Hiking 101: Essential Gear & What To Wear For New Hikers

Going hiking for the first time can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. You might not know what gear you need or what to wear, but don’t worry!

Hiking can be a fun, social, and exhilarating activity when you have the right equipment with you. Since hiking is so much more involved than a simple stroll outdoors, you need to be ready for anything. So, what are the essentials?

Essential hiking gear you should wear for every hike includes clothes that are moisture wicking, hiking pants, hiking shoes with optional crampons, layering in cold climates, boonie hat, bug repellant, and uv protection from the sun.

If you’re new to hiking or haven’t put much thought into the essentials, don’t worry. We’ve created an easy-to-follow list that helps point out the fundamental items every hiker should carry with them. Read on to find out more, along with some great suggested products from Amazon.com.

What To Wear While Hiking

When you first start hiking, the last thing that you want to do is overpack. You’ll end up carrying a lot more weight than necessary and it will make your hike much more difficult. For this reason, we recommend only bringing what’s essential for your hike.

The first time I ever went on a hike, I was so excited to get started that I gave no consideration to what I was wearing. When I arrived to the trail, the only clothes that I had were jeans and a t-shirt. And while it might have been okay to wear those clothes if you were just going out for lunch, it certainly wasn’t appropriate to wear while hiking.

I quickly learned that hiking is not about looking sexy! It’s about being as comfortable as possible with whatever you’re wearing and keeping yourself safe. So here are some tips on what to wear while hiking:

Layers (Base and outer layer)

The secret to packing for a day hike is layering. Understanding the climate of your area will help you decide what clothes are appropriate, and keeping up with current conditions means that you can always be prepared no matter where in the world you’re hiking!

The more thermally efficient, or warm, a person’s outfit is layered together will depend on your location and climate. Nevada, for example, may not be as cold during winter months so if you go hiking there might only need shorts, while an East Coast traveler would want to stack several layers.

Hiking Shoes vs Sneakers

The first thing you need to know about hiking shoes and sneakers is that they are not the same. Hiking shoes have a stiff sole, which offers more support, stability, and traction on uneven surfaces and will help prevent injuries on uneven ground like rocks or tree roots.

Sneakers are generally lighter weight and have a less aggressive tread pattern than hiking shoes so they’re not as supportive or stable on rough terrain. Sneakers may be more comfortable but won’t provide as much support.

If you’re just starting out, it’s better to invest in a pair of hiking shoes so that your feet stay protected as you make your way up the mountain! For this reason, you’ll also want to invest in a pair of moisture wicking hiking socks as well.

Crampons

Depending on the types of areas you plan on hiking, it will be wise to invest in a pair of “Crampons” for your hiking boots. The Crampon is what attaches to the bottom of your shoe and provides you with traction on ice, snow, or rugged terrain.

The first type of crampons are called “strap on” models which involve using an elastic cord that easily straps around your boots tightly so they don’t move while climbing steep inclines. However, these are for mild terrains.

For more serious mountaineering in rugged terrain or ice climbing, you’ll want to get “step in” crampons that are essentially big spikes attached to a frame around your boots. These offer the most amount of traction and are for highly specialized types of hikes.

Regardless what type you buy, they should be lightweight and easy for travel purposes as well.

Boonie Hat

A boonie hat is a must-have for hikers. It blocks the sun, shields your hair from getting infested with bugs and provides protection against rain showers or sudden changes in weather conditions. This type of hat also helps to keep you cool on hot days by providing shade over your head and neck, as well as vents designed to keep your head cool and dry.

Some hats are also designed with sweatband made of moisture wicking material to keep sweat from entering your eyes.

Hiking Pants vs Shorts

Believe it or not, the debate between wearing hiking pants vs hiking shorts can be contentious. There are benefits and drawbacks to each choice and will ultimately depend on the climate and terrain, so what’s best for your hike?

• Hiking pants offer more protection from the elements, such as wind or rain on an exposed trail. They’re also useful if you’ll encounter brush along the way on trails that have not been maintained or contain lots of obstacles.
• Shorts are much more comfortable in warm weather, and they’re what most people traditionally think of when imagining what to wear hiking. They also offer better mobility and are lighter than pants for carrying in a backpack.

One drawback is that some long distance hikers find shorts uncomfortable after wearing them all day on the trail or over an extended period of time because there’s less protection from the elements, as well as the sun.

Another consideration is whether or not your region has an active tick population, for which you may want to stay away from shorts. If you’re new to hiking and unfamiliar with ticks, they are carriers of diseases that will make your life a living hell should you contract Lyme or the many other co-infections.

Snow Gaiters

Originally intended for keeping snow out of your boots and your pants dry, Gaiters are actually a very useful type clothing that will protect your legs against brush, stickers, and insects during a hike off the beaten path.

