Hiking GearHaving the right hiking gear can make your next backpacking trip a lot more enjoyable. As you lay out your stuff for your next adventure, be sure to pack light for the hike. Depending on the climate, weather, and terrain you’re likely to encounter review the items below. Whether you’re going out for one day or hiking for many weeks, there’s something below for everyone. A tent is one of the essential pieces of hiking gear for that overnight trip, and it’s usually the piece of gear with the widest variety of weights. The tents below range from an individual tent to one that can accommodate multiple adults. Be conscious of the weight and size of the tent, as this can take valuable pack weight and space. Look also for tents that are easy to set-up and have light weight and durable materials.
Sleeping after a long day of hiking is usually pretty easy, but you want to make sure that you have the right sleeping bag. You may also want to evaluate the option of packing a sleeping pad, as well. These can be light weight rolls and add some cushion to the rocky ground. If the temperatures are usually above freezing on your hikes, opt for a sleeping bag rated as such. This can save you some weight in your pack for other hiking gear.
There are many options, styles, and layouts of backpacks. You want one large enough to hold all of your hiking gear, but not so big that you can load 100 pounds of stuff in it! From internal frame, external frame, to soft packs with external add-on capability, there are many packs below to match your need. I personally like the larger CamelBak packs and have used them extensively for many long outings. It’s also nice having a pack that can hold a water bladder internally (100 ounce). You may also want to look into a pack cover to keep your hiking gear dry on those inclement weather days.
Walking poles are a handy piece of hiking gear and can greatly enhance your balance and footing on some of the rockier trails. Having a heavy pack on your shoulders raises your center of gravity and the likelihood that a small rock or root can send you to the ground. Hiking poles and walking sticks are nice to have for the long hauls.
The ability to boil water and cook food use to come at the price of a heavy camping stove. There are now plenty of light weight stoves at a reasonable price that will easily and quickly boil a pot of water. A small mess kit and stove give you plenty of options for cooking food, boiling water, and even making that morning cup of coffee.
Food is the part of your hiking gear that you must constantly replenish. The dehydrated meals below are actually pretty tasty. I really like the Mountain House meals. You simply add boiling water to the dehydrated meal in the enclosed bag and clip it closed. In just minutes you have a delicious hot meal. They’re light weight and taste a lot better than the ready-to-eat meals from years ago…try them out.
As you make up your packing list for your hike, take a look at the stuff below to see what you’re missing. Do you need a light? Multi-tool? First aid kit? Carabineer? Don’t over pack, but be sure to include the items that will make your trip more enjoyable and safe. Having the right hiking gear for you and your group can help minimize the dangers and maximize the adventure!
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