Hiking
Hiking packing list! What do I need?
What we need and don't need for hiking
What does the ideal hiking packing list look like?
For many people, hiking means being one with nature, just relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. For this sensation of freedom, it may not even make such a difference whether you’re going on a mountain hut hike in the Alps or simply a weekend trip on local hiking trails. You’ll generally feel a high wherever you go. But before each hike, you’ll ask yourself the same question: what needs to be part of the appropriate hiking equipment? We have created three different overviews on the subject of packing lists for hiking, depending on whether you only want to take what is essential, everything important, or more than enough. Beforehand, we need to clarify what hiking is or can be.
What is hiking? In order to work out appropriate and important hiking equipment, it’s essential to define (for yourself) all the things hiking may entail. You can then adapt what hiking equipment you need personally. If you’re going on a multi-day mountain hut trip, you’ll need different equipment than when hiking through a nearby nature reserve for three hours. Of course, there are some items all types of hikes have in common.
- Hiking means being active in nature
- Hiking is (primarily) a physical activity with the associated exertions
- Hiking requires basic knowledge of navigation and equipment
- Hiking demands caution, confidence, and an awareness of both nature and yourself
In order to create the perfect hiking packing list, the differences between various types of hikes are important. This can essentially be answered using our four W-questions:
- How long: duration and length of the hike
- Where: level of infrastructure of the environment
- How fast: speed, intensity, and surface properties
- Why: motivation (exercise, experiencing nature, training)
The individual hiking subcategories of trekking, speed hiking, mountaineering, and mountain hut hiking have a lot in common but there are also numerous differentiating factors. And it’s primarily these differences that the specific hiking equipment is based on. When going up a local mountain, for example, you’ll need much less equipment than for a trip around the Andes that lasts several days. For this reason, we didn’t just create one hiking equipment list but three to give you a good idea of what you may need. In the “Must-have” packing list for hiking, we have included the absolute basics that you should never forget. Depending on the situation and destination, you can supplement your personal “Packing list hiking equipment” using the “Nice-to-have” and “Have-a-nice-day” packing lists.
When it comes to hiking equipment, the motto needs to be: “less is more” rather than “the more the better”. But you must make sure you only cut out things that don’t affect safety. Concerning safety, err on the side of caution according to the saying: “Better to have than to wish you had”. Not enough supplies or protection against the weather are never a good idea when it comes to hiking equipment. It’s worth creating your own optimized packing list for hiking so you can adjust it to your personal requirements as well as preferences and keep using it time after time.
Must-have packing list for hikingn
The most important things for your hiking tour
–> Bauerfeind Sports hiking equipment:
- Outdoor Knee Support
- Outdoor Ankle Support
- Outdoor Merino Compression Socks / Outdoor Merino Mid Cut Socks
–> Clothing:
- Backpack (that offers sufficient space as well as comfort, and is waterproof)
- Sturdy footwear (hiking boots or trail running shoes)
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable clothing (short and/or long, depending on the temperature)
–> Sun protection:
- Sunscreen
- Multifunctional bandana
–> Nutrition, safety, and navigation:
- First aid kit
- Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1.5 liters)
- Muesli bar or energy bar, nuts (food that provides a lot of energy)
- Tissues
- Navigation equipment (hiking map, GPS device or offline maps on a smartphone)
- Smartphone with a charged battery
Nice to have packing list for hiking
Hiking equipment to be well equipped
- Sunglasses
- Compass
- Hat or cap
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Hiking poles
- Power bank with multi-charging cable
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Water filter or water treatment tablets
- Inner sleeping bag
- Hygiene products
Have a nice day hiking packing list
The full load of hiking equipment
- Trekking gas stove
- Saucepan, cutlery, and coffee percolator
- Outdoor food or trekking food
- Camera
- Towel
- Head torch
- Binoculars
- Playing cards
Packing lists for hiking – summary
The perfect packing list for hiking depends on various factors. They include geographical aspects, intensity, and your motivation behind the hike. But there is certain basic equipment you will need during most hikes. It includes all essential items. It’s worth saving your own overview on your phone, perhaps with the name “Packing list for hiking” so it’s handy, and you can keep going back to it.