I'm new to hiking/backpacking, what is some basic equipment I need to start?

by mountain

3 comments

1 games { 04.22.11 at 10:08 AM }

Welcome to the world of hiking/backpacking

For the first two things, I recommend going to a store that specializes in outdoor equipment to ensure you get the right fit by knowledgeable people (like REI).

First thing you should get are good trail running shoes ($100). Trail running shoes have good grip, have undersole protection to prevent rocks from jabbing into the bottom of your foot, and most important of all…they are light. If you plan to hike a lot in the summer, having light and well ventilated shoes will make hikes much more enjoyable. Trail running shoes can also be used in backpacking if you have less than 25lbs on your back. Alternatively, if you’re budget limited, using normal running shoes is an option on non rocky, flat terrain.

The second thing you should get is a well fitted/ventilated, sub 35L backpack with a slot that can hold hydration reservoir ($60-$140). Make sure you try on the backpack with some weight in it before you purchase it. I’m a big fan of the Gregory Z-series packs for their comfort. I’d buy a 2L-3L hydration reservoir so then I could sip on water while I was hiking, but if you’re just starting out, just buy some 1L widemouth Aquafina bottles.

What to put inside your new backpack?

As a scout, I was taught to always carry the 10 essentials on every hiking trip I went. They are: Pocket Knife, First Aid Kit, Extra Clothing (sweater/jacket), Rain Gear (poncho), Water (already covered), Flashlight (get a light LED headlamp), Trail Food, Fire Starter (a BIC lighter and cottonballs soaked in neosporin can work wonders), Sun Protection (hat/sunglasses/bandanna), Map and Compass. I’d like to include to that list 10ft of rerolled duct tape, a whistle, a signal mirror, and an Emergency bivy (http://www.rei.com/product/750944).

It basically covers the life threatening things you might encounter while hiking – heat exhaustion, hypothermia, being lost, preparing for an unexpected overnight stay, etc.

If you enjoy hiking a lot and want to experience backpacking, I recommend joining another experienced adventurer since they’d probably have "group gear" like a tent/stove/pots/water filter. For personal gear, you’d need to get a larger backpack (b/w 55L-85L = $140-$250), a 20º sleeping bag (The North Face The Cat’s Meow $150 or if you have the money a highly compressible/light down sleeping bag), a sleeping pad (Big Anges Insulated Air Core or Thermorest pads (Neoair, prolite) are pretty popular), and a spork/bowl. Don’t forget the toilet paper either.

2 for the halibut { 04.22.11 at 10:08 AM }

http://www.simplebackpacking.com/support-files/3season-gear-checklist.pdf
This link has a pretty good packing list.

3 Amanda B { 04.22.11 at 10:08 AM }

I would say a backpack that if fitted and comfortable to you. A bedroll/therma rest of some kind to put under your sleeping bag, a sleeping bag, a backpacking stove if you’d like to do any cooking, a water filter, a headlamp, good hiking shoes/boots, a pack cover for rain, lite cooking items (pot/pan/dish combo set) and water bottles. A tent is optional depending on where you are backpacking as you can sometimes use shelters to sleep although it is a courtesy to give first dibs to shelters to those who are thru hiking. For clothing, light/non cotton. You can use iodine tablets or boil your water if you want to forgo the water filter. Matches or lighter for your stove is important. Weight is everything so you would want to keep to lighter/dehydrated food. Stuff for blisters is good. A map of where you are hiking is helpful. That’s probably a good start list.

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