Basics for Hiking

my backpack at Clear Pond
Photo (used with permission) by Cheryl A Blask

"I don't know what to bring"

"Can I wear my sandals?"

"I don't own hiking boots"

"Should I bring a hiking pole?"

"What do I eat on a trail?"

"How much water do I need?"

"how come I shouldn't wear jeans?"

These and many more are some of the questions I've heard over the years in preparing for a hike or when talking to people about hiking.

Some people over pack and some under pack.  I used to under pack when I was young.  In fact, I didn't bring anything other than my car keys.  FOOLISH.

Then there was a time when I felt like Dave and I  over packed (when hiking with young children under the age of 7).

I think we've learned how to pack over the last several years so I'm going to share my tips with you.

Please keep in mind that these tips are for hikers who are NOT hiking with young children.  In those cases, I highly encourage you to purchase your child their own backpack geared for their own size.  That is a whole other article.

For today, we will focus on the basics.  


There are 4 things, that in my opinion, every hiker should have, whether you are going on a flat easy trail to a waterfalls or in a nature preserve, or if you are climbing a rocky trail to a high mountain peak.

• HIGH QUALITY BACK PACK:  mine is pictured above.  I've had mine for about 12 years now.  It's the best one I've ever owned and I've owned several.  Do some research and decide what you want in a pack.  I wanted one that would be ok for my back (my doctor told me to look for one that adjusted and would wear a bit higher in the mid back vs the low back).  I ended up chatting for awhile on the phone with an LLBean agent who was most helpful.  What I wanted:  outside mesh pockets for water bottles.  (there's one on each side), inside pockets and at least 2 different sections.  Mine has 4.  You can see all 4 parts in the photo.  The main section is unzipped and open in the photo. That section also has another section inside it!  The top part of the pack has a felt-lined pocket for a cell phone.  The mid section is not a zippered section but is roomy enough to stuff a map or small digital camera.  The bottom section is zippered and has 2 sections with small inside pockets for things like bandaids, bug spray, car keys that attach to a cord, etc.  We will talk about how to pack a backpack in a later post. The small straps you see hanging down in the front actually snap to the top of the pack to keep the pack compact when on my back.  The large straps are padded and adjustable which was also one of my requirements. I also wanted a water resistant pack since I couldn't afford the water proofed one at the time.

• WATER BOTTLE:  my preference is the POGO pictured below.  I've also owned a camel-bak.  I prefer the POGO just because it has a nice loop for my carabiner so that if I'm not carrying a backpack (another post will talk about hikes where one doesn't really need a pack....yes, there are some!) I can easily carry the water bottle by grasping the carabiner.  Get whatever kind of water bottle works for you.  I like the pogo because it holds 32 oz of water and has a wide top for adding ice or fruit slices).  It also has a pop up top to make drinking out of it easier...no more stopping to screw off the top.  BUT...because I drink a LOT of water every day, especially on a hike, I like to have another store bought bottle with me.  For hikes that are longer than 5 miles, I tend to bring 3 water bottles.  You will learn as you go what works for you.

image courtesy of Target website

• HIGH QUALITY HIKING BOOTS/SHOES: This, in my opinion, is vital.  After all, you are HIKING which means your feet are taking a pounding.  I've only owned LLBEAN or Keens so I can't speak for any other brand. My first pair of LLBeans lasted more than 10 years.  I finally had to buy new ones when my foot grew a half size due to being pregnant with my youngest. I now own these and they are my absolute fave. I've had them for about 8 years now:

What I wanted in a hiking shoe:  low like a sneaker,  waterproof, good arch support, toe guard, ties.  This has all of those.  BUT..I also own a pair of LLBean Pathfinder boots that come up over my ankles for trails that have many loose rocks.  Because they are not waterproof (just water resistant), I don't wear them alot unless it is summer time and I know it's going to be a dry trail/day.  Most often I wear the Keens.  (and they even match my backpack!)  Again, do the research and try several different kinds on!!

• MOLESKIN:  this should be in your backpack.  Always. You can purchase it at just about any drug store.  I buy mine at CVS in the foot care section.  I'm never without at least one square of it. If you feel like you are getting a blister on your heel or toe, you just slip it into your sock and it does wonders.  Every hiker should carry moleskin.

image courtesy of REI website

Now, obviously, there are other things one needs to bring on a hike.  Those items will be discussed in a later post.  Our next post in this "Basics for Hiking" series will discuss clothing.

For starters, get these 4 things and you will be ready for adventure!