Hiking Essentials for Beginners
Carrying the right hiking essentials will help you have a safe and fun hiking experience. If you're a beginner, hiking doesn't have to be scary or intimidating. You can find hikes for all abilities, accessibility, and difficulty levels with beginner-friendly trails. If you’re thinking, okay sold! But what hiking gear do I need? You’ve come to the right place. Our guide includes all the hiking essentials you need to get started, so you’ll be enjoying your jaunts in nature in no time.
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Hiking Essentials Before You Get Started
The first thing you're going to need is a supportive group of hiking buddies. Sure, not exactly hiking gear but they will make the experience ten times better. Especially when you're starting out with hiking, it's nice to have some seasoned hikers on your side helping you out. They will know the best trails and fun routes, and it's amazing to experience nature with other people. If you don't know anyone who enjoys hiking, why not look into a hiking group in your area?
Before hiking, it's important to research the condition of the trails, and ensure that they are open and safe and that the weather forecast is clear. This is especially important in springtime because after the winter months, the trails can be damaged or unsafe for use. Check out our Hiking Tips for Beginners for more details on preparing for your first hiking excursions.
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Navigation Tools
Before you embark on a hike, you'll need navigation tools like a compass, GPS device, and map. One of the hiking essentials for getting started is a trail map, which you can usually get online from the park website. Either print your trail route or download the trail map to your phone, to anticipate what's to come and avoid getting lost.
Your smartphone can be a multi-tool and display downloaded trail maps or pick up local GPS signals for live map updates. You can use your smartphone to navigate on the trail if you're in an area with a good GPS signal.
People who know how to use compasses can also bring a compass for backup navigation assistance. Also, follow the trail signs on your hike. Sometimes, after a long winter or wind storm, signs can fall or be moved so it's good to double-check your trail for the correct turning points so you know you are on track.
Choose Beginner-Friendly Hikes
One of the biggest errors that beginners make is thinking they can do more than is possible. To avoid this, choose a suitable hike that doesn't include a ton of climbing. Starting with a hike of around 5 miles with a minimal incline is best, as it will take training and time to get yourself to a place where you can comfortably conquer a longer hike.
If you’re completely new to hiking, you can follow a training plan that allows you to build your endurance gradually.
Hiking Gear for Beginners
When it comes to gear, there is no need to go out breaking the bank! You can enjoy the great outdoors without spending a ton of money on hiking essentials. The following items will help you prepare for the trails:
Hiking Backpack
Choose a comfortable backpack to carry your hiking essentials. There is no specific type that you need, just one that fits well and is supportive of your back. If you want to get a roomy bag, a 20L to 40L pack should fit everything that you need for a day hike.
Food and Hydration
Pack high-protein snacks (like these delicious high-protein cookies!), or a full lunch if it's a long hike, a water bottle, and a couple of extra layers to prepare for weather changes on the trail. Extra food is also helpful in case you end up out on the trails for longer than expected.
Spare Clothing
A light jacket is useful to bring in your bag in case you get wet or cold on your day hike. Lightweight hiking pants can keep you warm and dry on the trails. An extra pair of merino wool socks can come in handy during cold weather hikes. Also pack a spare long- or short-sleeve shirt that suits the weather in case your primary shirt gets wet.
For a comfortable long-sleeve hiking shirt, check out this men’s hiking shirt and women’s hiking shirt with SPF protection.
Sunscreen
Make sure you bring sun protection in the form of a waterproof sunscreen, especially in warm weather. Sunburn causes dehydration and can lead to a lot of discomfort (and longterm health issues), so prevent burns with a good sunscreen. We recommend Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen or Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen.
First Aid Kit and Emergency Supplies
You will also want to throw in a small first aid kit, just in case. You may also want to pack a pocket knife (I love my Swiss Army knife), flashlight (like this waterproof LED flashlight), and extra batteries for emergencies. A firestarter and emergency space blanket are also crucial emergency gear that can be especially useful in cold weather.
An emergency shelter is also essential if you'll be hiking in remote areas or for long periods. These shelters are extremely lightweight and can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. Some people also bring a water filter for filtering local water, but if you are doing a short day hike in a well-populated area, you generally won't need one.
