Essential Hiking Packing List: Must-Have Gear for Your Next Adventure

Hiking adventures require more preparation than many other types of outings. That’s because the terrain, location, and climate can all affect the safety and comfort of the hiker.

The first step in getting ready involves learning as much as you can about the difficulty of the path you’ll be taking. After that, you can begin the essential task of packing for the journey.

Essential Items

While hiking can offer an exciting escape from your daily routine, going unprepared could put you in an inconvenient — or even dangerous — situation. Use the following list to ensure that you’re fully prepared for your next trek.

Navigation Tools

Your hiking packing list will include many of the same items you’d find in a camping packing guide. However, you might need some extra items to help you find your way. Don’t rely on your phone since reception can become spotty in remote areas. Instead, bring along a paper map and compass.

If you’re an experienced hiker, you might have a GPS device that uses satellite service for consistent reception. It should be one of the first things that goes in your bag.

One common mistake novice hikers make is deviating from their path. Never leave your planned route. If you injure yourself, sticking to your planned hike will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Plan out your route in detail in advance, and give a copy to a trusted friend.

Hydration

One bottle of water for every five miles
Extra water for mountainous regions or extreme heat
Portable water filtration device
Hydration packs or bladders (for hands-free hydration)
Electrolyte tablets or powders

A good rule of thumb is to bring one bottle of water for every five miles you’ll be walking. However, you’ll require more hydration if you’ll be hiking in a mountainous region or during periods of extreme heat. Make sure to bring extra water under these conditions.

To avoid running out of water, it’s a good idea to buy a portable water filtration device. These products use chemicals, UV light, and other processes to remove toxins from rivers, streams, and lakes. Never drink unfiltered water, as it could make you sick.

Nutrition

Nuts
Seeds
Beef jerky
Granola bars
Crackers
Extra food for unplanned delays
Dried fruits
Energy gels or chews

Every hiking packing checklist should include an ample supply of nonperishable foods, such as nuts, seeds, beef jerky, granola bars, crackers, and similar items. These calorie-dense options will serve to replenish your energy along the way.

Whether you’re planning a day hike or a multi-day trek, expect your hike to take longer than you anticipate, and bring plenty of extra food.

Clothing

Light, porous clothing for layering
Moisture-wicking or synthetic garments
Poncho or raincoat
Insect-repellent clothing
Hiking boots with optimal traction and protection
Wool socks for temperature regulation and cushioning
Permethrin-treated socks to repel ticks
Hat for sun protection
Gloves for colder climates

Pack light, porous clothing you can layer on and remove as the climate changes. Ideally, your clothing will dry quickly, so consider adding moisture-wicking or synthetic garments to your supplies. Technical clothing, such as the Insect Shield Elements collection, are great options for hiking apparel. Cotton items may be comfortable at first, but they’ll absorb moisture, so keep that in mind. Pack a poncho or raincoat for unexpected rainfall.

In addition to wearing insect-repellent clothes, choose your footwear carefully. Wear hiking boots designed to provide optimal traction and protection against the elements. Save the sneakers for the gym. It’s also a smart idea to spray your shoes with Permethrin Spray to help avoid tick bites.

Wool socks tend to be best for hiking, as the material is great for regulating temperature. Wool socks also provide a thick cushion that protects against injuries from rocks and other rugged terrain.

Safety and First Aid

New first aid kit
Personal medications
Whistle
Multi-tool knife
Emergency blanket
Fire starter fluid, matches, and lighter
Emergency shelter or bivy
Signal mirror
Personal locator beacon (PLB)

Make sure to replenish your first aid kit or purchase a new one for each hike. That way, all of your supplies will be fresh and reliable. If you take medication, add it to your list of essential hiking items. Storing medicines in your first aid kit will keep them from getting lost.

To prepare for the possibility of getting lost, include a whistle, multi-tool knife, and blanket in your supplies. Keep fire starter fluid, matches, and a lighter with you to make sure you can start a campfire if needed. An easy day hike could turn into an overnight excursion unexpectedly, so it’s smart to prepare in advance.

