Essential hiking gear

Getting into hiking is one of those hobbies where you can start with surprisingly little gear. You don't need expensive technical equipment or a giant backpack to enjoy your first few trails.

My advice: prioritize safety, weather protection, water, and comfort. Assuming you're starting with day hikes on marked trails, here's what I'd buy besides your boots.

The essential hiking gear checklist

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1. A comfortable daypack

(Essential)

$30–80

A 15–25 liter backpack is plenty for most beginner day hikes. Look for adjustable straps, a comfortable back panel, and room for water, food, a rain jacket, and a small first-aid kit.

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2. Water bottle or hydration bladder

$10–40

Bring enough water for the trail, weather, and your pace. Around 0.5 liters per hour is a rough starting point in moderate conditions, but heat and strenuous climbs can increase your needs. Don't assume streams are safe to drink.

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3. Rain jacket and extra layer

$40–150

Weather can change quickly. Bring a packable rain shell and a warm layer, such as a fleece. Avoid relying on cotton for your main hiking layers, especially in cold or wet weather.

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4. Snacks and lunch

$5–15 per outing

Trail mix, nuts, fruit, sandwiches, or energy bars are easy choices. Bring more food than you expect to need, particularly if you're new to hiking or the route takes longer than planned.

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5. Small first-aid and blister kit

$15–30

Pack adhesive bandages, blister dressings, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and any personal medication. Blisters are common, and dealing with a hot spot early can save your hike.

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6. Navigation

$0–25 to get started

Download an offline trail map before leaving, and bring your phone fully charged. A paper map and compass are useful backups, especially on remote trails. Learn the basics before you need them.

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7. Headlamp, sun protection, and insect repellent

$15–50 combined, depending on choices

A small headlamp is much more useful than relying on your phone flashlight if you get delayed. Add sunscreen, sunglasses, and seasonal insect repellent.

A few small items that are easy to overlook

The National Park Service and REI recommend carrying the following essentials, even when you're hiking for just a day.www.nps.gov+1

• Whistle: for signaling for help.
• Power bank: to keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies.
• Small emergency blanket: lightweight backup if you get stranded.
• Trash bag: pack out everything you bring in.
• Knife or multitool: useful for minor repairs and practical tasks.

What you can skip at first

Trekking poles

Helpful on steep, rocky, or slippery trails, but not essential for easy walks.

GPS watch

Your phone and downloaded maps are usually enough to start.

Expensive technical clothing

Basic moisture-wicking layers and a reliable rain shell will do the job.

Large backpack and camping equipment

Save these for when you want to try overnight backpacking.

What's a reasonable starting budget?

These are rough estimates, not live prices. You may already own several items, and you can save by borrowing gear or shopping secondhand.

One final tip: start with a short, well-marked trail, check the forecast, and tell someone your route and expected return time. Carry more supplies as hikes become longer, more remote, or more challenging.

Let me tailor the gear list to you

One question: What kind of hiking are you planning to do first?

1. What kind of trails?

Easy local trails and nature walks

Hilly or mountainous day hikes

Longer, remote hikes and eventually backpacking

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2. Budget for everything besides boots?

Under $75

$75–150

$150–300

$300+ for quality gear

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3. When will you hike most?

Spring through fall

Winter and cold weather, too

Year-round, including rain and snow

[Build my gear list]

If you already own hiking boots, you’ve got a great start. For a basic hiking kit, I’d focus on safety, weather protection, hydration, and comfort before spending money on specialist gear.

You don’t need expensive ultralight equipment or a huge backpack to get started. For most beginner-friendly day hikes, a small pack and a handful of reliable essentials will do the job.

Your beginner hiking shopping list

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1. A daypack (15–25 liters)

(Buy first)

Holds your water, food, rain jacket, and emergency supplies. Look for comfortable shoulder straps and a water-resistant design.

Budget: $30–$90

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2. Water bottle or hydration reservoir

Carry enough water for your route, weather, and exertion. A good starting point is roughly 0.5 liters per hour in moderate conditions, with extra capacity for delays and heat.

Budget: $10–$35

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3. Waterproof rain jacket

Choose a packable shell that blocks wind and rain. Bring insulating layers too, since temperatures can drop even when a hike starts warm.

Budget: $50–$150

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4. First-aid and blister kit

Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister dressings or moleskin, and any personal medication you need.

Budget: $15–$35

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5. Headlamp

A hands-free light with spare batteries or a full charge. Useful if your hike takes longer than expected.

Budget: $15–$40

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6. Hiking socks

Get one or two pairs of wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks. Carry a spare pair to help manage wet feet and blisters.

Budget: $15–$30 per pair

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7. Sun protection

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a brimmed hat or cap, and SPF lip balm. Add insect repellent when appropriate.

Budget: $20–$45 for the basics

These recommendations follow the core day-hiking guidance from REI and the National Park Service, which emphasize preparedness for injuries, navigation mistakes, changing weather, and unexpected delays.www.rei.com+1

Other essentials to pack

You may already own some of these, so check around the house before buying anything.

• Navigation: phone with offline trail maps; a paper map and compass for backup on unfamiliar routes.
• Food: lunch, trail mix, nuts, or energy bars, plus extra snacks.
• Extra clothing: a warm layer and dry spare socks appropriate to the forecast.
• Emergency supplies: whistle, small emergency blanket, lighter, and a basic repair item.
• Phone power: a charged phone and, for longer hikes, a power bank.
• Hygiene: hand sanitizer, tissues or toilet paper, and a bag for packing out trash.

The full checklist is available in the REI Ten Essentials guide.www.rei.com+1

What should you budget?

For a sensible starter kit, excluding your boots and clothes you already own:

Budget setup

Affordable pack, basic rain shell, water bottle, first aid, light, and socks.

$150–$250

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Mid-range setup

More comfortable pack, better weather protection, and upgraded essentials.

$250–$400

These are planning estimates, not a live shopping cart total. You can spend less if you already own a suitable backpack, clothing, and reusable bottles.

What can wait?

• Trekking poles — helpful on steep, rocky, or slippery trails, but optional.
• GPS watch — your phone and offline maps are enough for many beginner hikes.
• Water filter — worthwhile for hikes where you may need to refill from natural water sources; not usually necessary for a short trail with sufficient carried water.
• Specialized hiking pants, premium ultralight gear, and technical accessories.

For overnight backpacking, you'll need additional equipment such as a shelter, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and cooking setup.

One question to help me narrow this down: What kind of hikes are you planning to do most often?

1. Hiking style

Easy walks, under 2 hours

Day hikes, 2–5 hours

Long day hikes, 5+ hours

Overnight backpacking

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2. Budget for new gear

Under $150

$150–$250

$250–$400

$400+

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3. Main hiking season

Spring through fall

Winter and snow

Year-round

[Build my shopping list]