Walk into any outdoor gear store and you'll be overwhelmed. Hundreds of products, all claiming to be "essential." Sales reps pushing the latest technology. Price tags that make your eyes water.
Here's the truth: You don't need most of it.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise to tell you exactly what gear you actually need, what's nice to have, and what's a waste of money. Whether you're starting your hiking journey or upgrading worn-out equipment, we'll help you spend wisely and hike comfortably.
The Absolute Essentials: Don't Hit the Trail Without These
1. Hiking Footwear
Your feet carry you mile after mile. Invest here first.
Options:
Trail Runners ($120-180)
- Best for: Day hikes, maintained trails, fast hiking
- Pros: Lightweight, breathable, comfortable immediately, better for stream crossings
- Cons: Less ankle support, wear out faster, less waterproof
- Top picks: Salomon Speedcross, Hoka Speedgoat, La Sportiva Bushido
Hiking Boots ($150-300)
- Best for: Rough terrain, heavy packs, ankle support needs
- Pros: Ankle support, durability, protection, better in snow
- Cons: Heavier, longer break-in period, less breathable
- Top picks: Salomon X Ultra 4, Merrell Moab 3, Lowa Renegade GTX
Backpacking Boots ($200-400)
- Best for: Multiday trips, heavy loads (30+ lbs), rugged terrain
- Pros: Maximum support, very durable, best for heavy packs
- Cons: Heavy, expensive, serious break-in required
- Top picks: Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, Asolo TPS 520, Zamberlan Vioz
Fit Tips:
- Shop in afternoon when feet are slightly swollen
- Wear hiking socks when trying on
- Should have thumb-width space at toe when standing
- No heel slip when walking downhill
- Break in boots on short hikes before big adventures
What to Skip:
❌ Cheap boots under $100: They'll fall apart and give you blisters
❌ Fashion hiking boots: Style over function = painful feet
❌ Heavy leather boots for day hiking: Overkill unless carrying heavy loads
2. Socks: More Important Than You Think
Good socks prevent blisters and keep feet comfortable. Don't skimp here.
What to Buy:
Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks ($15-25/pair)
- Material: Merino wool or synthetic (Coolmax, polyester)
- Never cotton: "Cotton kills" - stays wet, causes blisters
- Thickness: Medium for most conditions, lightweight for summer, heavyweight for winter
- Height: Crew length prevents debris from getting in boots
Top brands: Darn Tough, Smartwool, Farm to Feet, REI Co-op
Pro Tips:
- Bring an extra pair on long hikes
- Change socks at lunch on all-day hikes
- Wool socks work even when wet
- Buy socks with lifetime warranty (Darn Tough)
Liner Socks (Optional but Recommended):
Thin synthetic liner worn under hiking sock:
- Reduces friction (blister prevention)
- Wicks moisture away from skin
- Costs $8-15 but worth it
3. Backpack Selection Guide
Day Hiking (20-35 Liters)
What you need:
- 20-25L for short hikes (under 4 hours)
- 25-35L for full-day hikes
- Features: hydration compatible, hip belt, chest strap
Budget ($50-80): REI Trail 25, Osprey Daylite, Deuter Speed Lite 21
Mid-range ($80-150): Osprey Talon 22, Gregory Zulu 30, Deuter Trail 28
Premium ($150-250): Arc'teryx Aerios 30, Osprey Stratos 24
Overnight/Weekend (40-55 Liters)
Best for: 1-3 night trips
Top picks: Osprey Atmos/Aura AG 50, Gregory Baltoro/Deva 55, Granite Gear Crown2 60
Multi-Day Expedition (65-80+ Liters)
Best for: Week-long trips, winter camping, group gear
Top picks: Osprey Aether/Ariel Plus, Gregory Baltoro/Deva 75, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Fitting Your Pack:
- Torso length matters more than height
- Hip belt should sit on hip bones, not waist
- Shoulder straps shouldn't dig into shoulders
- Load lifters should be at 45° angle
- Get fitted by expert at outdoor store
What to Skip:
❌ Massive packs for day hiking: Encourages overpacking
❌ Frameless packs over 15 lbs: Need internal frame for comfort
❌ Fashion backpacks for serious hiking: No hip belt = shoulder pain
4. Clothing: The Layering System
Forget cotton. Master the three-layer system.
