What to Bring Hiking: Essential Gear and Clothing for Your Next Adventure

Going on a hike soon? How great! It will be a huge achievement that deserves a pat on the back!

But, between deciding to hike and starting your expedition, you should have days of just preparing your gear. Since we are hiking gurus (not to brag) at Skyhook, we will give you an idea of what to take when hiking.

Read on!

1. Footwear

When selecting hiking boots, it's crucial to consider several factors to ensure comfort, protection, and longevity in challenging terrain.

Material: Look for waterproof materials like leather or synthetic materials with a waterproof lining to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Traction: The soles should provide good grip and stability on various surfaces, including mud, rock, and loose dirt.
Fit: Proper fit is crucial. Boots should be snug enough to prevent sliding and blistering and allow for toe movement. Always try boots with the type of socks you plan to hike in!
Support: Good ankle support is important, especially if you're carrying a heavier backpack or hiking on uneven surfaces. Higher cuffs around the ankles offer better support and protection against sprains.
Breathability: Consider boots with breathable fabric, especially for hiking in warmer climates, to prevent excessive sweating, which can lead to blisters.

Then, before heading out on a hike, wear your new boots on shorter trails to break them in. This will help soften them and reduce the risk of blisters and discomfort on longer trips. Plus, pack some socks to pair your boots with.

2. Clothing

You also must consider what to wear when hiking. You want to bring three clothing layers:

Base layer: Your base layer should wick moisture away from your body. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like synthetic blends or merino wool for vests, underwear, and t-shirts.
Insulating layer: Depending on the weather, an insulation layer keeps you warm. Fleece jackets, down vests, or synthetic insulated jackets are excellent choices.
Out layer: A waterproof and breathable shell jacket will protect you from wind and rain. Ensure it's durable and adjustable for changing conditions.

3. Hydration and Nutrition

When planning a hike, proper hydration and nutrition are critical to maintain your energy levels and overall health throughout your adventure.

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Hydration

Hydration is crucial for maintaining your body's functions, including regulating temperature, joint lubrication, and transporting nutrients to cells.

Dehydration will decrease your performance, increase fatigue, and leave you prone to more serious health risks.

The amount of water you need depends on various factors, such as the climate, the intensity of your hike, and your individual needs.

A general rule is to drink about half a litre (or 17 ounces) of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures.

Here's how to carry water for your hike:

Water bottles: Simple and easy to refill, ideal for shorter hikes or trails with plenty of water sources.
Hydration reservoirs allow easy access to water through a hose, making it easier to drink on the go and stay hydrated, which is particularly useful during longer or more strenuous hikes.

Nutrition

Eating well before and during a hike helps maintain your energy levels and endurance. Here's what to bring when hiking:

Energy bars: Convenient and packed with nutrients, energy bars can provide a quick energy boost.
Nuts and seeds are high in calories and healthy fats and great for sustained energy.
Dried fruits Offer quick sugars and a bit of fibre, making them a sweet source of quick energy.
Jerky: Provides protein, which is helpful on longer, more strenuous hikes.
Sandwiches: Carbohydrate-rich bread with proteins like chicken or tuna is perfect for longer hikes.

When hiking, eat small, frequent snacks rather than large meals to maintain a steady energy level without feeling sluggish.

4. Safety and Emergency Supplies

Safety is paramount when heading out on a hike, and being prepared with the right emergency supplies can make all the difference for a safe and enjoyable experience.

For Safety:

First-Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, adhesive tape, gauze pads, and personal medications like antihistamines or asthma inhalers. It's also wise to carry a small booklet on first aid procedures.
Navigation tools: Always carry a map and a compass as your primary navigation tools. A GPS device will be helpful but should not replace traditional tools since electronic devices can fail or run out of battery.
Multi-tool or knife: A good multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife can be invaluable for repairs, first aid, food preparation, or when you need to make your emergency gear.
Emergency whistle: You can use a whistle to signal for help. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and the sound carries further than the human voice.
Headlamp or flashlight: Always pack a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. These are essential if you're caught out after dark or need to signal for help at night.

