Hi everyone, I’m planning my first solo hiking adventure and would love some advice from the experienced hikers here. What are the must-have items you recommend for a hiking trip? Additionally, what are some items that are helpful to have but not absolutely necessary?
Before making any recommendations, it’s important to know a few things: What’s the distance and duration of your hike? Is it really your first hike? Are you hiking alone? Are you familiar with the area? Is there drinkable water available?
@Luca
Thanks for asking these questions; they made me think about aspects I hadn’t considered, like water quality in the area. This will indeed be my first solo hike. It’s a two-day hike, and I’m not familiar with the area but I’ve heard there’s a water source halfway through.
@Quill
It’s crucial to get comfortable with long day hikes before attempting an overnight trip. Consider starting with shorter hikes to ensure you’re prepared.
Page said:
@Quill
It’s crucial to get comfortable with long day hikes before attempting an overnight trip. Consider starting with shorter hikes to ensure you’re prepared.
Absolutely agree. Start with short trips where you can easily head back if things don’t go as planned. Safety first!
@Quill
Thorough preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the trail through videos, maps, and forums. Know the trail type (loop or out-and-back) and your sleeping arrangements (tent or refuge). Ensure you have adequate food, water (plus a way to purify it), and appropriate clothing.
For an overnight hike, familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials for backpacking. You can find a lot of helpful information on the subreddit r/backpacking.
Definitely learn about the Ten Essentials. It’s a list designed to help hikers prepare for emergency situations and be safe outdoors.
It’s great that you’re seeking advice; being prepared is crucial. Alongside the 10 essentials, learn to navigate trails using both apps and physical maps. Joining a local hiking group can boost your confidence and skills.
Make sure you have a well-fitting backpack and hiking shoes. Study and understand the Ten Essentials for safety and preparedness on the trail.
While you don’t need everything at once, focus on key items such as boots, layers, a backpack, and emergency gear. Let people know your plan, especially if the hike is remote. Here’s a link to the Ten Essentials on REI’s website which is very informative: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
Familiarize yourself with the Ten Essentials. This list is crucial for ensuring you can handle emergencies and potentially spend a night outdoors if needed. Also, understanding how to layer clothing effectively can greatly enhance your comfort and safety on the trail.
Invest in high-quality, well-fitting hiking footwear and don’t skimp on good hiking socks. Consider using trekking poles for additional support.
Bring blister care items like Compeed and ensure your footwear is broken in. Use dual socks to minimize friction. Share more details like terrain and distance for more specific advice.