10 Best Expert-approved Hiking Gear Items for Beginners

We’re all beginners at some point; there’s no shame in it. I’ve been a hiker, backpacker, and outdoor gear outfitter for years, and I’ve seen it all at this point: hikers forsaking water for full jugs of sweet tea, trying to squeeze full stoves into backpacking packs, and shivering through the night in a sleeping bag designed for indoor use. (OK, fine, the last one was me!) After lots of troubleshooting with my hiking gear setup, as well as outfitting others, I’ve learned a lot about where newbies go wrong — and what they should do instead. 

Most people aren’t going to make the same comical blunders I’ve run into on the trail, but hiking and backpacking can be a daunting challenge for new outdoor fans, so I’m here to help you keep your trips fun and issue-free. From small items like blister-prevention supplies to bigger pieces of gear like a high-quality pack, these hiking essentials are must-haves for anyone, regardless of experience level. 

Mistake: Only packing a sleeping bag 

Pack this instead: A comfortable, well-insulated pad

Many beginner backpackers neglect packing a sleeping pad and only bring a sleeping bag instead. If you’re hitting the trail for the first time, you can’t go wrong with this lightweight, comfortable Klymit Insulated Pad. Even in the toastiest sleeping bags, your body crushes the down or synthetic insulation underneath, meaning you’ll be shivering through the night without a good sleeping pad underneath (pro tip: the same principle applies to hammocks). Similar to the degree ratings that sleeping bags use, sleeping pads have an “R-value” that determines how warm they’ll keep you, typically on a scale of under 2 to 5.5 or higher (the higher the number, the more warmth it provides). For maximum versatility, I recommend a pad with an R-value of at least 3 — this option from Klymit clocks in at a 4.4, meaning it’s great for every season. Currently on sale for $81, it’s hard to find another pad that balances insulation, comfort, and weight so effortlessly. 

Mistake: Buying the biggest backpack you can find

Pack this instead: A bag tailored to your gear and trip

It’s age-old hiking wisdom: no matter how experienced of a hiker you are, you’re going to fill up whatever amount of bag space you have. I’ve been hiking and backpacking for well over a decade, and even still, I can’t resist the urge to toss in unneeded spare clothes, card games, and other knickknacks when my pack is looking a little empty. Finding a bag that’s the right size for your trip will cut back on your pack weight and make it easier to resist tossing in that one last unnecessary item. For an incredible first hiking backpack, I recommend the Osprey Aether 65L. I’ve been using it myself for years, and I’ve found it’s the perfect size for me and my gear. In my experience, 60 to 65 liters is the way to go for beginner backpackers — it’s plenty spacious, even if you don’t have tiny ultralight gear just yet, but it’s not so massive that you’ll want to bring everything but the kitchen sink. Osprey backpacks are also impressively durable, comfortable for long trail days, and come with a lifetime warranty. 

Mistake: Relying on your cell phone’s flashlight

Pack this instead: A reliable headlamp

It’s tempting to rely on your cell phone as a light source, especially on day hikes — after all, ditching a light source is one less thing to pack! However, I can say from experience that getting caught in the dark after sunset with only a dying cell phone for light is no fun at all. A small headlamp like the rugged, affordable Black Diamond Spot 350 keeps you hands-free and allows you to save your phone battery for snapping pics, checking maps, and keeping tabs on loved ones. It also has a red light that I love to use around camp at night to preserve my night vision before bed. At just $34, I keep these stashed in various packs and in my car as a backup for whenever I need light.

Mistake: Packing one water bottle

Pack this instead: Extra water storage options

We all know not to put all our eggs in one basket — I recommend not putting all your water in one bottle, either. As a beginner backpacker, I’d often bring a single trusty water bottle or hydration bladder — that is until I once sprung a leak on the trail and lost the water I was saving for camp that evening. Now, I always make sure I have a backup water source. This water pouch is a fan-favorite amongst thru-hikers in particular, but it’s a fantastic pick for just about anyone. It’s light and easy to stow if you don’t need the extra water storage, and the slider opening at the back makes it easy to fill, even in shallow creeks. This particular pouch has the added benefit of threading onto some of the most popular water filters like my personal favorite, the Sawyer Squeeze, meaning it’s incredibly convenient if you’re heading on a multiday trip. 

