Essential equipment for hiking

Getting outdoors is an excellent elixir for physical and mental wellbeing whether it’s a short walk in your local park or enjoying the best hiking spots in Europe. When you head out, clothing items like a decent raincoat and a sturdy pair of boots are essential, but what should you pack in your backpack for a safe and pleasant hike? Here, we’ll take a look at the essential equipment for hiking you’ll need, and of course, you can adapt it to the type of hike you’re planning. You won’t need every item on the list, but it pays to think ahead and make your adventure one to remember for all the right reasons.

The ten essentials of hiking

Every hiker should prepare for a hike by making sure they have the 'Ten Essentials' to deal with any situation that arises on the trail. We’re going to take a look at each one in this article in more detail, so you’re more prepared than a scout when it comes to your outdoor adventure. The Ten Essentials you need to cover are: clothing, food, water, fire, shelter, navigation, sun protection, illumination, first aid, and tools.

Weather appropriate clothing

Without the correct clothing for a hike, your journey is over before it has begun. The key is to wear items of clothing for comfort as well as function. Think in terms of layers that you can remove, such as a t-shirt under a fleece which then has a waterproof jacket over the top of it. You’ll need a suitable pair of boots or hiking shoes as well as breathable socks that wick away moisture.

Suitable food and water

Food fuels your hike and water keeps you hydrated as you advance up the side of a mountain or across boggy moorland. Plan your entire hike and what you will eat, whether it’s a full meal that you’ve brought such as a sandwich and picnic items, as well as energy-boosting snacks. Water should be a primary concern, and if you can’t carry enough for your hike in a bottle, then think about water purification alternatives.

Making fire

You might not plan on making a fire at all on your hike, but in case of emergency a fire will be required. Not only does it provide heat, light, and warmth, but it can also serve as an emergency rescue beacon on a dark mountain location. Don’t assume you’ll be able to start a fire with the perfect dry materials, so pack items like waterproof matches or a lighter as well as tinder to get the fire going in even the worst weather conditions.

Emergency shelter

If you’re hiking for multiple days, it’s a given that you will have a lightweight tent and poles in addition to a sleeping bag. However, if things don’t go to plan and you lose your way in a heavy downpour or darkness sets before you reach your destination, you’ll need to prepare an emergency shelter. Bring a small reel of paracord and a lightweight tarpaulin to make a shelter anywhere, or even better, a bivy sack.

Navigation tools

You should never rely solely on a mobile phone signal or battery for navigation, or even a dedicated GPS device. Add physical maps to your backpack in a waterproof cover so no matter where you’re trekking you’ll always be able to find your way to your destination. Frequent hikers should gain the knowledge needed to direct their journey with a map and compass, and consider getting a personal locator beacon for emergencies.

Protection from the sun

The sun can take its toll on a hiker, so make sure you have appropriate sun protection like suncream. A hat doesn’t take up much space in your bag so it should always be a part of your kit when heading outdoors. Choose clothing material that prevents UVA and UVB rays from penetrating it to keep your skin protected, especially at the height of summer or at high altitudes. Don’t forget a decent pair of protective sunglasses too.

Light in the dark

Whether it’s a headlamp to light your path or a torch, when the sun goes down hiking can quickly become dangerous. Having something in your backpack that can illuminate the way ahead is essential whether you plan to be hiking in the dark or not. Don’t forget to add spare batteries to your pack, and test your torch frequently.

First aid equipment

Every hike should have the essentials of first aid such as blister plasters, gauze, and painkillers. Longer hikes need a better first aid kit that covers a wider range of potential issues such as antiseptic cream, allergy relief tablets, tweezers for tick and splinter removal, and a small, folded foil blanket.

Multitools or a knife

A knife is one of the best multi-purpose tools you can carry when hiking. You can cut food, repair broken gear, build a shelter from cut pieces of wood, create kindling for a fire, and even use it for fishing and foraging. Alternatively, many hikers like to carry a multitool in their bag as an essential piece of equipment for hiking as it’s light and serves a variety of functions.

Innovative hiking equipment

When it comes to being prepared on a hike, one of the most important aspects is your clothing. It needs to be tough yet comfortable, and capable of enduring the elements all year round whenever you choose to hike. Columbia has innovated a range of technologies integrated into every part of our range, from boots and bags to jackets and jumpers. It includes reflective technology and patented insulation in thermal wear to keep you warm, fully waterproof jackets that can withstand any rainstorm, and sunblocking protection to make sure you don’t overheat on your summer adventures.