The essential items I swear by when hiking in various trails around the world!
Sections
5
Backpack
Shoes
Clothing
Accessories
Important Items
Backpack
The sweet spot for me has always been between 40-45 litres and Osprey is the most lightweight one that I recommend
Osprey 45L Backpacks | 45 Litre Bags & Packs
For a day-hike, the Osprey 20litre is way more than enough! Remember to not overpack!
20L Backpacks | 20 Litre Bags & Packs
Shoes
The best hiking shoes for hitting trails that I have used – much better than high top shoes
Hiking shoes
Highly recommend getting a hiking sandals - these fit like a glove!
Women's Hiking Sandals for All-Terrain
Clothing
You need to wear this as your base layer before adding fleece + down jacket.
Uniqlo Heattech
If you don't want hiking pants, I found leggings really useful for scrambly sections and they also don't look loose or baggy. Highly recommend!
Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
Reliable waterproof pants that is extremely lightweight
Columbia Womens Storm Surge Pant
I am always looking for lightweight hiking shirt and this is a really good buy for the price and the fact you can wear this for runs and even for hiking!
Womens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Hiking Shirt
Highly recommend getting a fleece jacket like Columbia
Columbia Women Fleece Jacket
Almost like a 2-in-1 combo with fleece lined jacket + rain protection included which is perfect if you don't want to carry too much gear
Columbia Womens Switchback Ii Sherpa Lined Jacket
You need x3 pair of socks whenever hiking in the wilderness and these truly last!
Darn Tough Socks
Accessories
These are great! Lightweight and durable and you can wear with anything. Size and fit is spot on. Another plus is they’re cheap enough to replace when you lose them... also super stylish!
Hiking sunglasses (polarized)
Really really important when winds are intense plus it also serves as a neck warmer!
Hiking and Camping Neck Gaiters and Caps - BUFF
I think it is the second most important item especially when you are hiking in places where the sun can be intense.
Sun hat
Important Items
I need gloves where I can use my phone and these ones allow you to use them and they do a pretty good job in that!
ihuan Winter Waterproof gloves with phone use
Get a trekking pole that's collapsible
Trekking Poles
The only bpa-free water bottle I trust – used it in Nepal to sleep with it at night to keep me warm for hot water and during the day I just drink it
Nalgene water bottle
Some of the very basics include medicines like antihistamine which can be lifesaving if you are stung by a wasps and have a severe allergic reaction to some plants. If you have cramps, get those extra packets of oral salts!
Mini First Aid Kit
Best water filter ever for long backpacking trips!
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Always on the lookout for organic and gluten free bites -- this wins hands down!
MadeGood Granola Bites Choc Chip & Berry
Cannot stress how important is this when hiking alone. Lifesaver and absolutely needed if you're going for day hikes or long multi-day adventures
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
You need a GPX maps when hiking and highly recommend getting a user-friendly one like AllTrails
AllTrails: GPX Maps!
Sunscreen for sports, super important you get this one!
