Hiking Gear For Beginners: Essentials You Need To Have

Why does it feel like every “hiking gear checklist” is as long as a shopping list? It can feel overwhelming when you’re just looking for the essential hiking gear for beginners, but it just seems like there’s so much you need to prepare.

Over the years, I’ve experienced various terrains, distances, and weather conditions all over the world. Much of that was when I had the budget of a college student who tried to make the bare minimum work. As my budget gear wore down, I invested in higher quality and more versatile equipment that’ll take me from coast to peak for years to come.

It doesn’t take much to get moving outdoors, and some of my favorite memories have been made outside. Hence, I want give you my favorite gear tips and recommendations that can empower you to create these moments too.

In this article, I’ll be sharing the essential hiking gear for beginners, starting from the bare minimum. That way, you can say yes to that hiking event even if it’s your first time.

As you become a weekend hiking enthusiast, you could consider some beginner-friendly gear upgrades to help improve your hiking experience. Finally, if you’re considering bigger adventures, I also share my safety essentials and tips for the ambitious adventurer.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Overview: My favorite hiking gear for beginners

If you’re in a rush, here’s what I currently enjoy using. I also recommend these for your go-to hiking gear as a beginner as they’ll serve you well in many different situations.

Phase 1 – The Bare Minimum: What 3 items do you need for hiking?

Do you need to look or dress a certain way to go hiking? No, but you probably want to avoid certain types of clothing.

When I went on my first hike in California, I remember sweating through my jeans and cotton t-shirt. At the same time, I was wearing a tiny crossbody bag that could hardly fit a large enough water bottle. Needless to say, I was parched at the end of the hike.

We also took a wrong turn and ended up hiking for a bit longer than expected. Thankfully, it was a relatively short hike so the consequences weren’t serious.

If you were to ask me about the 3 most important gear to bring for hiking, these would be my top recommendations for beginners.

1. Hiking day pack

The first thing you need is a hiking day pack. This is important because you’ll need space to fit a spare jacket, snacks, some water, and probably more. For most people, a backpack between 18 to 30 liters will work fine.

I recommend getting a dedicated hiking day pack if your existing backpack gets uncomfortable when carried for longer durations, or if you can’t stand getting sweat on it.

My go-to is either the Gregory Jade 28 or the REI Flash 22 Pack, depending on how long my hike is and whether I want to bring my camera. Merrick uses the Osprey Talon 22 which seems like the outdoor industry’s favorite day pack for men.

If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly hiking day pack, check out more of my recommendations here.

2. Water bottle

A good rule of thumb is to have 0.5 liters of water for every hour of your hike. To be extra safe, I recommend bringing more water than you need in case the hike takes a much longer time. This is especially important in the summer because having enough water helps to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Since most bottles are up to 1 liter in capacity, consider bringing two water bottles along for good measure. It’s better to be safe than sorry right? We always feel a bit lightheaded on the days we decide to be lazy and just share a water bottle.

I’ve always been a big fan of Nalgene bottles because they’re virtually indestructible, and they’re my go-to for shorter hike. For longer hikes of about 4 hours, I use my Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir. It’s a water bladder that carries up to 3 liters.

3. Offline trail map

When you’re starting out as a hiking beginner, your phone serves as a powerful navigation tool. Make sure to download Google Offline Maps for the area, screenshot relevant trail information, or sign up for AllTrails+ to get offline access.

In addition, bring a portable charger since navigating and using the GPS on your phone consumes battery very quickly. We’re currently using MagSafe portable chargers and it’s so liberating to not have to fumble with any cables.

What to wear (you probably already have these)

There’s nothing complicated about what to wear for hiking. If you have workout clothes, you’ll also have suitable hiking clothes.

Bottoms

I recommend choosing full length bottoms to protect your skin from poison ivy and against the rare chance of a snake bite.

My default option is a good old pair of leggings. I’m not sure that it will prevent a snake attack, but I’m happy with how breathable and comfortable it is to hike in them.

Tops

When it comes to choosing a top, avoid sleeveless tops because it makes you prone to sunburns and bag strap abrasions. Wearing quick drying material, such as synthetics, is usually a comfortable choice. This way, you won’t feel weighed down by your sweat-filled clothes.

If you’re hiking in winter, make sure to avoid cotton as much as possible as it retains water very well and won’t dry easily. This could leave you feeling very cold which spells danger as temperatures dip.

Shoes

If you have workout or running shoes, just use those to get started. Sometimes people may recommend buying specialised hiking shoes or boots for the waterproofing, ankle support, extra grip, or lighter weight. However, you don’t necessarily need those if you’re just going on easier hikes.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend wearing your cool all-white sneakers on a hike because it will get dirty really quickly. In addition, if your existing shoe soles are worn out, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of hiking shoes anyway.