Layer 1: Base Layer (Next to Skin)
Purpose: Wick moisture away from skin
- Material: Merino wool or synthetic (NOT COTTON)
- Weight: Lightweight for summer, midweight for spring/fall, heavyweight for winter
- Cost: $30-80 per piece
What to buy:
- Long-sleeve shirt (sun protection + versatility)
- Leggings or long underwear for cold weather
Brands: Smartwool, Icebreaker, Patagonia Capilene, REI Co-op
Layer 2: Insulation Layer
Purpose: Trap heat
Fleece ($40-120)
- Breathable, dries fast, works when wet
- Lightweight fleece for aerobic activity
- Midweight for cold weather
- Top picks: Patagonia R1, Arc'teryx Delta LT, REI Co-op Trail Fleece
Down Jacket ($150-400)
- Best warmth-to-weight ratio
- Compresses small
- Stops working when wet (get synthetic if wet climate)
- Top picks: Patagonia Down Sweater, Arc'teryx Cerium, REI Co-op 650
Synthetic Insulation ($100-250)
- Works when wet
- Dries faster than down
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- Best for wet climates
Layer 3: Shell Layer (Wind/Rain Protection)
Rain Jacket ($100-500)
- Must have: Waterproof/breathable (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Features: Pit zips (ventilation), adjustable hood, longer back
- Budget: Marmot Precip ($100-130)
- Mid-range: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX ($200-250)
- Premium: Arc'teryx Beta AR ($500+)
Rain Pants ($50-200)
- Side zips for easy on/off over boots
- Full-length for winter, shorts for summer
Hiking Pants/Shorts
Convertible Pants/Zip-offs ($50-100)
- Pants convert to shorts with zippers
- Versatile but heavier
- Good for unpredictable weather
Hiking Pants ($60-140)
- Lightweight, quick-dry synthetic
- Articulated knees for mobility
- DWR (water-repellent) finish
Hiking Shorts ($40-80)
- 7-9 inch inseam most versatile
- Zippered pockets prevent lost items
What to Skip:
❌ Cotton anything: Stays wet, causes hypothermia
❌ Jeans: Heavy when wet, restrict movement
❌ Non-breathable rain gear: You'll be soaked from sweat
5. Navigation & Safety
The 10 Essentials (Covered in Detail)
See our Complete Hiking Safety Guide for full details. Quick summary:
- Navigation: Map, compass, GPS device
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Insulation: Extra layers
- Illumination: Headlamp + extra batteries
- First-aid supplies: Kit with blister treatment
- Fire: Waterproof matches/lighter
- Repair kit: Multi-tool, duct tape
- Nutrition: Extra food
- Hydration: Water + purification
- Emergency shelter: Space blanket
Navigation Gear Specifics
Paper Maps ($10-20)
- USGS topographic maps
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated
- Always bring as GPS backup
Compass ($15-40)
- Baseplate compass with declination adjustment
- Suunto MC-2 or Silva Ranger are gold standards
- Learn to use before you need it
GPS Devices (Optional but Recommended)
- Phone apps (Free-$30): Gaia GPS, AllTrails, CalTopo
- Dedicated GPS ($200-500): Garmin inReach, eTrex, Montana
- Satellite messenger ($300-400 + subscription): Garmin inReach, SPOT - for backcountry emergencies
Headlamp ($20-120)
- Minimum 200 lumens
- Red light mode preserves night vision
- Rechargeable or bring extra batteries
- Budget: Petzl Tikka ($30)
- Premium: Black Diamond Spot 400 ($50), Petzl Actik Core ($70)
6. Hydration Systems
Water Bottles vs. Hydration Bladders
Water Bottles ($10-40)
Pros:
- See how much water you have left
- Easy to refill
- Can use to cook
- Don't fail/leak as often
Top picks:
- Nalgene 32oz ($10-15) - bombproof, wide mouth
- Hydro Flask ($35-45) - insulated, keeps cold 24hrs
- Smart Water bottles ($2-3) - ultralight, fits filters
Hydration Bladders ($25-50)
Pros:
- Drink without stopping
- Weight distributed in pack
- Hands-free hydration
Cons:
- Can't see water level
- Pain to refill
- Harder to clean
- Can leak and soak gear
Top picks: Camelbak Crux, Platypus Big Zip, Osprey Hydraulics
Water Purification
Filters ($30-120)
- Squeeze filters: Sawyer Squeeze ($35), Katadyn BeFree ($45)
- Pump filters: MSR MiniWorks ($100), Katadyn Hiker Pro ($80)
- Gravity filters: Platypus GravityWorks ($140)
Chemical Treatment ($15-30)
- Aquatabs, Potable Aqua, chlorine dioxide tablets
- Lightweight backup option
- Wait time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
UV Purifiers ($100-120)
- SteriPEN Ultra kills 99.9% pathogens in 90 seconds
- Battery-dependent
- Doesn't remove particulates
7. Trekking Poles: Optional but Game-Changing
Why use trekking poles?
