New hikers are on the trails with just about every kind (or lack) of clothing and gear imaginable, but if you get serious about hiking, there are some essentials to consider for comfort and safety.
The following list is not to be construed as a complete list of all items a hiker may every need under all circumstances, but contains some basics for typical day hikes, AND a narrative follows the list with explanations and details:
- BACKPACK (Technical)
- HYDRATION SYSTEM
- HIKING BOOTS
- HIKING SOCKS (specifically for hiking)
- HIKING PANTS & SHORTS (breathable)
- LAYERED TOPS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER (Breathable)
- LONG SLEEVED SHIRT (Ventilated - sun and insect protection)
- WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET W/HOOD (breathable
- RAIN PANTS (Waterproof & breathable with FULL side-leg zips)
- HATS for winter and summer
- GLOVES
- GAITERS (Optional, but valuable)
- HIKING/TREKKING POLES
- SO-CALLED "TEN ESSENTIALS" (Listed separately)
- PERSONALIZED CHECKLIST
We've each probably had a dozen or so BACKPACKS over the years. There seems to be a constant evolution of lighter weight fabrics, more efficient space management and innovative designs in backpacks, making new ones pretty irresistible. For year-around hiking, we prefer two different packs and use only those which are adaptable to an internal HYDRATION SYSTEM, a removable bladder fitting inside the pack. Our summer packs are smaller, compact and lighter weight than our larger winter packs which require additional capacity for heavier clothing and other cold-weather items.
There are an increasing number of smaller, technical day packs designed for women that have higher chest straps and shorter torsos. It's definitely something to consider, particularly for women with petite frames. Torso adjustments only go so far.
For those of a serious technical persuasion, specifications on all aspects of backpacks can be found online or in manufacturer's specification handouts available at many outdoor stores that list weights, dimensions, capacities and other useful information.
Personally, I like an internal frame pack that distributes the weight onto the hips, off the shoulders and eliminates uncomfortable pokes from items being carried. The downside is additional weight for the frame, but the comfort is great. Al does just fine with and prefer the lighter weight but firmly padded backs without the rigid frame. He is evidently a better "packer" than I am, since I've rarely heard him complain about being poked.
So much comfort in hiking or lack thereof is due to the fit of a pack, that we highly recommend conferring with an expert at an outdoor store. Ask for a torso measurement so you can match that length to the pack's specifications, and make note of the dimension for future reference. A pack with a torso length that's too long can create severe dysfunction and discomfort.
When a decision has been made on a specific backpack, take it home and pack it with everything you expect to carry, making sure the capacity is sufficient before heading out on the trails.
The so-called "ten essentials" have evolved into a few more items with the advent of the cell phone for emergency use, which is a "must have". Be sure it is fully charged. Again, the following list does not attempt to cover every item a hiker may ever need, but is basic:
- CELL PHONE (fully charged)
- WHISTLE
- EXTRA FOOD & CLOTHING
- SUN PROTECTION
- MAP
- COMPASS
- FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP
- WATERPROOF MATCHES
- FIRE STARTER (candles are one source)
- POCKET KNIFE
- SPACE BLANKET (Our addition)
- EXTRA WATER
- INSECT REPELLENT
Although the lists sound extensive, it's surprising how light weight all of these items can be if you buy with weight as a focus and limit quantities or volumes to that which is needed for a few hikes - not for the balance of your natural life.
For some unknown reason, both Al and I carried far too much weight in our packs until the last few years when we finally decided it wasn't necessary to carry "forty-nine" essentials. Closer to "ten" was a much better number and quite adequate for our needs.
Now, we've reduced weight even further by changing HOW we pack.
Simple ways to lose backpack weight:
- Buy a small, shrill-tones PLASTIC whistle (outdoor store) instead of the heavier metal one.
- Carry only the amount of sun protection, insect repellent and other products needed for one
or two hikes, rather than whole containers.
- Outdoor stores carry tiny plastic, screw-top bottles that can be easily filled with a few days'
supply.
- LED flashlights are lightweight. Headlamps are especially nice.
