Gear and Accessories for Beginning Backpackers

Hiking Gear for Outdoor Cooking, Eating, Comfort, Warmth, Safety

Jul 24, 2009 Karen Berger

A backpacking trip doesn't require a lot of gear; it requires the right gear. A basic backpacking checklist of essential hiking equipment ensures nothing is forgotten.

Most beginning backpackers know they need the big-ticket items: hiking equipment such as tents, boots, backpack, sleeping bags and mats, and stoves take care of basic needs on the trail. Beyond this basic backpacking gear, a number of items help hikers stay warm and comfortable, prepare meals, and stay safe.

Backpacking Essential Equipment

Not all of the following items are used by all hikers all of the time. Backpacking gear selection depends on climate, season, length of hike, and hiking style, among other things. But the following list is a good place to start planning for a backpacking trip.

• For sleeping: In addition to tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats, use a ground cloth to keep out water and prevent the tent bottom from tearing.
• For eating: In addition to a stove and fuel, hikers need a pot with lid, a pot grabber, cup or bowl, spoon, and a pot scrubber for cleaning up.
• For drinking: Backpackers must have water bottles, hydration systems, or water bags, as well as water filters, purifiers, or purification pills.
• For weather protection: Rain gear is necessary; the choice of rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, or rain hat will depend on the climate.
• For warmth: Create a layered hiking clothing system, including insulating long-johns, wool socks, thin wicking sock liners, gloves and hat (not needed in summer unless in mountains), a lightweight jacket or pullover, and two sets of hiking clothes (usually shorts and T-shirts).
• For camp comfort: Bring a pair of camp shoes or flip flops.

Useful Accessories for Backpackers

Each hiker has an idea of which pieces of outdoor equipment are essential and which are not. Here are some items found in many experienced hikers' packs:

• Army knife or multi-use use tool.
• Sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, lip protection.
• A repair kit : The repair kit should include spare parts, (such as pack buckles and shoelaces), thick sewing needle and ultra strong thread, safety pins, cord, seam-seal compound (acts as glue), repair patches for tents, raingear, and duct tape.
• First aid kit: A commercial kit can be modified to fit the hiker's needs. Be sure prescription medicine is included.
• Walking sticks or trekking poles.
• Pouch to wear in front of pack for keeping personal daily items close to hand.
• GPS, map, compass; See-through plastic case to protect map (Zipper-locking bags are a lighter, but more fragile, option).
• A bandanna can be used for multiple tasks in camp (grabbing a pot); it can also be used as a bandage, a sweatband, and a handkerchief.
• Extra zipper-locking bags to keep things dry (especially electronics like cell phones and cameras; most cases aren’t waterproof).
• Stuff sacks for separating and organizing hiking equipment .
• Bug repellent.

Note that this is a starter list. In desert, high mountains, snow, and winter, other specialty equipment will be needed. Plus, every gear list becomes modified over time as a hiker’s skill level grows, hiking style and priorities change, and new gear is introduced by manufacturers.

For more on hiking gear, check Backpacking Gear Resources.

For more on cooking and eating gear for campers: Outdoor Cooking Equipment.

The copyright of the article Gear and Accessories for Beginning Backpackers in Backpacking, Hiking & Camping is owned by Karen Berger. Permission to republish Gear and Accessories for Beginning Backpackers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Backpacks Should be Big Enough For Essential Gear