Bug Repellent
If you are hiking somewhere with ticks and other bugs, it's always a good measure to throw in some insect repellent, too.
Trash Bag
Many trails do not have trash bins so packing a trash bag for your food wrappers, etc, can help you leave no trace and ensure the trails stay beautiful for many hikes to come.
What to Wear Hiking
Hiking Boots or Shoes
If you are hiking a paved, flat trail, you can comfortably tackle the hike in trail running shoes or hiking sneakers (like Merrell Moab Women’s Hiking Shoes). However, if you're braving a steeper and more technical trail, you will want to get a pair of hiking boots so that your ankles and feet are adequately supported. We love Sorel hiking boots for warm, waterproof, comfortable options.
Wool Socks
Wear synthetic wool or wool blend socks. This is one hot tip that is often overlooked. Blisters are possibly the worst things in the world while hiking, so to avoid getting them, opt for hiking socks to keep your feet dry and blister free. Merino wool is a natural, moisture-wicking and warm material that is a popular choice for hiking socks.
Layered Clothing
You will tend to sweat, cool off, then sweat and cool off again throughout your journey. Moisture-wicking layers will help combat this. Ditch the cotton and choose polyester, nylon or merino wool base layers to stay as dry as possible on your hikes. If you are hiking in cold temperatures, a fleece hoodie or jacket under your winter coat will give you an extra layer of warmth.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Sunscreen
Lather on SPF before, during, and heck, ever after your hike. You can never be too safe with sun protection.
Hiking With Dogs
One thing about us at Runstreet…we’re going to always include your four-legged friends! Because dogs are some of the best hiking partners and are family members, too. For their first hike, ensure you triple-check that your canine companion is fit enough to tackle the day. You should avoid hiking with puppies and older dogs for safety reasons. If yes, then check the trail you are heading to is dog friendly. Unfortunately, the majority of U.S. national parks do not allow dogs to share the trail, but there are plenty of national forests and state and local parks that welcome pups. Always, always bring your leash though.
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Some hiking essentials for your dog include:
A collapsible water bowl so they can have their water on the go and kibbles/food for them to obtain more energy for the duration of the walk. Treats are always a good idea to help keep your dog motivated and on track. To save your back for your items, opt for a sweet puppy backpack so your dog can carry her own supplies!
Poop bags, poop bags, poop bags! It's courteous to always leave the trail as you found it, and this includes being dog poop-free.
A Fi GPS Smart Collar is a game-changer for active dogs. Runstreet founder Marnie uses a Fi collar for her Akita and they’re able to enjoy hikes, travels, and urban adventures around the world with peace of mind. A Fi collar uses GPS technology to keep track of your dog’s location and also gives you their daily step count. The daily step count is helpful for seeing how far your dog hikes and enables you to build their endurance gradually. The GPS function helps you track your dog if they get lost.
Healthy dog treats for trail snacks. Your dog may get hungry hiking just like you, so bring some healthy treats to keep your pup satiated on the go. We like to give our Runstreet mascot Kiyoshi healthy treats with few additives, like Freeze-Dried Liver.
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Enjoy Nature, One Step At A Time
When you're a beginner, assembling your hiking essentials may seem overwhelming but hopefully our list makes it simpler. When it comes to hiking gear, consider your environment and what issues could arise to best prepare yourself with the tools you need. Many emergency items for hikers are lightweight and easy to pack, and you'll be glad you have them if a critical situation arises.
Do you know that age-old saying, slow and steady wins the race? Nothing could be truer when getting started with hiking. It can be tricky to navigate the trails if it's new to you so be gentle on your mind and embrace what is around you while you watch your step.
Take plenty of breaks, enjoy a laugh with your hiking friends, snap pictures to commemorate the day, and enjoy filling your lungs with fresh, mountain air. Always remember to treat Mother Nature with respect and pack up everything you bring!
Which trail do you dream of conquering? Do you live in an urban area? Check out our Guide to Urban Hiking for ways to enjoy the outdoors in your city.
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Marissa Del Mistro is a writer, editor, and always on the hunt for the perfect workout. Marissa absolutely loves trail running, dancing, and cycling. When she’s not writing, Marissa loves cooking, podcasts, traveling and exploring her home in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