In fact, if you’re in an area with a high tick population then Gaiters soaked in an insecticide (mentioned below) can be an effective way of keeping them off of you.

Bug Repellant

And speaking of ticks, bug repellant is also essential for every hiker. If you’re lucky, you’ll only need a small amount of this on your neck and other exposed skin areas to protect from mosquitoes and other nuisances like gnats and chiggers.

The most common ingredients found in bug repellant are deet and picaridin, which both work well to ward off bugs of all sorts.

However, to protect yourself against ticks specifically, it’s recommended to spray your clothes or Gaiters with an insecticide called permethrin – which can effectively kill ticks and other insects for up to 6 weeks.

UV Protection

Just like with bugs, you’ll want to protect yourself against the sun as well.

As the sun’s UV rays penetrate our skin and irradiate us, they can release free radicals. These will drive down antioxidant levels in your body which could increase risks of cancer or heart disease due to their damaging byproducts like reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Protecting yourself can be accomplished with a good pair of sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF rating higher than 15 or 30. Keep in mind that what you’re wearing will also provide some protection from the sun, but often times it’s not enough.

Depending on the length of your hike, if you do not protect your skin from the sun then you can also suffer some serious burns that may blister so badly that medical intervention is necessary.

What Should You Not Wear While Hiking?

Every hiker has their own preferences, and there is no one right answer. However, there are some things you should never wear while hiking. For example, cotton clothing can overheat and sweat profusely in hot weather or when it gets wet–making your feet feel clammy and heavy with moisture (gross!).

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Clothes That Are Too Stiff/Tight

To hike, you need to be able to move freely and easily. Tight clothing can inhibit this movement because it restricts your range of motion. It may also lead to chafing or blister development when the material rubs against sensitive areas like feet or thighs for extended periods of time.

Cotton & Denim

While there are lots of good materials that are moisture wicking, cotton and denim are not among them. In fact, they are the worst for letting your sweat dry and can make you feel clammy and heavy for the majority of your hike. Stick with synthetic materials like polyester, spandex or wool.

Ankle Socks

Although ankle socks are appropriate for good fashion, they are the worst for hiking. They’re too tight, can cause blisters and don’t offer much protection against moisture or debris intrusion from around your foot.

Choose a waterproof, durable boot that will keep your feet dry and comfortable on long hikes through various terrains. But if you’re wearing ankle socks within your boots then you can expect them to ball up, not to mention your skin rubbing against the boot.

It’s best to choose a moisture wicking sock that offers good padding, such as merino wool, and at least covers the height of your boots/shoes.

More Gear To Consider Before Taking a Hike

Any avid hiker will tell you certain items are mandatory to ensure a safe and successful hike. You don’t always need all of the items listed to enjoy your hike, but these items can make a massive impact on how well the trip goes.

You would likely not need an emergency shelter or extra navigation for short hikes near a town or city. The same can be said for popular hiking trails that are known to be full of people.

However, if you’re looking to take on something bigger and more remote, you should always work to maintain your safety. Extra water, fire starters, and additional clothes could save your life should the worst happen, and they don’t take up too much space in your pack.

Daypack

A hiker’s backpack is vital for carrying all their supplies. While you could, technically, use any type of bag, a hikers bag is designed to optimize space and evenly distribute the weight.

The average capacity should be 11-20 liters (2.91-5.26 gallons), and a pack should be around 11 lbs (4.99 kg) if you’re not carrying food or drinks.

However, if you’re a serious hiker and looking to camp, too, a larger pack would be ideal, like the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Hiking Daypack that comes in a variety of colors and offers plenty of storage options. 

Other factors that you should consider while choosing a daypack are:

• Activity: What activities are you doing? Daypacks have specific designs targeted at different outdoor activities. For example, some will have a more sturdy frame, should you be partaking in multi-day hikes and need to add support.
• Features: Look for features such as frame type, extra storage pockets, or even multiple compartments. For example, some will be water-resistant, should you be hiking in wet climates or near water sources. Others may have extra pockets for storing different items, including slots for phone chargers.
• Fit: The most crucial factor is checking to see if your torso and hip size fits the pack. If it doesn’t, you could be thrown off balance while hiking, which you may not feel during the day, but will become sore over the following few days.

First Aid

There is a high chance that a hiker can get injured while outdoors. After all, nature tends to not only be very unforgiving, but sometimes it tries to kill you. That’s why a first aid kit is essential when it comes to hiking.

An easy way to make sure you have all the necessary emergency supplies for cuts and bruises is to invest in a pre-assembled first-aid kit. These can be found in most sporting goods stores and even in some supermarkets.

A pre-assembled first-aid kit should have the following items:

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze
• Tape
• Disinfecting ointment
• Over the counter pain medicine
• Nitrile gloves

The Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit comes readily equipped with everything from gauze and wipes to an emergency blanket and flashlight.

Knife

A knife is known to be one of the most valuable tools in any hiking kit. Being outdoors, you never know when you’ll need to use a knife, and depending on the situation, you may find yourself needing to slice open a package, repair gear, or use it in food preparation.

Other uses include first aid, kindling, or other emergencies.

There are various knives on the market, but a single fold-out blade will work for the most part, like this Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife, which is compact but robust.

However, pocket knives are also a good alternative and come with extra tools useful in various situations.

Fire Starter

Though you may not be planning to spend a night out in the cold, it’s vital that you’re ready to do so in the event of an emergency.

If you or someone in your group gets injured and it’s too dark or dangerous to turn back, starting a fire could be the difference between life and death.

With that in mind, you could include a number of items in your kit to help with making a fire in any conditions. These include:

• Waterproof matches
• Disposable butane lighter
• Flint and steel
• Lighter
• Battery with steel wool
• Fire pistons

The best option would be to purchase an emergency fire starter, like this Emergency Fire Starter Kit. It is water-resistant and very lightweight, meaning it takes up little space in your pack.

Remember that even though you’re outside, wood, and branches may be too wet to keep a fire going consistently.

Aside from tools to start a fire, you’ll also benefit from materials that help maintain a flame. This includes candles, dry tinder, heating nuggets, and priming paste. Other materials that work are chipped wood clusters, lint trappings from the dryer, and even feminine hygiene products.

Emergency Shelter

As most hiking trails are in remote locations and have bad cell reception, you never know when you might get stranded in the middle of nowhere. The last thing you want is to be stuck outdoors and have nowhere warm or safe to be.

Emergency shelters can include a tarp, bivy stick, or an emergency space blanket. Essentially, you’ll want items that are lightweight and compact but can still keep you safe and warm, such as this Swiss Safe Emergency Survival Shelter Tent.

If you’re on a budget, even a large trash bag can help. The point of these items is to keep you warm and dry while you wait for help or light.

Extra Clothes

Chances are, before a hike, you’ll be prompted to check the weather. The problem is that the weather reports aren’t always reliable.

At a moment’s notice, you could find yourself in the middle of a storm or even be delayed an extra day or two outdoors. Not having a sufficient change of clothes for all types of weather could end up impacting your survival outdoors.

When you choose what to bring, it should be lightweight and made of water-repellent fabric. You’ll also want clothes that are well-insulated and that you can wear on top of other layers.

Some options include:

• Extra underwear
• Wool hats
• Waterproof jacket, such as this COOFANDY Packable Rain Jacket
• Scarves
• Insulated gloves, like these Winter Warm Gloves
• Wool socks
• Fleece jacket
• Long Johns, such as this Thermajohn Thermal Underwear Set

Food and Water

Sometimes we tend to underestimate how vital food and water are. But if you find yourself delayed on your trip, you’ll be thanking yourself later that you decided to pack some extra snacks and water.

Snacks should be non-perishable and easy to carry, like these CLIF BARS – Energy Bars. They should also be high-calorie items that are sealed to avoid attracting animals.

However, you can also get away with carrying a few cans or instant meals that don’t require any cooking equipment. Some camping and hiking retailers even sell ready-to-eat meals that only require water to cook the contents.

Here are a few ideas of food you can bring along on the trip:

• Granola bars
• Jerky
• Trail mix
• Instant meals
• Emergency rations

For water, you’ll want to either invest in a filter or bring a few water bottles with you.

The problem is that water can add to your total carrying weight. So, if you don’t want to add to how much you have to carry, you can opt for a bottle with a filter, like this LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle.

Navigation

If you’re not hiking a short and easy hiking trail, it may be beneficial for you to get some navigation tools. You never know when you may need to find your way when you’re lost.

Though the GPS on your phone can be effective, sometimes you may lose connection or run out of battery.

Some essential navigation tools to keep with you are:

• Maps: Finding a topographical map of the area can help you if you get lost. Make sure to store it in a plastic bag where it can’t get wet. These can usually be found in visitor centers or even local gas stations.
• Compass: A compass is a crucial tool when it comes to navigating on a map.
• GPS: GPS apps are accurate at locating where you are. However, they often rely on batteries and may not work correctly without an internet connection. That said, you could purchase a Winterworm Mini Handheld Portable GPS, which is good for up to 12 hours when in use and is small enough to clip onto your pack.
• Altimeter watch: An altimeter watch is a barometric sensor that helps measure air pressure and allows you to locate your elevation. This info can be helpful if you’re trying to find where you are on a map.

Final Thoughts

These are just eight essential items that you should wear for every hike, but the truth is, you can never be too prepared. Some other things you may want to bring along could include headlights, sun protection, and trekking poles.

As you can see, hiking requires a lot of prep work if you want to do it safely. Though it may seem like a big investment at first, we can promise you it will be worth it on the off chance something happens.