- Replace original packet containing first aid kit items and replace with small plastic zip-lock bag.
Think about each items you intend to pack and how to lighten the load.
A lightweight umbrella has always been part of our rainy day gear, and Al uses one to lunch under a hot sun. After terrifying a trails horse with an open black umbrella one day, we decided it probably would be good defense against wild animals as well, with the intent to appear as large and formidable as possible.
HATS for sun protection should be of very light-weight material, have a chin strap and allow for maximum ventilation in the crown. Don't consider a wide brim that will catch in the wind. The hat will spend a good part of its life inside the backpack, so its construction needs to be flexible.
BOOTS are critical and although I've had almost no problems with fit or comfort, Al has had more than his share. One of the biggest frustrations for his is that boot manufacturers discontinue styles that fit perfectly and then replace them with ones that don't. So, every time he needs to replace boots, it's a major effort to find those that work. Complicating matters is that feet also seem to "spread out" after years of hiking and need an even wider toe box and possibly a bigger boot size, too.
We prefer waterproof hiking boots for the rainy weather in Oregon. Occasionally slogging through wet marshes or fording a small stream is inevitable on many hikes. Outdoor stores usually have knowledgeable personnel to help with the fit and make recommendations. There are slanted ramps designed specifically to determine whether your toes will hit the front of a particular boot when you're going down hill. Otherwise, they should be comfortably snug, not tight, and provide toe "wiggle" room.
GAITERS are indispensable, from our point of view, for keeping the trail debris out of the boots when wearing shorts. Our pack for the summer months are the short gaiters that just cover boots and socks. We sometimes wear knee-high gaiters during the winter if the trail is muddy or we will be walking through wet vegetation. Gaiters will keep the upper part of your boots from becoming caked with mud and protect pant legs from water.
Hiking SOCKS warrant special consideration. My personal preference is for Thorlo "coolmax" for hot weather and washable "smart wool" for cooler weather. Both these socks are also available specifically in women's sizes. Al prefers the softness of a heavy weight merino wool sock for winter and the same "coolmax" for summer. There is an appreciable difference in foot temperature using the "coolmax". However, hiking socks are an individual preference and a large variety exists from which to choose.
CLOTHING is critical to comfortable hiking and "layering" is essential. It's like "location" in real estate. The big "no" is cotton anything, from our perspective. Once cotton gets wet from perspiration or for whatever reason, it stays wet, plus it can be quite hot during a workout in warm weather. What works is what breathes and wicks moisture from your skin to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate, drying quickly. Outdoor personnel can direct you to the breathable clothing - don't consider anything else.
What has worked extremely well in basic layering for us is Patagonia's Capilene apparel, a synthetic fabric. These garments seem to last forever. We still have original pieces purchase in the early 90's. Many outdoor stores carry their own brands of next-to-the-skin, first layer garments that are excellent also. Smartwool brand first layers are fairly new to the market in the last few years and we have not yet tried them. One disadvantage of the synthetic garments is they tend not to be very comfortable indoors, whereas the Smartwool articles might work better in this regard. Apparently many are made from Merino wool and should be very soft. Comments would be appreciated from readers who have used both products.
There are generally three weights for these particular layers for the varying outdoor temperatures, and we've sometimes layered all three in particularly cold weather. Topped by a lightweight, waterproof shell jacket and hood, we've never been uncomfortable and can peel layers as the need dictates. Seldom do we wear the long underwear bottoms under our hiking pants, but they're always in our backpacks, just in case. Some will wear the "lowers" with shorts for winter and spring hiking. We wore that combination for a number of years with great comfort.
The "uppers" as they are called, are something I wear year-around, as a first layer in winter and as an outerwear top during the summer. Winter favorites are long sleeves with mock turtle necks and a neck zipper that allows for great micro heat management. During the summer, we wear short sleeve variations that are available in various colors. Long underwear historically was available in only one dowdy color, a loathsome shade of oatmeal, but now a number of good colors are to be found.
With a synthetic pull-over for colder weather and a breathable fleece third layer (expedition weight) and a light-weight shell jacket with a hood, we stay dry and comfortable in most of the moderate temperatures in the Northwest.
