The Ultimate Hiking Trip Packing List

There’s nothing better than getting away from all the noise of the city and embarking on a beautiful hiking trip that brings you closer to nature. There’s a lot to gain from an experience like this and it’s a large reason why hiking trips are so popular -- even in today’s digital world.

Nature is a wonderful asset, yet most of us neglect what’s right in front of us. This disconnect with the environment around us actually takes us further away from ourselves, which is never good for the mind, body, or soul.

Of course, a hiking trip is only as successful as the items you pack to bring with you. That’s why we’re going to discuss some of the most vital and crucial items you’ll need for any hiking trip, including a hiking bag, hiking supplies, and much more.

You Need a Functional Hiking Bag

As hiking enthusiasts gain a deep love for their hobby, they become more and more direct about what they expect from their hiking bag. It’s an important part of hiking trips and is what helps keep your basic hiking supplies clean, dry, and safe.

When finding the right hiking bag, it’ll boil down to four main things -- size, fit, frame, and features. Let’s take a closer look at these: 

• Size - most hiking bags you’ll want to look at range from 25-70+ liters. The one you choose is more up to preference, but will also depend on the amount of supplies you’re taking and how long you’ll be hiking for.
• Fit - to reduce the amount of strain on your shoulders, find a hiking bag that uses the hips to support the weight. Of course, you also want a bag that fits comfortably on the back.
• Frame - an internal frame helps with weight distribution and stability, but also adds weight in materials. A frameless is good for keeping things light, but that’s about it.
• Features - pockets, padding, attachment points, hydration reservoir, rain covers, and sleeping bag compartments help you get the most out of your hiking bag.

Once you have the hiking bag picked out and ready to be stuffed, you can start looking at the different hiking supplies you’ll need for your hiking trips.

Basic Hiking Supplies You’ll Need

Whether you’re planning on going hiking for a few hours or a full week, ensuring your hiking bag is full of all the essentials and necessities you need for the hiking trip is key to success. Even a two-hour hiking trip can turn into an 8-hour hiking trip without warning.

To help you avoid forgetting anything important, we’re going to go through some of the most prominent things to add to your hiking trip packing list. Let’s take a look!

1. Extra clothing and footwear to protect you from the various weather elements you might come across.
2. Sunscreen, shades, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
3. Navigation so you always know where you’re headed.
4. A source of fire and a source of light.
5. As much water as you can carry and snacks to keep you plugging along.
6. First aid supplies and a tool repair kit in case anything breaks.
7. Essentials to build an emergency shelter in case you get lost or stuck somewhere.
8. Toilet paper and other solutions for remaining clean and hygienic during the trip.

Once you are confident you have everything that’s needed for a successful hiking trip, it’s time to embark on the wonderful journey that awaits. Always make sure you tell people where you’ll be and how long you plan on hiking for -- just to be safe.

With that being said, go on and enjoy your hiking trip and most importantly be safe!