What hiking gear do I need? Read to find out.

Gear Galore

What hiking gear do I need?  If you are hitting the trail for the first time, this is probably your first question and you are unsure of what you need to take with you.  I am sure you found yourself in the outdoor aisle in a box store staring at the endless array of options or even worse browsing hundreds of items on Amazon wondering what you got yourself into.   Water bottles VS hydration bags, matches VS fire starters, first aid kits that don’t have everything you need, tarps of all sizes, 20 different kinds of rope, dry bag, ditty bag, hiking bag……is your head spinning yet?  I know your wallet is.

Tool of Choice

First up for your hiking gear is a good quality bag.  If you are like me and hate throwing away items that still work, you may find that you have a backpack lying around.  This is a perfect starter bag.  Inspect your bag for holes and any tears, you don’t want your bag falling apart on you.   If you don’t have something lying around or your options are not in good shape, pick up a 15 dollar hiking bag at Walmart.  If you continue your journey, you will upgrade later and will be thankful for having a small hiking bag handy. 

Drink up

The most important item in your bag will be water, I cannot stress this enough no matter the climate in which you live.  Always make sure you have enough water for the adventure you are going to tackle.  It is recommended to drink 1/2 liter for every 1 hour that you hike.  Keep in mind this may be more depending on how strenuous your hike is and how hot it is.  Check out the link for a chart based on miles, elevation, and heat. https://www.azutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Amount-of-water-to-bring-on-a-hike-chart-651×594.jpg

While I am an advocate for using the least amount of plastic as possible, plastic water bottles have a few advantages over a hydration bag.  You can refrigerate some bottles while you freeze others.  They can be packed down small once you finish one off.  If one is damaged, you have not lost all of your water.  On the other hand, the hydration bag is great to save on plastic.  Most hiking bags have an insert specifically for this item.  It is easier to access your water while hiking and you are less likely to drink your water too quickly.  I recommend silicone hydration bags and never plastic.  The plastic are likely to break on you and leave you without water. 

What’s in the Bag?

The rest of the contents in your bag are also important pieces of your hiking gear.  Snacks and food are next in line.  Hiking takes energy and energy requires fuel.  Make sure you enough for your trip and a little extra in case of an emergency.  

Don’t forget to purchase a first aid kit.  You can find first aid kits at most box stores such as Target, Walmart, Bass Pro, etc.  These kits are not necessarily all-inclusive but they will do for a start.  You can piece together your own kit later.  However, right away, I would add to your kit a good pair of tweezers, nail clippers, mini scissors, and travel size spray bottle of peroxide. 

Other items in your bag should include a knife, paracord, set of matches or fire starter (do not rely on lighters), lip balm, compass, whistle, extra set of clothes (make sure that includes extra pair of socks), emergency blanket, snacks, and food. 

Please remember, these are the absolute basics for getting started just to see if you like hiking.   Other items I suggest carrying for safety are a tarp, emergency food such as protein bars, needle (you can pull apart the paracord for thread), trekking pole(s), woodcutter, any medications you take daily, extra water and/or a way to filter your water, sunglasses, hat, sunblock, and battery pack to charge your cell.  If it is cold out, make sure that you have gloves, head covering, and enough layers to keep you warm.  I ALWAYS recommend having a full set of dry clothes to change in to during winter hikes.  This could save your life.  Purchase a water-resistant compression sack to keep these items dry in your hiking bag.

The Lookout

I want to emphasize staying smart and safe.  Think about the possible scenarios you could find yourself in and plan for them.  Even the most seasoned hiker can find themselves in dire circumstances, no one is an exception.  Make sure you have enough water to get you through the entire hike, food for fuel, and the proper contents in your bag.   Be sure to wear a solid pair of trusty sneakers if you do not yet have hiking boots.

Let someone know where you are headed and about what time you plan to return.  Also, let them know of any backup plans in case your first hike is not doable for whatever reason.  Always carry extra water and food in your vehicle.

Know the geographical layout of where you are going and check the weather.  Canyons are inherently risky for flash floods during monsoon season and heavy rains.  If you are headed to a creek, you are more likely than not standing in a canyon of sorts.  Flash floods can come from miles away.  Check the weather 50 miles away from you upstream or at the other end of the canyon.  

The Initiation

Map out your adventure, obtain your basic hiking gear, and head out on the road!

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