Choosing your hiking gear can be a tricky job. Some say you need to pack as much as you can, while others say you need to keep it light. However, it is a fact that many times beginners tend to ‘overpack’ for their first few hikes. Actually, this has more to do with their lack of knowledge than their sheer excitement. Another rookie mistake that people do is that they go overboard with their budget. In general, you should always look for hiking gear on a budget if you’re not planning to do it for the long term. On the contrary, if you’re dedicating all your future vacations to camping and hiking, your stuff better be good! So, for the sake of your convenience, we have prepared a list of the 10 best Hiking Gear for your next adventures.
10 best Hiking Gear in India
1. BackPack
Naturally, you’re going to need a backpack. The question is, what type of backpack works for Hiking? Ideally, your backpack needs to have enough storage space for all of your essentials. However, it should also be perfectly balanced so that you can carry it for longer durations. This is why backpacks for hiking are specifically designed for the job.
Below is a backpack from Tripole colonial with a detachable day pack that you can use while hiking for shorter durations. Additionally, the pack comes with a rain cover for damp areas.
Tripole Colonel 80 Litres Rucksack
2. Walking Stick
Now, we’re not saying your knees are not strong enough to climb a mountain without a walking pole. It is just a requirement to gain and maintain balance when you’re climbing uphill. Additionally, it will actually damage your knees if you carry a heavy backpack and walk without a pole or stick.
The Add Gear Walking stick below provides you with anti-shock walking support to take some stress away from your back and knees during your hiking.
3. Hiking Shoes
Similar to most outdoor activities, you need to include proper shoes for your venture. Hiking shoes are an essential part of your hiking gear because you will not be able to go very far in the wrong shoes. Additionally, shoes are the ones that take most of the wear-and-tear during your hikes. The Add Gear Hiking CTR shoes below are built for all those slides, skips, and jumps you’ll do during your hikes. Make sure to try them on before you start packing so that you can get used to the material.
4. Headtorch
People often start hiking very early in the mornings so that they can reach their planned destination by the time the sunsets. However, it is usually dark in the mountain region during the early few hours of the day. A head torch will save you time and energy by providing you with some extra light in the woods. Check out the Tripole Plastic USB rechargeable Head Torch. Apart from a USB port, it also has an adjustable buckle that will fit any size.
Tripole Plastic USB Rechargeable Head Torch –
5. Waist Pack
In general, people should always keep their hands free during hiking, (except for a walking stick). This way, you can maintain your speed and balance. Obviously, the waist pack is the best way to do that. Since carrying your phones and other devices in your pockets is a little risky, a waist pack is where all your absolute essentials will go.
The Tripole Waist Pack below also has a bottle holder so that you can have easy access to water while you are on the go.
6. Firstaid kit
Since hiking is a vigorous activity that takes place outdoors, there is often a risk of injuries. Therefore, a first aid kit should always be in your backpack. Also, your first aid kit should be kept where you can find it in under 10 seconds because the injuries must be attended to as soon as possible.
Tool Zone ® Travel Buddy Plastic First Aid Kit
7. Tent
If you plan on hiking for longer durations, clearly, you will not come across any hotels to stay for the night. So, to protect yourself from natural elements, you will have to set up your tent. Kresal Picnic Camping Portable Waterproof Tent is an easy-to-use tent that can be set up in 60 seconds. Additionally, this tent provides you with UV protection and water resistance (up to 2000mm). Again, make sure to do a trial of the tent at your home so that you can make changes as per your requirements.
Egab Picnic Camping Portable Tent (2 Person)
8. Sleeping bag
Since a tent alone cannot protect you from the winds and the hard surface of the ground, you also need to use a sleeping bag. However, your sleeping bag will add up to all the weight of all the hiking gear you will carry. Therefore, it is essential to choose a sleeping bag that is lightweight, yet comfortable. The RhinoKraft Jungle Print sleeping bag is an amazing find for this purpose. It is made of light and skin-friendly material to ensure a perfect goodnight sleep.
RhinoKraft Jungle Print Hiking and camping sleeping bag
9. Tool Box
Normally, hiking is not a dangerous activity, but it is not entirely safe either. Even if your plans are foolproof, there will still be times when you will need to improvise. For such situations, you must have a toolbox with you. A hiking toolbox has things like a whistle, a flashlight, compass, saws, etc. Pullox Survival kit for Camping 13 in 1 Professional Survival Kit has all you need and more. The tools come in a light, yet durable box that you can hook to your backpack.
Pullox Survival kit for Camping 13 in 1 Professional Survival Kit
10. GPS Navigator
Let’s face it, mobile phones are often not the most reliable gadgets to carry during hikes. Their batteries drain rather quickly when you use them for GPS. Therefore, it is wise to use them only for emergency calls. Instead, you should always carry a separate navigator for your journey. These devices are specially equipped for rough outdoor situations, and function better than mobile phones. The Garmin Handheld GPS Navigator is an excellent choice for your hikes. Along with durability, it also comes with 8Gbs of internal memory and an SD card slot.
Garmin eTrex 22x, Handheld GPS Navigator –
FAQs
What is the basic hiking gear to carry for beginners?
As a beginner, you should always opt for shorter hikes. for a day-long hike, you will only need a Backpack, a walking stick, shoes and a waist bag as your Hiking Gear.
What should you wear for hiking?
Always wear comfortable clothes during your hikes. A running jersey that covers your hands and legs will be breathable and comfortable during your activity.
