Hiking Gear for Beginners: The Essentials You Really Need

Essentials for Your Hiking Start

As a beginner hiker, you can tackle routes of between 10 and 15 kilometres per day. Here's what you should definitely get:

Hiking Boots

To make sure your first hike doesn't become a painful experience, it's best to invest in a high-quality pair of hiking boots. They should fit well and offer stability to prevent blisters and injuries. As a beginner, it's best to get professional advice in a shop and break your boots in at home before heading out into the big wide world.

Here's how it works:

The base layer sits close to the body and wicks away sweat, so it should be breathable. For the second layer (mid layer), you can opt for a fleece jacket to keep you warm. The outer layer (shell layer) should protect you from rain and wind, so a rain jacket is ideal here. With a good 3-in-1 jacket or double jacket, you combine two layers in one garment and are reliably protected.

Find out more about layering or the layering principle here.

Useful basics also include functional underwear and a head covering for sun protection. Even when the sky is overcast, UV radiation can be strong, so you should also have sun cream and sunglasses with you.

Snacks and Water Bottle

As with pretty much everything, the same applies to hiking: drink plenty. To be precise, 1–2 litres of water per day hike. A (reusable) water bottle is therefore essential. Because you burn calories while hiking, provisions are also important to keep your energy levels up. To avoid a food coma and not weigh down your pack unnecessarily, you can rely on light snacks such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or sandwiches.

First Aid Kit

No matter how carefully you've broken in your hiking boots – blisters can still develop. And while you're hopping over rocks and roots, you can quickly pick up the odd minor injury. A first aid kit including blister plasters, antiseptic, and tweezers for splinters or ticks should therefore be a permanent part of your kit.

Additional Gadgets for Longer Hikes

You've successfully started hiking and want to expand your existing equipment for longer tours? These items will turn you into a hiking pro:

Sleeping Bag

Whether in a tent or a mountain hut: a sleeping bag is a must on multi-day hikes. You should pay attention to the thermal performance, which is indicated by the comfort temperature. Many people choose a sleeping bag rated between 0 and 5 degrees. But the filling matters too: down is lightweight and compresses well. Synthetic materials are easy to care for and keep you warm even when wet.

Sleeping Mat

Because nobody likes sleeping on the ground, and just in case, it's worth having a sleeping mat with you. Classic models are very light and compact, but also less comfortable than self-inflating mats, which offer greater comfort but are slightly heavier than conventional sleeping mats.

Tent

Here you have a choice between a wide variety of models: single-person tents are lightweight, but – as you've probably already guessed – don't offer much space. Dome tents often come with an inner tent that you can also pitch on its own in sunny weather. Tunnel tents need to be guyed out, but they are lightweight and very spacious.

Head Torch or Torch

Hiking late into the night, the weather suddenly changes, or you want to carry on reading your book in the tent? To avoid draining your phone battery unnecessarily, a head torch or torch is a practical alternative. But remember to bring spare batteries so you don't end up in the dark after all.

Knife or Multi-tool

Opening tins or repairing minor things – a multi-tool including a knife, scissors, and pliers can be indispensable in many situations. It's best to go for a model that is both lightweight and sturdy.

Map, Compass, or GPS

Even in the age of Google Maps, you should consider an analogue alternative. Partly for the battery reasons mentioned above, and partly because you most likely won't always have 5G during your hike. To avoid getting lost, a map and compass are essential. A GPS device with offline maps can be a useful addition.

Seat Pad

Time for a short break? On uneven or cold surfaces, you'll be grateful for a seat pad. Alternatively, you can of course also use your sleeping mat.

Emergency Whistle

A small but effective means of drawing attention to yourself in an emergency. Available for little money online or at outdoor retailers.

The Right Budget for Your Hiking Equipment

How much does hiking gear for beginners cost? You'll find the relevant items in every price category – and of course there's no upper limit. Good equipment is essential for enjoyable hiking, especially if you want to pursue your new hobby regularly and extensively. To start with, you should budget around 300 to 400 euros for boots, a rucksack, a jacket and so on. But once you've made that investment, you'll enjoy your new essentials – and above all your next hike – for a long time to come.