these tools together for redundancy in staying on course.
Hiking Things to Bring – Hydration
Dehydration can quickly sap energy and impair judgment on the trail. Key hiking things to bring include:
- Reservoir hydration bladder for constant access to water through a tube
- Insulated water bottles for cold refreshments at rest stops
- Water purification tabs, drops, filters, or UV treatment devices if collecting natural water
- Electrolyte powder or tablets to replace minerals lost while active and sweating
Staying amply hydrated keeps your body and mind performing their best.
Hiking Things to Bring – Packs and Storage Solutions
Haul it all securely and comfortably with:
- Day pack in 25+ liter capacity with stabilization features
- Larger multi-day backpack with 50+ liters and suspension system
- Duffels or stuff sacks for organizing gear inside packs
Proper storage allows for efficient packing of all hiking essentials.
Hiking Things to Bring – Food and Fuel
Hiking demands constant energy input. Key food hiking things to bring:
- High protein and complex carb-rich snacks like bars, trail mix, jerky, and sandwiches
- High-calorie ready-to-eat packaged meals for lunch and beyond
- Insulated thermos with hot coffee, cocoa, or real meal
- Lightweight backpacking stove, pot, and utensils for meals requiring hot water
- Spork for ease of eating on the go
Pack enough calories and variety for morale and energy needs based on mileage.
First Aid Supplies
Be prepared to treat minor issues with a first aid kit stocked with:
- Bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, wrap, medical tape
- Blister care supplies
- Scissors, tweezers, safety pin
- Anti-inflammatory meds
- Any personal medications
- Disinfecting wipes and spray
Quick first aid response on the trail can reduce the impact of small cuts, blisters, or pains.
Tools and Safety Gear
While just precautionary, these hiking things could prove invaluable in an emergency:
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Fire starter kit
- Whistle for alerting others if lost or injured
- Waterproof matches and reliable lighter
- Reflective trail markers
- Flashlight or signal mirror
- Paracord
- Emergency shelter or poncho
Have gear to potentially build a fire, create shelter, or signal if forced to unexpectedly overnight.
Electronics
Devices provide entertainment and utility but require power planning:
- Fully charged mobile phone for camera and emergency SOS capability
- Waterproof case to protect phone
- External battery charger for multiple device recharges
- Optional GPS satellite communicator when off-grid
Keep electronics charged but don’t let them distract from the views and sounds!
Additional Hiking Things to Bring
Fill any gear gaps with:
- Sunglasses for eye protection
- Trekking poles for stability
- Towel and biodegradable soap (for backpacking)
- Toilet paper and trowel for burying waste
- Sunscreen and insect repellant
- Durable trash bags for pack-out waste
Customize your list based on your specific trip plan, trail, weather, and more. But this comprehensive rundown gives you a framework of hiking things to bring for safer, more comfortable outdoor adventures.
Related Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking