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Emergency Supplies

Fire starting gear: Pack waterproof matches, a lighter, and some fire starters (such as a dry tinder or a commercial fire starter). Being able to start a fire means you'll stay warm, cook food, and signal rescuers in an emergency.
Emergency shelter: Carry a lightweight tent, bivy sack, or at least an emergency space blanket. If you are stranded or injured, this can protect you from wind, rain, and cold.
Extra wood and Water: Bring more than you think you'll need. Extra food, such as nuts, bars, and dried fruits, should be non-perishable and high-energy. Also, pack an extra water bottle or a compact water purification system.
Extra clothing: Pack an extra layer of clothing beyond what you expect to use, including an additional warmth layer and an extra pair of socks. This is crucial if your clothing gets wet or the weather conditions worsen unexpectedly.

5. Shelter and Sleeping Gear

If you plan to overnight, you need these sets of supplies for your hike:

Tents

Types: There are several types of tents available, including ultralight tents for solo hikers, dome tents for stability against wind, and larger cabin-style tents for groups.
Features: Look for features like double-wall construction for improved insulation and waterproofing. A vestibule for gear storage can keep your sleeping area clutter-free.
Weight: Always consider the weight, as you will be carrying this on your back. Ultralight tents are ideal for long treks where weight is a critical concern.

Pro Tip: Always practice setting up your tent at home before your trip to ensure you know how to do it quickly and can check for any damage or missing parts.

Sleeping Bags

Temperature rating: Select a sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Like tents, sleeping bags are typically rated as three-season or four-season, and simply put, the latter is for winter, while a 3-season sleeping bag is suitable for summer, spring, and autumn.
Insulation type: Down insulation offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility but performs poorly when wet. Synthetic insulation is heavier but provides warmth even when damp.
Shape: Mummy-shaped sleeping bags offer more warmth as they are designed to fit closely to your body, minimising air pockets.

Sleeping Pads

You can choose between foam pads, self-inflating pads, and air pads.

Foam pads are durable and inexpensive - but bulky. Self-inflating pads have a combination of foam and air for comfort and compactness. Air pads are the lightest and most comfortable but can be punctured.

Then, consider the R-rating. This measures the pad's ability to insulate you from cold ground. Higher R-values are better for colder conditions.

Pillows

Lightweight travel pillows or inflatable pillows can significantly enhance sleeping comfort. Don't have one? No worries, you can use bundled-up clothing to save weight!

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6. Communication and Backup

When embarking on a hiking trip, especially in remote areas, having reliable communication methods and backup plans is crucial for safety. This ensures you can stay connected or reach out for help if needed.

Here's what to bring to a hike:

Communication Tools

Cell phone, but consider:

Coverage: Before your trip, check the cell coverage map for your destination. Your smartphone can serve as a primary communication tool if coverage is reliable.
Battery life: You can conserve battery by switching to aeroplane mode when not in use, but ensure you also carry a portable charger or battery pack.

For areas with poor cell coverage, two-way radios (or walkie-talkies) can be effective, especially if hiking in a group. They allow direct communication between parties within a certain range, typically a few miles, depending on terrain.

A satellite phone can save you in highly remote areas, allowing you to make calls virtually anywhere. This is an expensive option but can be rented for specific trips.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are emergency devices that, when activated, send a signal to a satellite network which alerts rescue authorities of your location. They do not allow for two-way communication but are invaluable in life-threatening situations.

Satellite messengers - especially devices like the Garmin inReach or Spot allow for two-way text messaging via satellite, SOS signals, and even GPS navigation. They require a subscription service, but we highly recommend them for backcountry adventures.

In the worst-case scenario, a signal mirror can reflect sunlight and attract the attention of aeroplanes or distant search parties.

Backup and Emergency Plans

Always inform someone not on the trip of your itinerary and expected return time. Provide the emergency contact with details about where you are going, who you are with, and when to call for help if they don't hear from you.

Have medical information readily available, such as blood type, allergies, and any conditions that rescuers should know about in an emergency. You can keep it on a card in your wallet or a mobile app.

Know your exit points and have a plan for how to get back to civilisation or where to go if you need to cut your trip short. This should be part of your trip planning process.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it! These are the most essential things to bring to a hike. On top of these, you must bring a tremendous craving for adventure since no hike is the same as another - even when you go to the same terrain.

So, where are you going hiking?

If you need the best ideas, try Everest Base Camp, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Tour du Mont Blanc, or even the historic Machu Picchu. Just book your trip with Skyhook, and start packing for an unforgettable adventure!