- Reduce stress on knees by 25% (studies show)
- Improve balance on rough terrain
- Help with stream crossings
- Can be used to set up tarp shelters
- Reduce fatigue on long hikes
Types:
Telescoping Poles ($30-200)
- Adjustable length
- Heavier but durable
- Budget: Cascade Mountain Tech ($30)
- Premium: Black Diamond Trail Ergo ($150)
Folding Poles ($130-250)
- Ultra-compact
- Fast deployment
- Lighter but less durable
- Best: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Fixed-Length Poles ($100-200)
- Lightest option
- Fewer failure points
- Must fit your height
- Best for running/fastpacking
Features to Look For:
- Cork grips: Most comfortable, absorb sweat
- Foam grips: Good in cold weather
- Carbide tips: Better on rock
- Mud baskets: Prevent sinking in soft ground
- Shock absorption: Nice to have but adds weight
Sizing: With elbow bent 90°, pole should fit in hand comfortably.
8. Cooking & Food (Overnight/Backpacking)
Cooking Systems
Canister Stoves ($30-130)
- Easy to use, adjustable flame
- Lightweight and compact
- Work poorly in cold weather
- Budget: BRS 3000T ($15) - tiny but works
- Mid-range: MSR PocketRocket 2 ($50)
- Integrated: Jetboil Flash ($110) - boils water in 100 seconds
Alcohol Stoves ($10-30)
- Ultralight
- Fuel widely available
- Slower, can't adjust heat
- Best for thru-hikers
What to Cook In:
- Titanium pot ($40-80): Lightest, won't scratch
- Aluminum pot ($20-40): Good heat distribution
- Jetboil integrated systems ($110-200): All-in-one convenience
Food Storage
Bear Canister ($70-90)
- Required in many parks
- Protects food from bears and rodents
- BearVault BV500 most popular
Bear Bag ($20-40)
- Hang food from tree
- Lighter than canister
- Technique matters
Gear for Different Seasons
Summer Add-Ons
- Sun hat: Wide brim for face/neck protection
- Lightweight shirt: Long sleeves for sun protection
- Extra sunscreen: Reapply every 2 hours
- Bug spray: 20-30% DEET or Picaridin
- Bug head net ($10-20): Sanity saver in bug season
Winter Add-Ons
- Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic
- Winter gloves and liner gloves
- Balaclava or warm hat
- Gaiters: Keep snow out of boots
- Microspikes ($60-70): Traction on ice
- Snowshoes ($150-400): For deep snow
- Crampons ($150-250): For steep ice
- Ice axe ($50-200): For mountaineering
Rain/Wet Weather
- Pack cover ($20-40): Or pack liner (garbage bag works)
- Waterproof stuff sacks: For sleeping bag, clothes
- Gaiters: Keep feet dry in wet grass/puddles
- Extra socks: Change into dry pair
Your Gear Checklist by Experience Level
Beginner Day Hiker ($400-600)
- ✅ Trail runners or light boots ($120-180)
- ✅ Wool/synthetic socks ($20-40)
- ✅ 20-25L daypack ($50-100)
- ✅ Synthetic t-shirt and hiking pants ($60-100)
- ✅ Fleece jacket ($40-80)
- ✅ Rain jacket ($100-150)
- ✅ The 10 Essentials ($150-200)
Intermediate/Experienced Hiker ($1,000-1,500)
All of the above, plus:
- ✅ Quality hiking boots ($200-300)
- ✅ Trekking poles ($100-150)
- ✅ Better rain gear ($200-300)
- ✅ Down jacket ($150-250)
- ✅ GPS device or satellite messenger ($300-400)
- ✅ Quality base layers ($100-150)
Backpacker/Overnight Hiker ($1,800-2,500+)
All of the above, plus:
- ✅ 50-65L backpack ($200-400)
- ✅ Sleeping bag ($200-400)
- ✅ Sleeping pad ($100-200)
- ✅ Tent or shelter ($200-500)
- ✅ Cooking system ($50-150)
- ✅ Bear canister or bag ($70-90)
Smart Shopping Tips
- Buy quality footwear first: Everything else can be cheap
- Wait for sales: REI member sales, Black Friday, end of season
- Consider used gear: REI Used Gear, GearTrade, local consignment
- Rent before buying: Try gear on trips before committing
- Buy once, cry once: Quality gear lasts 10+ years
- Join REI Co-op: $30 membership gets you 10% back on purchases
What You DON'T Need
- ❌ Expensive brand names for everything
- ❌ Latest technology gadgets
- ❌ Multiple of the same item
- ❌ Ultralight gear unless you're serious about weight
- ❌ Camping gear for day hiking
- ❌ All the accessories stores try to sell you
Remember: The best gear is the gear that gets you outside. Start with the essentials, learn what works for you, and upgrade over time.
