A perfect hike starts with perfect planning. In this write-up, we show you our exact gear lists that we use for almost any hiking conditions. This is the gear that we hike with for single day trips. If you are planning to camp as well, please refer to our "Camping Gear Lists" blog post for more recommendations. We're always making changes and updates to our packs - these lists will never be fully complete.
Click the links to see the associated product on our store. If a product in the list is not offered by our store, please reach out to us and we can give you some good options from other suppliers. If you have any questions or additions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. If you're planning to attempt a potentially life-threatening hike, please consult your local park authority for other tips and gear recommendations.
Warm Weather Hiking Gear List:
- Backpack - size 50L and larger (Link)
- Multi-Tool (Link)
- Hiking Boots
- Emergency Shelter Bag (Link)
- Trekking Poles (Link)
- Headlamp (Link)
- Machete (Link), may not be needed depending on how well your trail is marked and how often it is traveled
- Water .5 - 1.5 gallons
- Food, emphasize carbohydrates and protein
- Clothes - in addition to your standard outdoor gear, it's always smart to bring an extra pair of socks, as well as an extra layer to keep you dry and/or warm
- Map - can be found at your local trailhead or by contacting your local environmental authorities
- Fire Starter (Link)
- Compass (Link)
- Navigation Device - usually a cell phone. You can use Apple Maps - even on airplane mode - or AllTrails Premium to determine your exact location
- Journal (Link)
- Satellite Phone (Link) - you may also be able to purchase emergency calling services from your cellphone network provider
- First Aid Kit (Link)
Cold Weather Hiking Gear List:
- Backpack - size 50L and larger (Link)
- Multi-Tool (Link)
- Mountaineering Boots
- 4-6 Handwarmers (Link)
- Snowshoes (Link), may not be needed depending on conditions
- Microspikes (Link), may not be needed if snowshoes are used, but should be brought anyway in most cases.
- Leg Gaiters (Link)
- Ice Axe (Link) , may not be needed depending on your trail's incline, but it sure looks badass strapped to your backpack
- Emergency Shelter Bag (Link)
- Trekking Poles (Link)
- Headlamp (Link)
- Machete (Link), may not be needed depending on how well your trail is marked and how often it is traveled
- Water .5 - 1.5 gallons
- Food, emphasize carbohydrates and protein
- Clothes - in addition to your standard outdoor gear, it's always smart to bring an extra pair of socks, as well as an extra layer to keep you dry and/or warm
- Map - can be found at your local trailhead or by contacting your local environmental authorities
- Fire Starter (Link)
- Compass (Link)
- Navigation Device - usually a cell phone. You can use Apple Maps - even on airplane mode - or AllTrails Premium to determine your exact location
- Journal (Link)
- Satellite Phone (Link) - you may also be able to purchase emergency calling services from your cellphone network provider
- First Aid Kit (Link)
General Tips for Clothing and Safety
One of the most important tips for hiking is to NOT wear cotton clothing. While it can be comfortable and easy, it also traps moisture within it, making it heavier and colder once you start sweating. On our hikes, we use polyester or other synthetic materials for our clothing. Next, it's important to always be aware of your water supply. While some may think summer hiking is easy and safe, it can quickly turn dangerous in intense heat and humidity. Make sure you stay hydrated and turn around if your water supply is running low. For the winter, you must use insulated water containers. Plastic disposable water bottles will freeze quickly if the conditions are severe, and this can be dangerous. It's sometimes helpful to warm up your water before taking it on a winter hike. It can delay freezing and give you a big morale boost when conditions get tough. Lastly, always bring a map and navigational device. Not all trails are marked equally, and your phone works harder when it's always looking for service. Get a physical map from your local trailhead or environmental authority and pack it where it won't get wet - you never know when it may come in handy.
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