Note: This blog post was written to help someone get started in hiking and not meant to be the definitive guide to equipment needed for hiking. If you are planning a full day or multi-day hike make sure you do further research and are comfortable with your knowledge about required equipment. If you have questions don’t hesitate to write me an e-mail.
The following is in response to an e-mail I received asking about a list of things to take on a hike:
As you start longer hikes (full day) you will learn to build certain comforts into your pack. Blister bandaids are always a good idea. Good hiking boots are important on rocky or rough terrain to provide ankle support and the ability to comfortably walk on pointy rocks. They are also important for keeping your feet dry on muddy trails. An extra pair of socks feels like heaven after hiking for the day. You should also have some type of rain jacket and fleece jacket for warmth. Weather conditions are more unpredictable the longer you are out. You are also usually farther fro the car if something goes wrong. That’s the adventure in it and what makes it fun. A good flashlight is always recommended in case you take longer than plan to return to the car. It gets darker, quicker in thick forest and a flashlight will mean the difference between getting back to the car or having to sit on the trail and wait until morning because you can’t see enough to continue. A small price to pay for that luxury. I use my flashlight frequently.
The amount of water you take depends on many variables (weather, terrain, etc.). You will learn from your short hikes how much water you will need when you start making longer hikes. If you are safety conscious purchasing a water filter makes a good backup.
There are many other specific needs you may consider depending on the trail. You may need watershoes for a stream crossing, you may need waterproof matches to start a fire for a picnic, etc.
As I said at the first start simple and build up from there. It doesn’t have to be complicated to go for a walk in the woods but you want to be safe. Always tell someone where you are going. This could be as simple as posting a picture on twitter or facebook of yourself at a trail head so that people will know where to come look if you don’t come home.