Never would be recommend denim jeans or other heavy cotton pants. Once wet, for whatever reason, they won't dry out and you'll have a very cold garment to hike in.
PANTS & SHORTS should be made from breathable material also. They need to be light weight, dry quickly and not restrict movement. Year around, we use the 100% nylon hiking pants either with or without the convertible-to-shorts feature. For pure function, it's hard to beat the zip-off legs that accommodate both cold mornings and hot afternoon without changing clothes. We like the nylon material treated with Teflon to avoid permanent but and vegetation stains.
Ventilated and breathable long-sleeve SHIRTS are great to avoid sunburn and double as an insect deterrent.
HIKING or TREKKING POLES have become our mainstay in the last few years. Previously we had both considered them to be sissy sticks. Al had been convinced that with his steady treads and unerring balance, a falls was completely out of the realm of possibility for him. Not until his feel became ensnared in trail-crowding bear grass and he landed flat on his macho, did he reconsider his invincibility.
I had used just one pole for quite awhile, being a little less sure of my own steps after slipping off a wet rock some time before. Using just one pole, however, eventually produced an imbalance in the symmetry of my gait, resulting in some discomfort. The pain disappeared when I converted to two poles. They're like having four-wheel drive and have kept us from disappearing off the trail into the bushes, or worse, a good number of times.
Some kind of SEATING material is needed to keep your backside off the ground. There are simple foam sitting pads available inexpensively, inflatable cushions and even small tripod seats that weight very little. We prefer the tripod seats, particularly when ticks are an item.
A personalized CHECKLIST - make this a priority. There is nothing more irritating than arriving at a trailhead to discover some item of clothing or equipment has been left at home. We rationalize that an airplane pilot would not just grab a few things, jump in the plane and simply take off. Although we don't worry much about our plane crashing on a trail, the result could be similar should an injury occur and we lack the essentials. Checking the list before heading out the door is security.
Even essential items like water and sunglasses go on our list - sometimes it's the seemingly obvious ones that don't make it to the trailhead.
Next blog - Guide books, maps and ticks
The following list is not to be construed as a complete list of all items a hiker may every need under all circumstances, but contains some basics for typical day hikes, AND a narrative follows the list with explanations and details:
- BACKPACK (Technical)
- HYDRATION SYSTEM
- HIKING BOOTS
- HIKING SOCKS (specifically for hiking)
- HIKING PANTS & SHORTS (breathable)
- LAYERED TOPS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER (Breathable)
- LONG SLEEVED SHIRT (Ventilated - sun and insect protection)
- WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET W/HOOD (breathable
- RAIN PANTS (Waterproof & breathable with FULL side-leg zips)
- HATS for winter and summer
- GLOVES
- GAITERS (Optional, but valuable)
- HIKING/TREKKING POLES
- SO-CALLED "TEN ESSENTIALS" (Listed separately)
- PERSONALIZED CHECKLIST
We've each probably had a dozen or so BACKPACKS over the years. There seems to be a constant evolution of lighter weight fabrics, more efficient space management and innovative designs in backpacks, making new ones pretty irresistible. For year-around hiking, we prefer two different packs and use only those which are adaptable to an internal HYDRATION SYSTEM, a removable bladder fitting inside the pack. Our summer packs are smaller, compact and lighter weight than our larger winter packs which require additional capacity for heavier clothing and other cold-weather items.
There are an increasing number of smaller, technical day packs designed for women that have higher chest straps and shorter torsos. It's definitely something to consider, particularly for women with petite frames. Torso adjustments only go so far.
For those of a serious technical persuasion, specifications on all aspects of backpacks can be found online or in manufacturer's specification handouts available at many outdoor stores that list weights, dimensions, capacities and other useful information.
Personally, I like an internal frame pack that distributes the weight onto the hips, off the shoulders and eliminates uncomfortable pokes from items being carried. The downside is additional weight for the frame, but the comfort is great. Al does just fine with and prefer the lighter weight but firmly padded backs without the rigid frame. He is evidently a better "packer" than I am, since I've rarely heard him complain about being poked.
