Best Hiking Gear - The HikingGuy 10 Essentials
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Published 2023-09-03
💥 NEW VIDEO: • Best Hiking Gear 2024 - The HikingGuy...
01:24 Shoes bit.ly/3Ep4uK5
02:28 Sat Communicator amzn.to/3R5Sgxu
03:30 Backpacks bit.ly/sub-nero-30l
04:15 Hydration
05:42 Trekking Poles bit.ly/3L9ixrf
06:38 Organization
07:00 Navigation
10:30 Batteries
11:48 Headlamp
12:33 Nutrition
13:23 Clothing
16:25 Protection
19:23 REI Membership bit.ly/35Oj9jV
20:14 Rain Gear
21:23 Survival Kit
25:28 Backpacking & More
In this video, I'll share my day hiking gear list in the context of the hiking essentials. My best hiking gear list is the stuff I use all the time and has stood the test of many miles, wind, rain, heat, and abuse.
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The "10 essentials" are a widely accepted list of items that every hiker should carry, regardless of the length or difficulty of a trip. They have evolved over time, but the principle remains the same: to ensure that hikers are prepared for unexpected circumstances in the outdoors. Here's a breakdown of each:
1. **Navigation Tools**: Proper navigation is crucial when you're in the wilderness. This includes a map and a compass. Even in the age of GPS and smartphone apps, the old-school combination of map and compass is fail-safe and doesn’t rely on batteries. Knowing how to read a topographic map and use a compass is a fundamental outdoor skill.
2. **Sun Protection**: Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can result in sunburn, eye damage, and increased risk of skin cancer. It's essential to have sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing or a hat when hiking. Not only does this prevent sunburn, but it can also reduce glare, improve vision, and protect the sensitive skin around the eyes.
3. **Insulation (Extra Clothing)**: Weather can change rapidly in many hiking locations. An unexpectedly cold front or a sudden downpour can leave you shivering if you're not prepared. Packing an additional layer or two, like a fleece jacket or rain shell, can be a lifesaver. It's always better to have and not need than to need and not have.
4. **Illumination**: Sometimes, hikes can take longer than anticipated. If you're caught out after dark, a good headlamp or flashlight becomes essential. Headlamps, in particular, are popular because they allow for hands-free operation, making it easier to navigate or set up camp.
5. **First-Aid Supplies**: Injuries can happen. From minor scrapes to more severe injuries, having a basic first-aid kit can make a big difference. This should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
6. **Fire**: Whether for emergency signaling, warmth, or cooking, the ability to start a fire is crucial. Waterproof matches, lighters, or firestarters are all good choices. Some hikers also pack a compact stove, especially in areas where open fires are prohibited.
7. **Repair Kit and Tools**: Multi-tools or a basic knife can serve various functions, from food preparation to gear repair. Additionally, a small repair kit can help mend a torn backpack or fix broken shoelaces. Duct tape is often cited as a handy repair tool because of its versatility.
8. **Nutrition (Extra Food)**: It's always wise to pack extra food, even if you're just out for a day hike. Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits are lightweight and can provide the necessary calories if you're stranded or if your hike takes longer than anticipated.
9. **Hydration (Extra Water)**: Dehydration can impair your physical and mental functions. In many environments, you can't always rely on finding a fresh water source, so always carry extra. It's also beneficial to understand how to purify water, using tablets, filters, or boiling, in case you run out and need to source more.
10. **Emergency Shelter**: If an unexpected situation arises and you have to spend a night outdoors, an emergency shelter can provide protection from the elements. This might be a lightweight tarp, a bivvy sack, or even a large trash bag. They're compact, lightweight, and can be a lifesaver in challenging situations.
To conclude, these 10 essentials serve as a foundation for outdoor safety. Tailoring them to fit specific hikes or personal needs is encouraged, but the underlying message remains the same: always be prepared
All Comments (21)
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May I suggest a broad brim hat. Being older, the dermatologist is now freezing bad things off my temples.
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Super glue is something we always keep in our kit. Waterproof wound treatment in seconds.
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Re chemicals on your skin, I promise that a) sunscreen has plenty of chemicals, so if you’re worried about putting chemicals on your skin and want more natural options, a mineral sunscreen might appeal, but b) natural does not mean safer. The research around bug repellents shows they are safe, I’d not worry about it. The risk from insect borne diseases or just infections from a bite is almost certainly greater than the risk from the repellent.
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So glad you made this video. I'm always interested in your thoughts. The one thing I carry that most people don't is about 5 feet of cohesive bandage wrap (which stretches out into more like 10 feet). Very lightweight but will give good support to a sprained ankle or wrist, as well as many other uses. Adheres to itself, so no fastening hardware to add weight to it either.
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Super great video! As an MD may i suggest adding a CAT Tourniquet. Always good to have one, since its the kind of thing that happens too fast to wait for emergency services. My going out kit is just as small as yours plus some antihistamines in case i come in contact with an allergen or some plant that messes me up, and always always the tourniquet, even for a couple hours hike. They weigh basically nothing and they save lives. Any other things are basically fluff unless youre going to specific scenarios that need specific things.
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Thanks for the information and suggestions on kit, really appreciated. Keep the content coming 🤙🏽
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Thank you Hiking Guy!
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This is my first time watching your channel. Great info. The one item I always carry is a stainless steel, 7.5-inch shoe horn from Amazon. It doubles as a shoe horn and trowel. It's an item I have carried for years and has been well-used. I do carry an extra pair of socks and will change them occasionally on hikes. So it's nice to have a shoehorn. You can guess the other uses along with toilet paper. Hint: wash before reusing...haha.
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Great list. For day hikes I love the Mountainsmith 13L lumbar pack. I like the convience of the shoulder strap it makes entry into the pack while moving very simple. Thanks
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After all the research I've done I thought this video would just be entertaining, but it still turned out to be informative with some great ideas that I'm going to put into play. Thanks! Liked and subscribed.
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Great advice all around
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YES! Finally someone else who appreciates convertible trousers.
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Great info. Thank you!
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Fantastic video, as always. Keep 'em coming!!
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Awesome video. I love learning from those with great experience and I truly appreciate your knowledge base. I'm in Australia and will use your advice for our 2024 trekking season which starts in April ( our Autumn). Stay safe and happy trails 🙏
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I really like “Maplets” for our local county parks (or amusement parks, universities, etc. I just started using the Osprey Manta for the rear angled water bottles! I’ve Jimmy-rigged many shoulder water holders.. but they really belong where the designers/designed them for. I’m also starting to use a zpacks FUPA for quick access (binoculars, phone, electrolytes, snacks, ham/radio etc. )
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Great video !! I always carry my mesh hammock to keep me off the ground. I hike in the tropical rain forrest.
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Videos like this help me prepare for my future hiking endeavors. I’ve been doing small and short little hikes for awhile now and collecting gear for bigger hikes, and I appreciate this helpful experience! I dream of some time in the next 10 years, and I save $1.11 per day towards that dream! Who knows what job I will have by the time I do it, or how this hike will affect my career! But I’m with you on placing a high importance of realizing that dream
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Found you by way of T.rex Arms. Isaac mentioned your channel in one of his Garmin videos. Impressed by all the info I have learned on your videos so far. Keep up the good work.
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Solid gear, solid information. Thank you for sharing. Take care HG.🇺🇲