Mistake: Using bear bags

Pack this instead: A bear cannister

“Bear country” gets bigger and bigger every year as bears from coast to coast learn that humans are practically DoorDashing them tasty treats. Years ago, hanging a bag from a tree was the way to prevent bears and other critters from sneaking your snacks. Now, bears have wised up, and many natural areas across the U.S. require bear canisters. If you’re planning to head on longer trips or are carrying more than one person’s worth of food, the Bearvault BV500 is my pick. This canister is easier to open than other canisters on the market (for human hands, of course), and it also doubles as a stool on breaks. For solo hikers or shorter excursions, it’s worth checking out the smaller BV450 as well to save a little space and weight. 

Mistake: Having a loose, unorganized bag

Pack this instead: Extra dry sacks

You’ll rarely hear me saying to pack more of something, but you can honestly never have too many dry sacks when hiking. Without some sort of internal organization, many beginner hikers end up spending an unfortunate amount of time dumping out and repacking their bags to find one small item. I use drybags like this set from Frelaxy to group my gear by when I’ll need it: my nighttime items, like pajamas and toiletries, go together in one bag, items I’ll need to grab on trail, like my first aid kit and snacks, go in a different bag at the top of my pack, and so on. These Frelaxy bags are waterproof to keep your items clean and dry, and they’re also ultralight so you don’t have to worry about additional weight. Make sure to scoop this pack of five bags while they’re on sale for over 40 percent off.

Mistake: Using an inadequate first aid kit

Pack this instead: A small kit with blister supplies

As a certified Wilderness First Responder, I’d never recommend heading outdoors without some sort of first aid, but it’s true that beginner hikers tend to overpack on medical supplies. For a day hike, your beefy kit with cold packs, dozens of bandages, and a thermometer is probably overkill — some Band-Aids, ibuprofen, and a bit of soap are typically plenty. However, new hikers often neglect to pack items for blister care. I like this watertight kit custom-made for shorter treks, which features bandages, wound care, and, of course, pre-cut pieces of moleskin for blisters. You can also check out this Adventure Medical Kits Moleskin Dressing which has 28 pieces of moleskin you can add to your own first aid kit. 

Mistake: Skipping out on trekking poles

Pack this instead: A set of sturdy poles

When I first started backpacking, I must have thought I was too good for trekking poles. Perhaps it was the folly of youth — overconfidence in my joints and my ability to navigate tricky terrain — but I’m ashamed to admit that they’re one of my more recent hiking purchases. I can tell you now that I have been missing out this entire time. For hikers of any age and experience level, a set of trusty poles, like this affordable pair from Cascade Mountain Tech, make a world of difference. It’s so much easier to remain stable on slippery downslopes and loose rocks, and they also reduce impact on your joints. These poles in particular boast comfortable cork handles, quick locks for easy adjustment, and durable tungsten carbide tips at a reasonable $25 while on sale.

Mistake: Bringing a large mess kit

Pack this instead: A lightweight pot and spoon

Of all the beginner overpacking mistakes, my huge mess kit was one of the last things I ditched. Why wouldn’t I want a cutting board, plate, bowl, and whatever else was stuffed in there? Finally, with some coaxing from some ultralight hiker friends, I picked up this convenient pot and long-handled spoon from Toaks. After all, I could probably count on one hand the times I’ve needed anything more than a bowl and spoon on the trail. This specific pair is lightweight and sturdy, thanks to their high-quality titanium construction. The pot is the perfect size for boiling water for a freeze-dried meal, but you could also eat out of it like a bowl if you’d like for greater versatility. The long-handled spoon is also a lifesaver if you’d rather eat out of your freeze-dried meal packet without getting your hands dirty. 

Mistake: Not making a good bathroom plan

Pack this instead: A trowel, pee cloth, and biodegradable toilet paper

It’s a fact of life: at some point on a hike, nature will call, and I highly recommend that you have an answer. I’ve seen enough beginner hikers march into the woods with nothing but a roll of standard toilet paper. First of all, most household toilet paper does not biodegrade quickly enough, even when buried in the woods, which leaves many popular hiking areas in a messy situation. Instead of bringing a roll from home, pick up a specially designed biodegradable pack. You can’t just go anywhere, either, and digging a hole with a stick in the middle of the night is no fun at all — so this incredibly lightweight trowel from TheTentLab makes a world of difference. Finally, if you’re making a quick stop to pee, I can’t recommend Kula Cloth’s antimicrobial reusable cloths enough. The silver-ion-infused fabric does an impeccable job of keeping everything clean and tidy, even after long days on the trail.  

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