Hiking lets you escape everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you are a beginner or a regular trail user, every outing still needs preparation. The length, distance, elevation gain and technical difficulty of your trip, as well as the weather conditions, will help you choose the essential hiking gear. Here is everything you need to plan for.
The hiking backpack
Hiking backpacks are essential on the trail. There are several things to consider when choosing one: it needs to be lightweight, built-to-last and suited to your body shape, with enough space to organise all your kit. For extra protection, remember to pack a rain cover.
The right backpack capacity depends mainly on the length and type of hike. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with short, accessible routes, as beginner hiking distances are generally shorter than those tackled by experienced walkers. This directly affects the volume you need: a 15- to 20-litre pack, for example, is enough for a day hike.
- Less than 10 litres: short walk or trail outing
- Between 15 and 20 litres: day hiking
- Between 30 and 40 litres: two-day hiking with an overnight stay in a mountain hut
- Between 50 and 70 litres: multi-day self-sufficient hiking
- More than 70 litres: long treks and expeditions
Essential clothing for hiking
Whether you go hiking in summer or winter, your clothing must follow the three-layer system. It lets you carry what you need while staying ready for all weather conditions. It is particularly useful in the mountains, where the weather is often unstable. For footwear, boot height depends on the terrain, conditions and backpack weight.
- Hiking T-shirts
- Fleece jackets or insulated hiking jackets
- Waterproof jackets or windbreakers
- Hiking trousers or hiking shorts
- Thermal base layers
- Hiking socks
- Hiking boots
- Light sandals or flip-flops
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Neck gaiter
Sun protection
The sun can be particularly intense when hiking, especially in the mountains. Remember to protect yourself even if it is not visible or you cannot feel it. This will help you reduce the risk of sunburn or heatstroke.
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sunglasses, category 3 or 4
- Lip balm
- Cap or hat
Food and hydration
When hiking, food and hydration are essential. Your body needs around 3,000 to 3,500 kcal per day for energy and 2 to 3 litres of water to avoid dehydration. When packing your hiking backpack, choose foods that are nutritious, compact and lightweight. For water management, remember to pack a filtration or purification system. It is essential for several days of self-sufficient hiking.
- Energy snacks: dried fruit, cereal bars, nuts, chocolate
- Light meals: freeze-dried meals, instant soups, sandwiches
- Stove
- Gas canister
- Cookset, cutlery and cup
- Water bottle or hydration bladder
- Water filtration or purification system
Bivvy gear
If you are planning several days of self-sufficient hiking, bivvy gear is essential. Once again, lightweight and durability are key, as you need to carry all your gear while protecting yourself from cold, wind and other overnight weather conditions. For your sleeping bag, we recommend choosing a compact model with a comfort temperature suited to the conditions.
- Tent or tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping mat or groundsheet
Essential navigation gear for hiking
Navigation equipment helps you find your way outdoors. Although plenty of apps and electronic devices are available, we recommend carrying a map and compass. They are useful if you lose signal or your battery runs out. If you have only recently started hiking, learn how to use them before setting off.
- IGN topographic map
- Compass
- Altimeter
- GPS
- Safety tracker for remote areas
First aid
Another essential item for hiking is a first-aid kit. While it is not needed on every outing, it becomes essential in the event of injury. Fill it with everything needed to disinfect and dress a wound, prevent insect bites or regulate your body temperature in an emergency.
- Assorted plasters: standard, blister and adhesive wound-closure strips
- Sterile dressings
- Elastic bandage
- Plasters or adhesive tape
- Disinfectant
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Painkillers
- Antihistamines
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication
- Hand sanitiser gel or solution
- Mosquito repellent
- Aspivenin
- Survival blanket
- Whistle
- List of emergency numbers
Accessories that make the difference
Alongside the basic hiking kit, some accessories are particularly useful on the trail. Hiking poles, for example, reduce fatigue and improve balance. A head torch takes up little space and comes in handy when the light fades, while a rubbish bag is essential for carrying out your waste.
- Hiking poles
- Headlamp
- Swiss Army knife
- Lighter or matches
- Rubbish bag
- Biodegradable soap and a small towel
- Cord or carabiners
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Mobile phone with power bank
- Camera
- Binoculars
- ID
- Money
Choosing the right essential hiking gear is key to enjoying an outing in the great outdoors. Whether you are heading out for a simple walk of a few hours or several days in the mountains, every item of equipment must play a role in comfort, safety and self-sufficiency. For a successful experience, adapt your backpack and its contents to the type of hiking. Remember to respect the environment by taking all your rubbish with you. Enjoy your walk!
Photo credit: Delphine Daniélou
