My top 5 essential items that no beginner hiker should be without! Whether the weather is wet, dry, sunny or windy there are some bits of kit that are so important that we used to turn people away if they turned up to the bus to the hike without them. Links to amazon are provided, we all know the score here, if you’ve found this helpful then please use the link and I receive a share at no cost to you.
1. Waterproof Jacket
Theres nothing worse than a hike in the rain without a proper waterproof jacket. While a normal coat may be good enough to protect you during a shower at sea level, it will quickly become sodden and heavy on the hills. Worse still, the material will not dry quickly and sap away body heat causing a hypothermia risk. even if the forecast predicts dry weather its always a good idea to keep a jacket in the bag as conditions can change quickly.
A good quality waterproof jacket is a bust for any hiker that wants to stay warm and safe in the hills. Materials like Gortex and Out dry are good bets, these keep water out while still letting moisture from inside through. Gortex tends to be a little more expensive than Out dry. In my experience both materials are very similar these days. Other materials are available in the bottom end, almost like own brand materials from manufacturers, these can be great too but may not be as breathable or as long lasting as more premium materials. As long as you look after them, and re-waterproof them regularly they will last years! Whichever one you get, make sure you wear synthetic layers underneath to aid breathability. Here are some options in 3 price brackets.
High end with a matching price tag https://amzn.to/2BQMQ1S
Mid range option https://amzn.to/2MUilOU
Very good value, light but good performance https://amzn.to/32We6Yq
2. Waterproof trousers
Just like with the jacket the same applies for the bottom half of you. The wrong leg ware can be deadly. Jeans are a big no no! They are inflexible and will soak up water like a sponge leading to chilling and impaired mobility. Thermal leggings, with synthetic trousers as a mid layer with waterproofs on top works well in cold conditions. You can change this up depending on the temperature, but its always worth keeping the waterproofs handy just in case!
High end https://amzn.to/2MRWDLh
Mid point, I have these ones myself. https://amzn.to/2ooN0Kv
Cheap and cheerful https://amzn.to/2BOTpBN
3. Backpack
Well you cant go around on a hike with a tesco shopping bag can you! You will need something to carry your food, water, extra thermal layer, waterproofs, camera, sunnies, and maybe even a first aid kit in. For a short day hike, 20 – 35l volume is plenty. We tend to fill space if we have it available, so having a smaller pack will mean that you only bring what you need and wont be carrying loads extra just because you decided to stick it in anyway. Here are some ideas:
Super light https://amzn.to/2BOTpBN
Classic design https://amzn.to/2BPnLV1
4. Boots
Our feet are our points of contact with the ground, and out boots form the surface at the interface. It is vital that the boots we wear are correct in terms of grip, support, insulation, and fit. Fashionable boots like doc martins or timberlands are probably not suitable because they may not have the right grip for muddy paths, or wont be comfortable over 5hrs of hard walking. Look out for vibram sole, and the more mud you think you’ll encounter the deeper the tread should be. Good boots are of course waterproof, gortex and out dry are big in this department too. Your boots should have good ankle support, we are hiking and not running so having the ankle supported will reduce strain and the chance of twists. The best boot is one that fits you, if you can then try a few different ones on. You shouldn’t feel movement in the heel, nor should your toe hit the front when pointed down hill. Here are some different varieties:
Classic https://amzn.to/34aO7Nk
Light weight, my go to walking boot https://amzn.to/34bGlCN
5. Water bottle
Staying hydrated while on the hills is important, cool water on a warm day and warm tea on a cold one will re energise you for sure. After I had a near miss in a New Zealand heat wave climbing mount Hikurangi without enough water, I value it even more! Personally, I bring at least 1l with me on cool days, but 2l or more on hot ones. Why not save on plastic and get a reusable one.
Cant go wrong really https://amzn.to/32Wyx7F
So concludes my list of essential items for the beginner hiker, once again I thank you for your readership, and hope you’ve found this useful. If so please consider subscribing, sharing, and using the links provided.
Until next time!
Fun Once Its Done 
Nice list!
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