So much comfort in hiking or lack thereof is due to the fit of a pack, that we highly recommend conferring with an expert at an outdoor store. Ask for a torso measurement so you can match that length to the pack's specifications, and make note of the dimension for future reference. A pack with a torso length that's too long can create severe dysfunction and discomfort.
When a decision has been made on a specific backpack, take it home and pack it with everything you expect to carry, making sure the capacity is sufficient before heading out on the trails.
The so-called "ten essentials" have evolved into a few more items with the advent of the cell phone for emergency use, which is a "must have". Be sure it is fully charged. Again, the following list does not attempt to cover every item a hiker may ever need, but is basic:
- CELL PHONE (fully charged)
- WHISTLE
- EXTRA FOOD & CLOTHING
- SUN PROTECTION
- MAP
- COMPASS
- FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP
- WATERPROOF MATCHES
- FIRE STARTER (candles are one source)
- POCKET KNIFE
- SPACE BLANKET (Our addition)
- EXTRA WATER
- INSECT REPELLENT
Although the lists sound extensive, it's surprising how light weight all of these items can be if you buy with weight as a focus and limit quantities or volumes to that which is needed for a few hikes - not for the balance of your natural life.
For some unknown reason, both Al and I carried far too much weight in our packs until the last few years when we finally decided it wasn't necessary to carry "forty-nine" essentials. Closer to "ten" was a much better number and quite adequate for our needs.
Now, we've reduced weight even further by changing HOW we pack.
Simple ways to lose backpack weight:
- Buy a small, shrill-tones PLASTIC whistle (outdoor store) instead of the heavier metal one.
- Carry only the amount of sun protection, insect repellent and other products needed for one
or two hikes, rather than whole containers.
- Outdoor stores carry tiny plastic, screw-top bottles that can be easily filled with a few days'
supply.
- LED flashlights are lightweight. Headlamps are especially nice.
- Replace original packet containing first aid kit items and replace with small plastic zip-lock bag.
Think about each items you intend to pack and how to lighten the load.
A lightweight umbrella has always been part of our rainy day gear, and Al uses one to lunch under a hot sun. After terrifying a trails horse with an open black umbrella one day, we decided it probably would be good defense against wild animals as well, with the intent to appear as large and formidable as possible.
HATS for sun protection should be of very light-weight material, have a chin strap and allow for maximum ventilation in the crown. Don't consider a wide brim that will catch in the wind. The hat will spend a good part of its life inside the backpack, so its construction needs to be flexible.
BOOTS are critical and although I've had almost no problems with fit or comfort, Al has had more than his share. One of the biggest frustrations for his is that boot manufacturers discontinue styles that fit perfectly and then replace them with ones that don't. So, every time he needs to replace boots, it's a major effort to find those that work. Complicating matters is that feet also seem to "spread out" after years of hiking and need an even wider toe box and possibly a bigger boot size, too.
We prefer waterproof hiking boots for the rainy weather in Oregon. Occasionally slogging through wet marshes or fording a small stream is inevitable on many hikes. Outdoor stores usually have knowledgeable personnel to help with the fit and make recommendations. There are slanted ramps designed specifically to determine whether your toes will hit the front of a particular boot when you're going down hill. Otherwise, they should be comfortably snug, not tight, and provide toe "wiggle" room.
GAITERS are indispensable, from our point of view, for keeping the trail debris out of the boots when wearing shorts. Our pack for the summer months are the short gaiters that just cover boots and socks. We sometimes wear knee-high gaiters during the winter if the trail is muddy or we will be walking through wet vegetation. Gaiters will keep the upper part of your boots from becoming caked with mud and protect pant legs from water.
Hiking SOCKS warrant special consideration. My personal preference is for Thorlo "coolmax" for hot weather and washable "smart wool" for cooler weather. Both these socks are also available specifically in women's sizes. Al prefers the softness of a heavy weight merino wool sock for winter and the same "coolmax" for summer. There is an appreciable difference in foot temperature using the "coolmax". However, hiking socks are an individual preference and a large variety exists from which to choose.
