Hiking is an incredible way to get some (a lot) of the fresh air outside and burn an insane amount of calories at the same time. People often plan on hiking when they want to feel a bit more adventurous and connect with nature. In fact, many people use it as a way to get away from their own minds. Since hiking is a vigorous activity and it diverts your thoughts towards the physical challenges. Obviously, it is not something you do on a whim. It requires a certain amount of fitness (especially for longer distances), and it also requires a hell of a lot of preparation! So, we have a list of the Best Hiking Gear for you and your comrades, so you can have a successful and lightweight hiking experience.
What is Hiking?
Basically, really long walks alongside nature, the forest, the rivers, and the mountains are called hikes. The origins date back to the times when people used to walk long distances as pilgrims. In fact, back in the 18th century, the Europeans started to enjoy this activity too, as a way of connecting with nature.
Best Places hiking trails in USA and Canada
| Sr. No. | Name | Distance | Walking Time |
| 1 | Appalachian Trail | 2,190 miles | 165 days |
| 2 | Pacific Crest Trail | 2,650 miles | 160 days |
| 3 | Tahoe Rim Trail | 165 miles | 15 days |
| 4 | Arizona Trail | 800 miles | 128 days |
| 5 | Great Divide Trail | 746 miles | 56 days |
List of 10 Best hiking gear items for your next adventure
1. Shoes
The least that is expected from hiking shoes is to last the entire journey (yes, the standards are that low). However, in the best hiking shoes, you won’t even notice the fact that you have walked miles. Like they say, ‘Good shoes take you to good places. When you look for hiking shoes, make sure you take the ones that are meant for train running. Also, check the souls of the shoes. you would want the ones that have a nice cushion for your ankles and toes. The ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQE Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes have rubber soles and balanced cushioning for maximum comfort and efficiency.
2. Backpack
The most important backpacking gear is the backpack itself because the rest of your gear goes in it. Naturally, you won’t want an item as important as this to bail on you when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, it is important to choose a light yet durable pack that can carry all of your stuff and still stay gentle on your back. The Aveler 36L Unisex Lightweight Nylon High-Performance Backpack is made of waterproof, breathable material, so you can avoid unnecessary discomfort and concentrate on your journey.
3. GPS device
If you are looking for the best hiking gear for beginners, you should know that GPS is probably the first thing you should keep in your pocket. In fact, even for people who have hiked the same trail their entire life, GPS is a necessity. You see, nothing is worth getting lost, even if you’re a pro. To prevent aimless wandering, your GPS has to be strong enough to function in the wildest of woods and chilliest of the mountains. The Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator has a sunlight-readable colour display and Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems so that you can locate yourself even in the harshest of the weather.
4. Water filter
A water filter is one of the hiking gear essentials that you should absolutely have no matter what. It is not always possible to find freshwater everywhere. Sometimes, you will even have to filter out not-so-healthy-looking water. Although this is usually not the case, keeping a water filter will just increase your chances of having a hassle-free hike. The FS-TFC Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filter provides you with precise filtration up to 0.0001 microns. If gets rid of 99.99% of harmful organic substances. Once you put your water-purification tablet in your filtered water, you will be all set with clean and healthy water.
5. ToolBox
The best hiking gear for survival in rough situations is actually the toolbox because you can use it for many many things. When you gather your toolbox, make sure to check for items that you already have. For example, many toolboxes come with a compass or a flashlight and if you have them already, choose the ones that are the most durable. The BeyJoy Heavy Outdoor Survival Tool box comes with axes, hammers, knives, batteries etc. All of the tools are packed in a lightweight case that can go to the bottom of your back or in the trunk of your car.
You will find all types of stuff in your local camping stores. Despite all the shine and comfort, you might imagine while seeing that stuff, you will have to pack the absolute minimum. Following are a few important hiking gear items that can aid your discomfort.
6. Cool Net
The BUFF Adult CoolNet is made specifically for high temperatures. You can wear it on your head, or use it as a mask for your face and neck. Interestingly, the product is made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can stay cool without harming our dear mother nature.
7. Pedometer/Calorie Tracker
If you are in it for fitness, Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct has every little thing you need. In fact, along with a heart rate monitor, this watch also has an in-built compass and GPS!
8. Energy Bars
Depending on your lifestyle, you will require a particular amount of energy to keep going on your trail. However, it is advised to not snack on just anything you find. In a hike, you walk almost all day, so your stomach needs to remain light, yet fulfilled. Energy bars are godsent during these situations. You can even have them on the go! CLIF BARS with 1 Shot of Espresso will give you an instant boost of energy. Especially for the evenings when the exertion of the day catches up.
9. Icebreaker
Hikes can get extremely hot as well as extremely cold. If you are planning to hike for a longer duration, you are bound to encounter a snowstorm. In order to protect yourself from catching cold, (or a frostbite, in the worst case scenario), you need to wear something thermal beneath your shirts and jackets. Icebreaker Merino Men’s 175 Everyday Short Sleeve Crewe Top is perfect for this, since it has a quick-drying technology. So, you can where it through-out your hike.
10. Insect Repellent
If you want your hike to be a little extra comfortable, you must keep an insect repellent or a bug-spray in your pocket at all times. Usually, insects never attack when you are on the move, however, you have the risk of getting a bugbite in your tent or your sleeping bag. To prevent that, Repel 100 Insect Repellent Pump Spray should absolutely be with you. It provides you 10 long hours of protection against all types of mosquitoes and most of the bugs out there.
FAQs
What is the most essential hiking gear?
The essentials for hiking usually vary from person to person, however, each and every person requires a) Good Hiking Shoes b) A durable backpack, and c) A water bottle. The list of essentials is endless, however, hiking is impossible without these 3 items.
What should you not take on a hike?
As a rule of thumb, don’t take anything you can live without. Not metaphorically, but literally. For example, you have no use of that fancy jacket or that beautiful ring on your hike. Your backpack should remain as weightless as possible. Moreover, hiking is about letting go of your materialistic self and connecting with what’s permanent ie., nature.
What should you wear during your hike?
You will need to adapt a lot during your hikes and your favourite t-shirt alone might not be enough. So, even though you should wear your most comfortable clothes, make sure to wear something that can protect your skin from elements. A comfortable running jack might come in handy.
