Hiking is one of the best ways for people to get outside, explore nature and get a bit of a mental reset from day-to-day living. That said, if you are just getting started, you will quickly find out that there is more to hiking than simply finding a good trail as the right gear is essential.

No matter if you are interested in getting into hiking or trekking (make sure you understand the difference between hiking vs. trekking), there are some things you are going to need.

If you are just starting out, here are the items you will need to make your hike a positive experience.

Hiking Footwear

Footwear is one of the most important items on this list and it can be a rather personal choice. Some hikers prefer lightweight trail running shoes, others will opt for a pair of midweight hiking boots and some like ankle support while others want a low-cut option.

The fact is that a lot more goes into choosing the right hiking boots than one might imagine.

No matter which type you end up purchasing, make sure that it aligns with the type of hiking you are interested in doing and that it comes from a reputable brand such as Solomon, Merrell, KEEN and the like.

A Good Flashlight

If you are going to get into hiking, it is important to purchase a quality LED flashlight. The reason is that there are a multitude of situations in which a light would quickly become a necessity.

For instance, on your hike, you might come across a cave that you want to venture into a bit. Alternatively, if you go out on a backpacking trip or (heaven forbid) get lost on your hike, you might end up out in the wilderness after dark, thus making lighting a critical tool.

A Hiking Backpack

Of course, you are going to need a means of carrying a lot of your hiking gear, which means that getting a quality hiking backpack is essential.

That said, the kind of bag you buy will heavily depend on the type of hiking you favor. For instance, if you are just going out for a short hike close to home, a 15-20 liter daypack will do just fine. However, if you want to venture out farther, you will need to bring more stuff. This means that a 30-liter hiking pack is probably the better idea.

First Aid Supplies

While the type of hiking you do will influence the type of bag you buy, you should always make sure that your pack holds a first aid kit.

You don’t need to be a medical professional to go out on a hike, but it is a good idea to know some basic first aid and to carry things like Band-Aids, Neosporin, moleskins and a couple of bandages.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of quality first aid kits on the market.

A Headlamp

While a handheld flashlight is certainly something that should be in your hiking pack, redundancy is just smart. However, having two flashlights isn’t the best course of action as you might not always have a hand to spare.

Buying a headlamp for your hiking adventures allows you to illuminate your environment while keeping both of your hands-free to manage whatever tasks you need. Depending on the situation, this could be a critical necessity.

A Hydration Bladder

When you are out on the trail, staying well-hydrated is extremely important. However, depending on how long your hike is, a simple water bottle or hydration bladder is enough to keep you quenched and proves a great idea.

As far as options are concerned, there are a few companies that produce high-quality water bladders that are well worth the money, including:

• CamelBak
• Osprey
• Source
• Platypus

Sun Protection

The chances are that you will be outside hiking when it is sunny. For this reason, you are going to need to protect yourself from the sun. Naturally, there are a few different ways that you can do this inexpensively as well.

Firstly, go out and buy some sweatproof sunscreen. You will want to get a minimum of 30 SPF. However, depending on where you live, you might want to get something a bit stronger.

At the same time, you will want to get a hat. It is up to you if you get a wide-brimmed sun hat or just a regular baseball cap, but you need something to protect your head.

Finally, it is wise to get a decent pair of sunglasses. These will help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and make you look super cool at the same time.

Getting Ready to Hit the Trails

Depending on how deep into hiking culture you decide to go, there are plenty of other accoutrements you can get to make the experience more enjoyable. However, the items on this list are a good foundation for getting out there and hitting the trails.

Pick up these products, grab yourself some snacks and a friend and enjoy your jaunt through nature!