Your First Five Pieces of Gear
I don't believe in having to spend money to hike. But if you want to start doing more and more intense hikes, there is some stuff you can buy that will make your hikes easier or even just more enjoyable. My boyfriend is not a hiking enthusiast. But I've convinced him to go on more and more difficult hikes by allowing him to use some of my gear. Now he won't hike without it and I'm up a creek without a paddle (a paddle is not one of the items). I will list these in the order I think is most important. I'll try to talk about pros and cons to the gear I have personally, and try to give some criteria I think you should look for when you are bargain hunting. The luxury of truly not "NEEDING" anything, is that you can wait and just buy a quality product when you have the funds. When you buy something that will last, you'll end up saving money in the long run. And truly the most important quality to look for in all of your gear: WATERPROOF. WATERPROOF WATERPROOF. I am providing links to the stuff I use, I don't believe this is the best or cheapest, this is just what I use on my day to day hikes.
1. Hiking Boots
I bought a pair of boots in 2016 and they are in the same condition 4 years later. I spent over $200, but I've hiked thousands of miles and they are just as comfortable as they were when I bought them. I spent about an hour in REI trying on every pair of boots they had. The people at REI know what they're doing. They showed me how to lace them properly and the different tests you should do with boots. They have this downhill replicator that you can walk down to see if your feet are going to slide forward. They had me test the toe of the boot by kicking it against the wall to see if my toe banged up against the front. You may not notice these fit errors in the first mile or so, but by mile 10, you'll be glad you spent the 2 minutes in the store kicking a wall. I have weak ankles from years of breaking and spraining them in gymnastics, so I really wanted a taller boot to help support my ankles. I also wanted a pair with Gore-Tex so that they were waterproof and breathable. SIZING IS SO IMPORTANT. Boots that are too loose will have you sliding around in them and you can crunch your toes and roll your ankles; Too tight and your feet will start hurting mile one. So all in all find a light and waterproof shoe that is right for you, but I would recommend going into a store and not buying them online.
2. Socks
This seems dumb right? Wrong. Not dumb. The wrong boots mixed with the wrong socks will keep you off the trail for weeks. The only thing to heal a blister is time (maybe an ointment or something but still it won't work overnight). I use merino wool socks because they dry quickly and are breathable. Footwear is obviously the most important. But as far as the rest of your clothes go, LAYER LAYER LAYER. I always hike with a light rain jacket in my pack and at least two layers on top. You need to be able to protect yourself from the elements (cold, wet, sun, scratchy bushes). Are zip off hiking pants that dry quickly effing awesome? Yes. But leggings or jeans work fine. If I know the trail is wide and bramble free, I'll wear shorts, but I have definitely gotten scraped by a Yucca or two after making that mistake. AND WEAR A DAMN HAT. But back to socks, make sure they are tall enough for your boot, and aren't too snug and are made of Merino wool or a Merino wool and polyester blend. They'll dry quick and smell less.
3. Hiking Pack
For a day hike, the main thing you want is something that is big enough to carry water and snacks but doesn't cover up your back all the way and make you super sweaty. I like a couple extra pockets for spare water bottles and to throw my phone and sunglasses in. And then a compartment and hole for your water bladder. More on that in a second. I still use my backpack I got before I started hiking. Look for something waterproof with a chest and waist strap. Another thing to look for are gear rings and straps on the outside so you can attach you poles, helmet, ice ax or any other gear you may acquire to the outside of your pack.
3.5 Hydration Bladder
This is that water bag you may have seen with a long straw that goes inside your back pack. Here's the thing, a lot of packs actually come with a bladder already. 2 in 1 baby. So I feel guilty taking up an entire list number on this. but if you already have a backpack that does the trick, and has a hole for the long straw, you can just buy a separate bladder (that's what I did). Hydration packs are key for maximizing the water you are bringing on the hike. I also really love to be able to drink as I walk without having to stop and get my water bottle every 10 minutes.
4. Trekking Poles
Trekking poles can make you feel like you just gained an extra pair of legs. Once you are used to them, you'll feel like you are a mountain goat, traversing up steep hills and over bumps and boulders with ease. They're great for balance and for taking some of the pressure off of your knees on the downhills. The most important thing to look for in trekking poles is for them to be light and somewhat compactable, whether it be fold up or otherwise. Another aspect that was important to me was the comfort of the handles. I went with semi cushioned ones, the cork and plastic ones were just not as comfortable in my hands. But this is all preference. Poles can range anywhere from $25-$200. Again, I recommend going into a store and trying a few out to see what you find to be the most comfortable.
5. Headlamp
Planning a sunrise hike? Start a late afternoon hike that you just didn't finish in time? Phone dead? You can get a head lamp that is 15 dollars. It really doesn't need to be fancy. I think I bought mine at Walmart (don't shop at Walmart. Don't shop on Amazon. Where can you shop? Who the bleep knows?) It's amazing how often you'll find yourself using it even off the trail. I always carry it in my daypack regardless of how long the hike is, you never know what might happen.
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