No one has ever accused me of being “outdoorsy” or “active” or “athletic” or … well, you get the idea. But during the pandemic, like thousands of other people trapped at home with my nearest and dearest, I started hiking. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t scaling mountains or going on overnight backpacking trips. But exploring our local trails got me out of the house when so many of our normal activities were unavailable to us.
You really don’t need much when you start out hiking. A pair of study running shoes and weather appropriate clothing can get you through most beginner hikes. But I found investing in a few items increased my comfort level and made hiking much more enjoyable.
Here’s what beginner hiking gear I recommend (with a strong caveat to suggest you buy based on your own particular need, climate, and preference):
Hiking Boots
While you can hike in running shoes, a pair of waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry, give you better grip, and stop all those annoying little rocks from working their way into your socks. Shop end-of-season sales for the best deals. There are relatively affordable brands out there (Decathlon is one we’ve bought from before). I recommend boots instead of shoes, and find that my one pair of waterproof hiking boots, with warmer socks, work year-round in my climate (winter lows of -10 C | -14 F).
One caution, I don’t really hike in the summer. It’s too warm and I’d rather be floating in a lake. Might you want lighter footwear for summer hiking? Maybe!
Bonus: my Keen hiking boots do excellent double-duty in the city on rainy days and have lasted years with our moderate level of hiking.
A Backpack
From school bags to laptop bags to convertible tote bags, I have owned many backpacks over the years. But there are a few features that I particularly appreciate in a hiking backpack:
- A chest clip: this will reduce how much your backpack slides around when scrambling up rocks and stops your straps from sliding off if you have narrower shoulders (A+, fully recommend this feature)
- Size: I find 20L is the Goldilocks of daypack sizes. Big enough to hold the essentials, not so big that you overload yourself.
- Mesh back panel: Do your remember walking home from school as a kid with a heavy backpack? And your whole back would get gross and sweaty in the heat? The mesh back panel (as shown on this bag) aids in ventilation and helps prevent this. Very much enjoy that!
Bonus: if you think you’re likely to carry heavier supplies (binoculars, extra water for a dog, or toddler’s large collection of rocks) consider a bag with a hip belt to help distribute the weight better.
Hiking Poles
This one is a firm “maybe” as I realize they’re not for everyone. But we do a lot of hiking on more rugged trails with lots of elevation changes. Poles are great for reducing joint impact on descents, aiding in balance for water crossings, and adding safety on precarious coastal paths. They’re also not a huge investment. Get a collapsible pair that you can attach to the outside of your backpack and pull out when needed. I think I have this pair and have no complaints.
Bonus: even one pole provides the benefits listed above, to a certain extent. If both you and your hiking partner don’t want to buy and carry poles, you can have one pair to share when needed.
Happy Hiking!
Laura