Whether you go trail hiking every chance you can, or you just want to get out in nature once in a while you are going to need the right hiking equipment to keep you safe and dry. If you are new to the sport and have gone shopping for hiking equipment you know how confusing it can be to figure out what to get.



One of the first questions you need to ask yourself before you get your hiking equipment is, "will this be a day hike for a few hours or will I be spending the night in the wilderness?" Obviously you are going to need a lot more hiking equipment if you are camping overnight.

The next question you need to ask yourself is, "what type of terrain will I be hiking?" If you go for walks on relatively flat, smooth terrain for a few hours on the weekends than you aren't going to need much hiking equipment at all.

However, if you are planning a week long trip with some difficult terrain your main concern when it comes to hiking equipment should be safety. Not only do you want equipment to keep you safe, you also want to take the weight and bulk of the hiking equipment into consideration. Trying a difficult hike and carrying too much stuff can be just as dangerous as not having any.

The final question to ask yourself is, "what is the climate going to be like?" Remember that mother nature can throw a lot of curveballs so always prepare for the worst.

For example, If you are going to be hiking in the dessert, buy hiking boots that have thick soles (hot sand), but aren't too insulated so your feet can stay cool during the day (100+ degree heat). If you are in Alaska you will probably need an ice axe. If you are in the Adirondacks in the spring you will need a lot of insect repellent.

The Basic Necessities

The basic hiking equipment that every hiker will need to take along include:

* Electric torch

* Backpack

* First aid kits

* Pocket knife

* Maps and compasses

* Matches

* Candles

* Water flask

* Bottled water or a way to purify it

* Food

How To Save Money and Hike Well

When you know what you need and it is time to purchase your hiking equipment you need to make sure that you know when to buy cheap and when to make sure you have the best hiking equipment out there.

For example, if you plan to have some rock climbing in your excursion you had better lay out the money for the best rope and harness. But if you are just going hiking on a well traveled trail for a couple of hours you don't need to spend the money for top of the line equipment. Use your common sense and remember that safety should always be the most important consideration when it comes to buying hiking equipment.