Phase 2 – The Weekend Enthusiast: Upgraded hiking gear for beginners

Do you need technical gear to take on your first hike? No, but having cool gear is a great motivation to pursue hiking as a hobby.

Now that you’re starting to get the hang of it and are interested in going out for more hikes, let’s look into some gear upgrades.

Getting higher quality gear can help you to feel more confident about going out more, and even better if it’s a versatile item that can help take you on more types of adventures.

Here’s a more comprehensive list beyond the bare minimum essentials.

4. Shoes and socks

When I first started hiking, I came across the Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof hiking boots and really liked the way it looked. Overall, I like that it didn’t require me to break into the shoes and keeps water out up to a decent extent. We can talk about upgrading them later – but I think you’ll like these shoes too.

I also wrote an article about the best hiking boots for women because our physical needs and comfort levels are different.

Aside from your choice of shoes, longer wool socks are the gold standard in the hiking world. Not only are they able to keep you feeling dry, they will also be stink-free and comfortable for longer.

You could get a pack of wool socks from Amazon or a pair of Darn Tough socks. Whatever you choose, avoid wearing ankle cotton socks because it may cause a painful blister. Take note of this especially if you’re taking your new shoes out for a hike.

5. Clothing (Base and mid layers)

When it comes to hiking clothes, it’s better to think of it in layers rather than try to look for a single all-in-one item. That’s because you will have more ways to pair the layers together, with the option to take on or remove layers depending on how you feel on your hike.

Base layer

The base layer should be a sweat-wicking material, though you don’t necessarily need merino wool layer if you’re hiking in California during summer. The best option is polyester – or your regular workout clothes.

You might have heard that “cotton kills”, especially during winter and shoulder season, when being wet and cold is a recipe for disaster. Even in summer, you could still feel cold when the wind blows against your sweat-soaked cotton shirt.

Besides that, vanity could be another reason not to wear cotton. There was once I couldn’t get a decent photo because of the stubborn sweat stains on my cotton shirt that took ages to go away.

Ladies – these are relevant for picking out underwear and sports bras too.

Mid layer

The mid layer provides insulation which is very handy when you’re resting during your hike. This should be something slim fitting rather than baggy (although that’s the fashion these days). That way, it actually does the job of keeping you warm.

My very first mid layer is the one I’m still using after several years – a budget-friendly Columbia fleece jacket. It repels water in light rain, and is super versatile even for everyday use. I even wear it when I’m walking to the gym on cold days.

Fleece is relatively cheap compared to a thin down jacket like the Arcteryx Atom LT or the Patagonia Nano-puff, so it’s a really good hiking gear option for beginners.

We can go even warmer to a puffy jacket like the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody for shoulder season hiking, but if summer is mostly what you’re planning for, we can leave this for next time.

6. Rain jacket

As a hiking beginner, I made the mistake of thinking that water resistant means waterproof when it comes to rain jackets. That got me soaked through on my spring hike in Point Reyes a few years back.

Thankfully I had a spare poncho, but it would have been much more enjoyable if my jacket was actually able to withstand the continuous rain.

Do consider the season and weather you will be hiking in, and get a rain jacket that might be the most useful for you. It’s okay to be a fair weather hiker, and there’s nothing wrong with rescheduling a hike if it’s forecast to rain.

Although a rain jacket might be “optional” for most people hiking in California, it’s still nice to have as a windbreaker. For example, I find that rain jackets are useful for windy coastal walks.

The Marmot Precip was my first rain jacket as it was very affordable. However, I probably did not store it well so the inner lining started to crumble. After that, I bought the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and I love using it during the rainy winter months even when I’m not hiking.

If you think about its versatility and usefulness even in a regular day, getting hiking gear upgrades even as a beginner actually makes a lot of sense right?

7. Sun protection

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, and perhaps long sleeved sun shirt are some of the common items you can use to protect yourself from the harsh rays.

It’ll also be good to get some UV-blocking lip balm, as lips do tend to dry after prolonged outdoor activities.

If you’re heading out for a longer adventure or you know you’ll be sweating a lot, bring along your sunscreen so that you can reapply it.

8. Trekking poles

Although this won’t be an essential hiking gear for all beginners, I most definitely needed trekking poles when I just started hiking after my knee surgery.

Perhaps you’ve suffered some injury before, or are working on building up leg strength and the confidence that comes with it. In these examples, trekking poles (or hiking poles) are an essential part of your hiking kit as a beginner.

