Are you new to hiking? Well so am I! Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities you can do, but figuring out how/ where to begin can be confusing. Here are the 10 Hiking Essentials I recommend for Beginners.
Thankfully I have a great, if not determined, mentor who is helping me explore this new and exciting activity. I will share all that I have learned from him thus far.
All of these are considered essential as they are needed to ensure your safety. Compact versions of some of these items are available and can fit in a small pack.
1.) Hiking Boots
If you are hiking, you should definitely get a pair of hiking boots. Hiking shoes are great but depending on where and how long you plan to hike, hiking boots may be a better fit for you. Hiking boots are boots thus they have better ankle support compared to hiking shoes. Ankle support is key to ensuring your hike is safe and successful. While hiking shoes are great, having a good hiking boot is a great investment in your hiking journey.
Many people have MANY OPINIONS about which hiking boot is best. Hiking boots are similar to running shoes (coming from a runner). It may take many renditions for you to finally find your soulmate. Only you know which boot is best for you. Only time and trial and error will determine which boot is best for you.
2.) Sunscreen
I cannot express enough the importance of sunscreen. As a physician (while not one that specializes in skin disorders or skin cancers), I have seen the unfortunate aftermath of sun damage. I recommend that you bring a small bottle in your pack so that you can reapply every 2- 3 hours during your hike.
The next question when discussing sunscreen is always “which SPF.” Personally, I recommend SPF 50 or 80. While hiking, you are directly exposed to the elements (sun) for many hours, and it is best to have full sun protection.
3.) Sun Hat or Baseball Hat
Sunscreen is the first line of defense to protecting your skin from skin damage. A sun hat or baseball cap is a great second line. Sun Hats and baseball hats are great at protecting your most sensitive skin, your face. A simple baseball hat does help protect your face from damage, but remember it does not protect your ears or the nape of your neck. A full brimmed sun hat is the best at offering full barrier protection.
4.) Water, Water, and More Water
This may seem obvious but it must be said. Water is essential to life and essential to a safe hike. For day hikes, I recommend carrying at least 2 liters with you. Even if you plan on a short hike (less than 1 mile), always take water with you. There are many vessels in which you can carry your water. You can carry a reusable or (nonreusable) water bottle or use a backpack or pouch with a bladder ( to be discussed later).
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of water.
5.) Hiking Pack
A good hiking pack is one of the best investments you can make when starting your hiking journey. There are many companies that make great hiking packs but I recommend that whichever hiking pack you choose, make sure that it comes equipped with a bladder or is fitted for a bladder. For those new to hiking (as I was and still am) a bladder, or hydration bladder to be more specific, is a piece of hiking gear that holds 1-3L of water. It is firmly placed in your pack and has a connecting mouthpiece that easily allows you to hydrate while on hikes. The benefit of having a hiking pack with a bladder is that it allows you to keep your hands free. Carrying bottled water for such long hikes can be a burden. Let your pack carry it for you.
Now let’s talk about size. The size you need really does depend on how long your hike will be. For those going on quick day trips, I recommend carrying a small 2 to 2.5L pack which can hold 1L of water. If you are going on multi-hour day hikes a larger pack that can carry 3 L is a necessity.
I have been hiking for 3 months and have two packs thus far. I have a small day pack and a larger pack for longer hikes. Below are the two packs that I purchased.
REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack: Day pack. Can carry a 3L Bladder
Camelbak Rogue Light 7 L Hydration Hydration Pack
6.) All Trails App/ or Paper Map
Whether you are going on a short hike or a longer multi-day hike, you must first have a clear understanding of where you are going. It is recommended to plan ahead and research your route prior to heading out to your hike. The All-Trails app is a great resource that will help you plan your hike. The App has an endless database of trail maps. Each hike is accompanied by its own page, a brief description of the hike including the length, elevation gain, route type, and difficulty level. Users are able to post their pictures, rank the hike and share their stories on the app. The All Trails App is the ultimate hiker’s guide. It’s free to sign up and view the website. An All Trails Pro App can be purchased for less than $30 a year. It offers online and offline access to maps, PDFs and downloadable forms of the maps, off-route notifications, and 3D maps.
7.) Salty Snack
Hiking can be an exhausting sport and like most sports, you can definitely catch a sweat. It is imperative to have at least one salty snack in your pack. A healthy salty snack will refuel you with much-needed calories and replenish your low salt supply so you may continue hiking.. and sweating.
8.) Whistle
So why exactly is a WHISTLE on the list? I wasn’t too keen on adding it, but my avid hiker recommended/ demanded that it be included. After his diligent, if not an eye-rolling explanation, I am in agreement. A whistle is an essential item for all those hiking. It’s used for safety. If you become lost or injured and are in need of assistance, a whistle can be used to alert those who may be near you of your presence. You can of course just use your boisterous voice; however, if you are alone/injured/or lost for many hours or days, constant yelling may cause you to lose your voice. A whistle can be louder than your voice and allows you to hold on to your voice until the moment you really need it.
9.) First Aid/ Ace Wrap
Injuries can happen on any hike. A rolled ankle, a misplaced foot, a trip or fall. Having a small portable first aid kit is key. A small first aid kit should have bandaids, sterile water, and a bandage or medical tape. Medical tape and/or Ace wrap are essential in your first aid kit to help with ankle sprangs. While you may roll your ankle on top of a mountain. You still have to walk down. An ace wrap will give you the support you need to get down the mountain.
10.) Multi-Tool Knife
It took my Avid Hiker to insist that I include a multi-tool knife in my list. After weeks of persistence, I included it, and here is why. Firstly he was annoyingly persistent. Secondly, he was right. A multi-tool knife is just that. It is a pocket knife that also comes with many different tools such as scissors, pliers, etc. As a hiker hiking in Arizona, having access to pliers on the hike is crucial. There is a high likelihood that if I stay in Arizona long, I will come in contact with the notorious Jumping Cholla. The Jumping Cholla is a cactus that is native to Arizona. The Jumping Cholla reproduces by jumping on objects that brush against it ( AKA hikers). Many hikers have come across the jumping Cholla. Hopefully, they had a multi-tool knife with them. I have not had to use my multi-tool knife yet, but at least I have it just in case.
Lastly, make sure that you tell someone where you are going and what time you are expected back.
Look out for more blog posts about my adventures.
Please take a look at one of my most recent blog post
It’s Just Walking: Why I started Hiking
