Hiking equipment is the equipment taken on outdoor walking trips. Hiking is usually divided into day-hikes and multiple-day hikes, called backpacking, trekking, and walking tours.
The equipment selected varies according to the duration, distance, planned activities, and the environment. Additional factors include weight and preparedness for unplanned events. The level of preparedness can relate to remoteness and potential hazards; for example, a short day hike across farmland or trekking in the Himalayas. The length and duration of a walk can influence the amount of weight carried.
The nature of a hike is both by the natural environment and the applicable government regulations and hikers plan accordingly when considering equipment. To minimize the impact on the natural environment, many hikers follow the principles of "Leave No Trace".
Planning and checklists
According to Tom Brown, the basic plan for survival is in the order of shelter (including clothing), water, fire, and food. Cody Lundin writes about the "Rule of 3s"; this relates to human survival without basics: three minutes without air, three hours without shelter, three days without water, or three weeks without food.
Hikers may take with them equipment ranging from a stout knife to ultralight backpacking (10–25 pounds), to the heaviest, most durable gear a hiker can carry. Checklists help to minimize the chance of forgetting something important.
Considerations for choice of hiking equipment may include:
Length and remoteness of trip
Optimal weight and capacity
Special medical considerations
Weather: temperature range, sun/shade, rain, snow, ice
Terrain: trail conditions, cliffs, sand, swamp, river crossings
Shelter and clothes
Water plan
Food
Overnight shelter
Protection from animals: insect repellent, anaphylactic medication, snakebite first-aid, antivenom, mace, bear spray, bear-resistant food storage container Equipment for special activities
While Henry David Thoreau and several other early outdoor authors published lists of items to carry while hiking, it was The Mountaineers of Seattle who developed the “10 Essentials” list while teaching climbing courses in the 1930s. The list, now known as “The Classic List,” first appeared in print in 1974 with the publication of the third edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. The list was developed so that outdoor recreationists could respond to an accident, or spend an unforeseen night in the wild. Over time The Mountaineers have tweaked the list to reflect the availability of modern gear. Now known as the “Ten Essential Systems,” the club recommends that outdoor recreationists carry the following, as needed according to the situation:
Navigation (map & compass) Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing) Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Carrying methods and capacity
A pack's capacity to carry items is determined by: Carrying methods on the body Bag volume Construction strength, design, materials, and construction quality
Commonly-used carrying methods include: A wristband, belt loop, a thin neck lanyard, and clothing pockets are among the smaller, lighter methods. A small belt pouch (60 cu.in., 1 liter) that can attach to a belt A bodypack or tactical vest (100–200 cu.in.) is a load-bearing vest, and may be as simple as a fishing vest. A single-shoulder pack (500–800 cu.in., 8-14L) uses one shoulder strap, such as a haversack, messenger bag, or sling bag. A waistpack can range in size from a belt pouch to a haversack (1-14L); in the larger sizes, shoulder straps maybe provided. Waistpacks may be carried over a shoulder. Day packs (1,000–2,000 cu.in., 17-34L) are small to mid-sized backpacks that have two shoulder straps, smaller ones may not include a waist belt. A harness system may include a small backpack, a waistpack, a vest, and several belt pouches. Larger cargo backpacks (6,000 cu.in, 100+L) that have substantial, well-padded shoulder straps and a waist belt; some of these are designed to carry a couple of hundred pounds.