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Hiking Gear & Equipment
Hiking Boots
Choosing a good pair of boots is probably the most important decision you face as you get outfitted with hiking gear. Since these boots will be your main mode of transportation, you want to make sure they're durable, sturdy, and comfortable. You'll want to first consider the type of hiking you'll be doing. If you plan on doing mostly day hikes on trails or short overnighters, you will probably want to go with a lightweight hiking boot. If you plan on doing some longer backpacking trips on and off-trail, you will want to get a mid-weight hiking boot. If you plan on doing serious mountaineering and/or extended backpacking trips in rough terrain, you will need a mountaineering boot that is up to the task. Pick up a few pairs of high quality hiking socks while you're at it. Your feet will thank you. Shop for hiking boots
Backpacks
Backpacks are another important piece of hiking gear. There are two general types of backpacks: internal frame and external frame. Internal frames offer the advantages of more freedom of movement and agility on the trail. The weight is also more evenly distributed between the hips, shoulders, and back with an internal frame pack--whereas the hips carry most of the load with an external pack. External packs are also cooler to carry, since the entire load isn't carried right against your back. The other main advantage of external packs is that they tend to offer more compartments which make for easier packing (and finding what you need on the trail). External frame packs are also considerably less expensive than internals, so they tend to appeal to beginners and boy scouts. The comfort and versatility of internal frame packs have made them a favorite among most hikers these days, this is especially true of climbers, mountaineers, peak-baggers, skiers, and off-trail hikers covering rough terrain. Shop for backpacks
Tents
When choosing a tent, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Pick a tent that can handle the harshest conditions you might encounter. Four-season tents are roughly 10 to 20 percent heavier than three-season models (typically due to extra poles). Convertible tents allow you to add or omit poles and adjust ventilation as conditions dictate. Freestanding tents (those that can stand without being staked in) are very handy. You can move them easily or lift them to shake out debris. Very lightweight tents are rarely freestanding.
Capacity ratings, assigned by individual manufacturers, sometimes tend to be overly-optimistic. A two-person tent may be a tight squeeze for two large adults and their gear. Use a tarp, ground cloth or footprint to extend the life of a tent's floor. Shop for tents
Sleeping Bags
Match your bag's comfort rating with the coldest nighttime temperatures you expect to encounter—and maybe even exceed that number for little security. Bags using down insulation are lighter than bags using synthetic fill. They also compress into smaller shapes and last longer. Synthetic-fill bags can provide some insulation even when wet, and they dry out fairly quickly. Plus, for the same temperature rating, they cost less than down bags. A bag's shape matters. Mummy-style bags insulate most effectively and are your best choice for colder, high-elevation conditions; rectangular bags give you more room to change sleeping positions but offer more space that your body must heat up. A good sleeping pad is also essential. Your body weight compresses a bag's insulation when you lie on it, so you need a reliable buffer between your sleeping bag and the cold ground. Shop for sleeping bags
GPS Receivers
Another handy piece of high-tech hiking gear is GPS receivers. GPS receivers can tell you exactly where you are anywhere in the world, no matter what the conditions. They work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, almost anywhere. They work in whiteouts, dense fog, even on the ocean when you have no reference points. Perfomance is hampered only by overhead obstacles like dense tree cover, mountains or buildings that can block satellite signals (and some newer models can handle many of these situations too).
GPS receivers can help you figure out where your next campsite is, how far away you are from it, and what direction you need to head to get there. They can also store and recall specific location information, which means they can lead you to places like your secret fishing hole or the hot springs you stumbled upon last winter, even if you've forgotten how to get there. GPS receivers are not replacements for basic map and compass skills. But they can be very helpful navigational aids. Shop for GPS receivers
First Aid Kits
Regardless of whether you're day hiking or undertaking an extended backcountry adventure, you should always equip yourself with a good first-aid kit. Minor scrapes, cuts, a bee sting or a headache can happen anywhere, anytime. It pays to be prepared for whatever could happen. Whether you're choosing a pre-assembled kit or building your own, make sure you carry the supplies that match your trip plans. Think about the number of people participating, your trip’s duration, the potential dangers inherent in your route, the distance you must travel to reach medical assistance. A fully stocked first-aid kit is useless unless you know how to use the supplies inside. Make sure you know basic wilderness first aid before you leave home. If you're a little rusty in your first-aid skills, check with your local community center or hospital and sign up for a first-aid class. Update your skills from time to time so you don't forget important procedures. Shop for first aid kits
Backpacking Stoves
To find the right backpacking stove, focus on two things -- the kinds of trips you want to take and the kinds of meals you want to enjoy. Try to figure out how many people you'll be cooking for (which will affect how big a stove you'll need), what kinds of temperatures you'll be cooking in (which may affect the kinds of fuels you burn) and how complex your meals will be (which will affect how adjustable your stove will have to be). Backpacking stoves come in a variety of sizes -- from lightweight micro-stoves that fit in your pocket to two-burner platforms that barely fit in your trunk. In general, stick with the lightest, most compact model you can find, unless your plans include short trips, big meals and large groups of people. Shop for backpacking stoves
Other Essential Hiking Gear
Maps
Water Bottles
Water Filters
Food
Flashlights
Child Carriers
Day Packs
Watches
Sunglasses
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