Hiking is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and requires an extensive gear list. While on a hiking trip, you can encounter life-threatening situations and you need to have the gear necessary to survive. Along with survival gear, you will need the basic gear to get you through day-to-day activities. Using a gear guide will help you determine the gear needed on your individual trip. No equipment list can be used for every hike; a weekend hike in the Grand Canyon will follow a different gear guide than a week long adventure in Denali National Park.
Step 1
Determine your hiking plan. Knowing the basic itinerary for the hiking trip, anticipated duration of the trip and average weather conditions will help to determine the required gear. As you plan your hiking route, check the extended weather forecast and trail conditions for the area.
Step 2
Pack navigational gear, including a map, compass and GPS. Always carry a map in the event you encounter severe weather or other unexpected occurrences that cause you to take a new trail. Maps can be purchased at a state park, national forest office or camping store. A compass can be used to determine declination when used with your map. Avoid using the compass where it can receive field interference that could potentially prevent the compass from working properly. GPS units will have maps and a compass installed into a single unit, but should never take the place of a paper map and handheld compass.
Step 3
Choose a pocket knife. Your knife can come in a variety of styles, but the most efficient hiking knives will serve several functions and reduce the need to carry multiple pieces of equipment. Multi-tools or Swiss Army-style knives will typically include a knife blade, pliers and screwdriver. You can use the additional tools to repair your gear or equipment at the campsite.
Step 4
Remember to bring a first aid kit. Standard first aid kits will include bandages, antiseptic wipes, sting relief, burn cream, cotton balls, sterile pads, gauze, tape and pain relievers. Customize your first aid kit based on the terrain and any anticipated emergency situations. Hiking in an area with rattlesnakes, for example, will require a basic snake kit. Include personal medications for allergies.
Step 5
Plan for food and water for the duration of the trip. You will need at least one quart of water for every two hours of hiking. The water can be carried in a hydration bladder or plastic water bottles. Hydration bladders offer an easy-to-use hydration system where you can drink water while hiking.
Food will provide the nutrients necessary for providing energy on the trail. You can choose from ready-to-eat foods such as peanut butter, energy bars, trail mix, nuts or jerky for a quick snack during the day. Freeze dried meals provide essential nutrients and a significant amount of calories in a hot meal that can be made by adding boiling water.
Step 6
Determine your shelter. Tents are the most common types of shelter used for hiking and come in several styles, including dome-style, "4-season" or lightweight. The time of year and number of people on the hiking trip will help you determine the tent needed for the trip.
Things You'll Need
- Backpack
- Hiking boots
- First aid kit
- Navigational gear (map, compass, GPS unit)
- Pocket knife
- Food and water
- Shelter
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