Additional perks of having trekking poles include gaining extra balance. It could also potentially be used to fend off wild animals (like mountain lions) if required. I also find them particularly useful on slippery and muddy trails.

Phase 3 – The Ambitious Adventurer: More safety essentials

Do you really need the 10 essentials for a day hike? Everyone insists on it and I wouldn’t risk your safety by telling you otherwise, but it shouldn’t hinder you from going hiking. As long as you’re taking precautions from the start, we can learn these 10 essentials along the way.

The 10 essentials list is a kind of conventional wisdom and is commonly quoted by organizations that train scouts for backcountry expeditions. You can add or remove items you think you’d need depending on the time of year and your hiking conditions.

You can’t go wrong following the general guidelines set out in these 10 essentials which are meant for emergency preparedness. If you also want to hike during off-season, make sure to invest in appropriate winter hiking gear such as clothing and safety essentials.

Here are some practical safety essentials and gear to consider as a beginner.

9. First aid kit

I’m not a medical expert but I know that bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and other medications will come in handy for addressing minor injuries and emergencies on the trail.

You can easily find a pre-packed first aid kit on Amazon, which gives you peace of mind when heading out for a hike. This also gives you the resources to to help other hikers in your group or anyone you come across.

If you’ve used any of your supplies, make sure to replenish them so that the first aid kit is ready for your next hike.

10. Headlamp

If you’re starting your hike in the afternoon, or are on a longer day hike, unexpected delays or emergencies could have you hiking in low-light conditions. Hence, it’s always a good idea to bring a reliable headlamp or flashlight along. You could also pack spare batteries in a ziplock bag.

Some light will come in handy especially if you’re planning to be on the hike during sunset. Sure, you could use your phone light, but I’d rather you conserve the battery and use it for navigation instead.

11. Satellite Communication

If you’re going alone, consider investing in a satellite communication device or something that can send out an emergency SOS. A popular brand to consider is Garmin with their Inreach Mini 2 which we started trying out in 2024.

Even without an emergency, you could also use the Garmin Inreach Mini 2 to send check-in messages to loved ones to let them know you’re fine.

It might not be the most important thing to get as a beginner, but knowing that you have a way of seeking help can be reassuring for your first few big adventures. Of course, it’s always best to be thoroughly prepared and knowledgeable about the hike if it’s known to be more challenging.

12. Emergency shelter

An emergency shelter keeps you warm and dry even if you need to spend the night out on the trails. It’s not something you ever hope to use, but in case you do, it buys you time between your SOS call and when help arrives.

To be honest, I’ve neglected an emergency shelter for a while because I always thought it would weigh down my pack.

However, there are so many lightweight and compact options that make it almost a no-brainer to bring it along. They’re also called emergency bivvies or space blankets.

13. Repair kit

I’ve never been enthusiastic about fixing things, so bringing a repair kit has always felt weird to me. However, it’s among the 10 essentials because it can help to mitigate inconveniences like your gear breaking – such as your bag strap.

Some duct tape and a multi-tool could serve you in many ways – probably more than you can imagine. Even if you have great faith in your gear, it doesn’t hurt to have a repair kit ready.

14. Fire

If you’re stranded, it can be helpful to have a fire going either for warmth or to get attention. Here are some options for what you can bring to start a fire in case of an emergency:

• Portable butane stove/backpacking stove
• Waterproof matchstick
• Lighter
• Ferro rod

The interesting thing about Ferro rods is that they work well even when wet. You can create sparks to start a fire just by striking it with friction. This is the only fire starting equipment that doesn’t need to be replaced regularly. There might be some learning curve to using a Ferro rod, but at least they last for over 10,000 strikes.

Additional nice-to-have hiking gear for beginners

Here are some nice-to-have items that can improve your hiking experience after you’ve gotten a hang of the essential hiking gear for beginners.

Toilet paper and trash bag

If you’re going on a longer hike and you know there won’t be many toilets around, consider bringing some toilet paper and a trash bag/ziplock bag.

Just to be clear, it is not okay to leave your business on the trail as it is very damaging and irresponsible. When in doubt, refer to the Leave No Trace principles to make the environment better than you found it.

Post-hike recovery items

A bottle of cold water or juice, clean clothes to change into, and a pair of sandals are heaven-sent after a hike. You can gift yourself this special post-hike treat by packing it in advance.

Phone tripod

I started hiking because I wanted to see the beautiful sights and take good photos. A phone tripod is useful for taking your own self-timed shots. This way, you won’t have to bother other people to help you, and you get the exact shots you want.