Sun Protection

Long sleeves and long pants
Sunscreen
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
SPF lip balm

Never underestimate the power of the sun. Even a short hike in the woods can leave you burned if you don’t have proper protection against UV rays.

Even though it might be hot, wearing long sleeves and long pants and applying sunscreen offers the best protection. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your head, face, and neck.

Insect Protection

Topical bug repellent spray
Insect-repellent permethrin spray for clothing and gear
Permethrin-treated clothing and gear
Bug net for face protection

During your hike, you’re likely to encounter a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and ticks that may carry diseases. To help protect yourself, use a combination of insect-repellent options. Apply a topical repellent to exposed skin and wear permethrin-treated clothing, which offers built-in protection. You can also apply Permethrin Spray directly to your hiking gear, shoes, and accessories for comprehensive coverage. Just remember, Permethrin Spray should be applied before your hike, not while wearing the clothing.

Lighting

Headlamp (preferred for hands-free use)
Flashlight (as a backup)
Extra batteries
Lantern (for camp use)
Glow sticks (as an emergency light source)

Even if you plan to return before sunset, some areas may get very dark very fast. Heavy tree covering and shadows cast by nearby mountains can block the sun’s rays almost entirely. Bring a headlamp or similar device to light your way if this happens. While a flashlight can be handy in this situation, a headlamp will keep your hands free, making it easier to find your way along your path.

Backpack

Backpack appropriate for the hike duration and load
Nylon or polyester material (porous and lightweight)
Separate compartments for organization
Rain cover for backpack
Compression sacks or stuff sacks

Inexperienced hikers often don’t realize the importance of investing in the right backpack.

If you’re planning an easy stroll with a short hiking packing list, you may only need a small bag. However, the pack you strap on for a multi-day hike should be big enough to carry everything you’ll need. Remember that you’ll be far from the nearest store.

Many backpacks come with separate compartments and extra features for better organization, which makes it easier to locate essentials in a hurry. Whether you suddenly feel dehydrated or injure yourself in an accident, a well-organized backpack will let you access what you need without rummaging through all of your belongings.

Nylon or polyester backpacks are ideal for hiking. These materials are porous, so they won’t absorb or retain moisture. They’re also lightweight, which means they’re easy to carry for long periods. You can also use canvas or leather backpacks, though you may need to add a waterproof sealant.

Optional Items

Lightweight, durable camera or smartphone for photos
Trekking poles
Swimsuit and towel (if near water)
Dog-specific gear (if hiking with a pet):
Insect repellent for pets
Collapsible food and water bowls
Leash and collar
Dog-specific first aid kit
Insect-repellent clothes for dogs

There are also a number of extras you might want to bring along. For example, you can throw a lightweight, durable camera in your bag if you want to take pictures on your hike. Your smartphone can get the job done as well — just keep in mind that you may not have service.

You can find a variety of trekking poles in most sporting goods stores. These helpful devices offer support and protection against falls as hikers shamble over uneven terrain. If you’re passing through an area with a stream or lake, consider packing a swimsuit and towel. You never know when you might want to cool off with a swim!

If dogs are permitted on the trail you’ll be navigating, don’t forget to pack Insect Shield’s insect repellent clothing for pets.

Additionally, your hiking packing list should include collapsible food and water bowls, a leash, a collar, and a dog-specific first aid kit. You can also dress your pup in insect-repellant clothes to protect it against fleas, ticks, and other pests.

Preparation Tips

Pack everything the night before
Check weight and balance of the pack by taking a short walk
Check the weather forecast one last time before departure

Plan on packing everything the night before your departure. This will give you the opportunity to assess the weight and balance of your pack. Take a short walk while wearing your bag to make sure it feels comfortable.

Once you’ve done that, check the weather one last time. Changing weather patterns can lead to unpleasant or hazardous conditions. If the forecast calls for stormy weather, don’t take chances — just reschedule your excursion for a clearer day.

Have a Safe and Fun Hiking Adventure

Hiking can be great fun, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Packing some high-performance insect-repellent clothing will keep you comfortable and help avoid bug bites all day long, allowing you to enjoy your outing to the fullest.