CLOTHING is critical to comfortable hiking and "layering" is essential. It's like "location" in real estate. The big "no" is cotton anything, from our perspective. Once cotton gets wet from perspiration or for whatever reason, it stays wet, plus it can be quite hot during a workout in warm weather. What works is what breathes and wicks moisture from your skin to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate, drying quickly. Outdoor personnel can direct you to the breathable clothing - don't consider anything else.
What has worked extremely well in basic layering for us is Patagonia's Capilene apparel, a synthetic fabric. These garments seem to last forever. We still have original pieces purchase in the early 90's. Many outdoor stores carry their own brands of next-to-the-skin, first layer garments that are excellent also. Smartwool brand first layers are fairly new to the market in the last few years and we have not yet tried them. One disadvantage of the synthetic garments is they tend not to be very comfortable indoors, whereas the Smartwool articles might work better in this regard. Apparently many are made from Merino wool and should be very soft. Comments would be appreciated from readers who have used both products.
There are generally three weights for these particular layers for the varying outdoor temperatures, and we've sometimes layered all three in particularly cold weather. Topped by a lightweight, waterproof shell jacket and hood, we've never been uncomfortable and can peel layers as the need dictates. Seldom do we wear the long underwear bottoms under our hiking pants, but they're always in our backpacks, just in case. Some will wear the "lowers" with shorts for winter and spring hiking. We wore that combination for a number of years with great comfort.
The "uppers" as they are called, are something I wear year-around, as a first layer in winter and as an outerwear top during the summer. Winter favorites are long sleeves with mock turtle necks and a neck zipper that allows for great micro heat management. During the summer, we wear short sleeve variations that are available in various colors. Long underwear historically was available in only one dowdy color, a loathsome shade of oatmeal, but now a number of good colors are to be found.
With a synthetic pull-over for colder weather and a breathable fleece third layer (expedition weight) and a light-weight shell jacket with a hood, we stay dry and comfortable in most of the moderate temperatures in the Northwest.
Never would be recommend denim jeans or other heavy cotton pants. Once wet, for whatever reason, they won't dry out and you'll have a very cold garment to hike in.
PANTS & SHORTS should be made from breathable material also. They need to be light weight, dry quickly and not restrict movement. Year around, we use the 100% nylon hiking pants either with or without the convertible-to-shorts feature. For pure function, it's hard to beat the zip-off legs that accommodate both cold mornings and hot afternoon without changing clothes. We like the nylon material treated with Teflon to avoid permanent but and vegetation stains.
Ventilated and breathable long-sleeve SHIRTS are great to avoid sunburn and double as an insect deterrent.
HIKING or TREKKING POLES have become our mainstay in the last few years. Previously we had both considered them to be sissy sticks. Al had been convinced that with his steady treads and unerring balance, a falls was completely out of the realm of possibility for him. Not until his feel became ensnared in trail-crowding bear grass and he landed flat on his macho, did he reconsider his invincibility.
I had used just one pole for quite awhile, being a little less sure of my own steps after slipping off a wet rock some time before. Using just one pole, however, eventually produced an imbalance in the symmetry of my gait, resulting in some discomfort. The pain disappeared when I converted to two poles. They're like having four-wheel drive and have kept us from disappearing off the trail into the bushes, or worse, a good number of times.
Some kind of SEATING material is needed to keep your backside off the ground. There are simple foam sitting pads available inexpensively, inflatable cushions and even small tripod seats that weight very little. We prefer the tripod seats, particularly when ticks are an item.
A personalized CHECKLIST - make this a priority. There is nothing more irritating than arriving at a trailhead to discover some item of clothing or equipment has been left at home. We rationalize that an airplane pilot would not just grab a few things, jump in the plane and simply take off. Although we don't worry much about our plane crashing on a trail, the result could be similar should an injury occur and we lack the essentials. Checking the list before heading out the door is security.
Even essential items like water and sunglasses go on our list - sometimes it's the seemingly obvious ones that don't make it to the trailhead.
Next blog - Guide books, maps and ticks
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