• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content

The Wandering Suitcase

Travel Blog

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Fiji
    • Finland
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • Sweden
    • USA
    • Vietnam
  • Tips & Tools
    • Balancing a Career with Travel
    • Blogging
    • Budget Travel
    • Driving Overseas
    • Hiking
    • Moving Overseas
    • Photography
    • Winter Travel Tips
    • Sustainability
  • About
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Fiji
    • Finland
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • Sweden
    • USA
    • Vietnam
  • Tips & Tools
    • Balancing a Career with Travel
    • Blogging
    • Budget Travel
    • Driving Overseas
    • Hiking
    • Moving Overseas
    • Photography
    • Winter Travel Tips
    • Sustainability
  • About
hiking gear for beginners - macpac bag

The ultimate guide to hiking gear for beginners

June 12, 2019 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

Pin
Share
Tweet
0 Shares

Choosing to go on your first multi-day hike can be a bit daunting. If you didn’t grow up in an environment where outdoor adventures were the norm, it can be a lil’ scary!

As someone who’s family has barely gone on a short hike (let alone on a multi-day hike), this was 100% me! 

But after taking that first plunge, I’m so glad that I did. For all my newbie hikers, I’ve put together a beginner’s guide to things to pack for your first multi-day hike. 

Psst: on a budget? Don’t worry, I have some suggestions for you too!

 

1. A comfortable pair of hiking boots 

Hiking boots are so important if you’re spending hours on your feet outdoors. They will protect your feet from creepy crawlies, support your feet when walking on uneven ground and this even more important when you’re carrying your pack or walking for days! 

I recommend buying your first pair of boots in store so you can get advice from someone on how they should fit.

Psst: On a budget? Sign up for email lists so you can be one of the first to be notified when there’s a sale. I signed up Macpac’s mailing list when I was on the market for a pair of hiking boots. For shorter or easy grade hikes, you can wear a comfortable pair of sneakers. 

 

2. A well-fitted pack 

Like your hiking boots, this is so so important. It’s especially important to know how to adjust the straps so it fits you specifically. After all, you’ll be wearing this bag for long periods of time, so you want it to fit perfectly!

Before going on my first multi-day hike, I went to the Macpac stores who’s experienced staff helped me find a pack within my budget.

I’d suggest going into a specialty store or asking a friend who’s worn a pack before.

Psst: On a budget? If you can’t afford a brand new pack, I’d suggest asking friends (who are of a similar height/build) so you can get a pack that fits you. 

hiking gear for beginners - pack

3. Dry bags for your important gear

If you’re carrying a camera or expensive electronics, I 100% recommend bringing a dry bag. A dry bag is basically a bag that’ll keep all your equipment nice and dry should it rain.

My favorite dry bag is from Macpac (yeah, you’re sensing a theme here – I love these guys because their gear is so affordable and lasts a really long time!). This is the dry bag I got, it fits my DSLR plus any extra batteries I’ve got. On rainy days when I’m at home, I can even fit my laptop in it!

Psst: On a budget? You can use garbage bags! On my very first hike, I used garbage bags to line my pack.

hiking gear for beginners - aoraki

 

4. Lightweight eating utensils 

You actually don’t need to buy new items for this!

I’d recommend bringing lightweight bowls, cups or eating utensils that you already have. We use light-weight enamel bowls we bought in Japan from Daiso (which is basically the equivalent of the dollar store) and bamboo cutlery.

There’s no need to be fancy here!

 

5. Lightweight cooking utensils 

Being able to cook or boil water is especially important because… food!

You don’t want to be carrying around heavy pots and pans up a mountain. This is the cooking set that I use when I’m traveling solo and when I’m traveling with my partner (it’s just enough for 2!) It’s lightweight, affordable and durable.

 

6. Spare socks!

I actually suggest wearing 2 pairs of socks, as it reduces friction and reduces your chances of getting blisters. You don’t need anything fancy, but if you’re going somewhere cold, a woolen blend will make all the difference. 

 

7. Light-weight jacket

I’m the worst when it comes to jackets. I have sooo many at home. 

Trust me when I say: getting the right jacket makes all the difference when you’re hiking. 

The trick is to not bring anything that’s too heavy, but you also want to make sure your jacket will keep you warm! 

I recommend a down jacket, as it’ll keep you warm and is lightweight. If you’re not a fan of down jackets, fleece is also a great option. 

hiking gear for beginners - down jacket

8. Freeze dried food 

On your first multi-day hike, you probably don’t want to deal with endless ingredients or worry about how you’re going to cook.

My recommendation?

Freeze dried meals. 

They don’t sound that great, but these days you can get some affordable and decent tasting meals. All you need to do is add hot water, and wait! 

 

Now, this list doesn’t include absolutely everything, but is a great option for first time, multi-day hikers.

Do you have any questions or advice about any of the gear I’ve used?

Leave a comment below!

Pin
Share
Tweet
0 Shares

Category: Hiking

Previous Post: «Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Mueller Hut view 12 Instagrammable spots in New Zealand’s South Island
Next Post: How to visit New Zealand on a budget: 10 budget saving tips New Zealand on a budget - roys peak»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Site Footer

The Wandering Suitcase is a participant in several affiliate programs.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You can find our full disclosure and privacy policy here.

Copyright © 2019 The Wandering Suitcase · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy