Hiking Essentials

Planning what to take hiking is important to maximise the enjoyment of your trip. Deciding what is essential and which items are unnecessary weight to carry is not always easy. This guide will help you plan what to take on your hike, exploring clothing, food, first aid and other equipment. 

What to take on a hike

Essentials to take on a hike can be categorised into navigation, insulation, protection and nutrition. An original 'ten essentials' list for outdoor adventures was produced in the 1930s. Beginners and experienced hikers can still use the same categories to prepare. Carefully planning your equipment will ensure you enjoy the hike.

When planning a hike, it’s essential to be well prepared. With the confidence that you’ve got everything you need, you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Aim for a balance of functionality and flexibility - you don’t want to be slowed down by carrying unnecessary equipment. Use this checklist to prepare:

• Navigation - Don’t forget a paper backup if your GPS signal dies or your battery runs out.

• Insulation - Take extra layers in case the temperature drops and bring a waterproof jacket.

• Nutrition - Ensure you have plenty of food and water. Read on for more on the best food to take hiking and camping.

• Protection - Bring a first aid kit, along with sunglasses and sunscreen to protect from UV rays. Also, consider the potential need for shelter. An emergency bivvy bag could be a lifesaver.

The original 1930s ‘ten essentials’ list, produced by the Seattle-based Mountaineers, also included a headlamp or flashlight, fire starter, matches and a knife. The aim is to be prepared for any emergency situations that may occur.

When planning your equipment list, think about your specific trip. The length and difficulty of the journey should be taken into account. The further you are travelling from the nearest town, the more precautions you should take. If you are hiking on your own, always let someone else know your route and when you expect to return.

Hiking first aid kit essentials

Essentials for your hiking first aid kit include antiseptic wipes, bandages and painkillers. Think through your planned trip carefully to identify specific hazards. Prevention is better than cure, so research your route and make sensible decisions out there. Aim for a balance of being prepared and travelling light. 

Accidents will happen when you’re hiking, so carry a first aid kit that can deal with minor injuries. As a minimum, include the following:

• Antiseptic wipes

• Assorted bandages and plasters

• Medical tape

• Tweezers

• Antibacterial ointment

• Multi-tool or scissors

• Painkillers

Pre-packed kits are widely available, but check the list of contents to make sure you’ve got what you need. It’s a good idea to expand your selection for more demanding excursions, overnight stays, or larger groups of people. Other items to include in a comprehensive kit include:

• Eye wash 

• Foil blanket

• Butterfly/wound closure strips

• Safety pins

• Antihistamine for allergic reactions

• Gauze

• Feminine hygiene products

A first aid kit is a piece of equipment you hope you’ll never have to use, but making sure you’re prepared means you can head out with confidence.

Best food to take hiking

The best foods for hiking are dense in nutrients and provide long-lasting energy. Dried fruits and vegetables, granola bars and nuts will keep you going without weighing you down. Carry plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Plan your food and drink based on the length and difficulty of your trip.

When it comes to hiking equipment, food is often an afterthought. However, like the rest of your gear, planning in advance will help the trip go smoothly. Engaging in physical activity outside requires more energy than usual so take that into account. Consider the length of the trip, the weather and how you will carry the food.

Adequate hydration is essential, so think ahead. Pre-hydrate by drinking water before setting off and aim for about half a litre of water for every hour of hiking. Water bottles can be heavy so consider how they will fit in your bag. If you’re camping and intending to use water from streams, boil before use to kill harmful bacteria.

You can carry perishable foods for day hiking but use an ice pack if you need to keep things cool. Ideal backpacking foods are non-perishable and lightweight but still pack a lot of energy. 

Avoid overly sugary foods, which will give you a short boost before a crash. Complex carbohydrates and fats will provide a slower release of energy over a longer time. Granola, cereal or energy bars are ideal, along with dried foods, like trail mix, and nut butters.

For longer camping trips, pack easy-to-carry, non-perishable items. If you can cook using a camping stove or fire, consider dehydrated foods that only need the addition of boiled water to make decent backpacking meals. For campsite cooking, don’t forget utensils, pans and a tin opener!

What to wear hiking

When considering clothing to wear for hiking, aim for versatile garments to cope with changes in conditions. Wear lightweight layers with a waterproof jacket to be prepared for anything. Well-fitted walking boots will enhance grip and provide ankle support. A comfortable backpack will help you carry everything you need.

Plan to be flexible around the weather. Well-chosen layers help you adapt to changing conditions on your hike. A good base layer is lightweight and made from a breathable fabric that will wick sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which will absorb sweat and become heavy.

Fleece jackets work well as mid-layers when the goal is to trap heat close to the body when temperatures start to drop while still maintaining good ventilation. Check out our guide on the benefits of fleece. Pack a waterproof outer layer, light enough to keep in your bag if it’s dry, but close at hand if it starts to rain.

The North Face Men’s Evolve II Triclimate Jacket combines a waterproof, windproof and breathable shell with a hardwearing inner fleece. Wear either part separately or combined to allow maximum versatility on your hike.

Take time to choose a pair of walking boots that fits you well, and try them out on shorter walks before longer hikes to avoid blisters. Choose a sole that provides traction on various surfaces and a boot that supports your ankle on uneven ground. For day trips, stay light with a breathable upper fabric. 

Socks add another level of cushioning. Merino wool socks are comfortable, dry quickly and neutralise odours.

A little bit of forward planning can make a huge difference to your hiking or camping trip. When you’ve chosen your essentials, you’ll need something to carry them in. Our guide to choosing an ideal bag or backpack will help you out.