Essential Hiking Gear Guide: Introduction

Gear selection is maybe the most personalized, flexible and valuable aspect of hiking or backpacking.

When we at Unpack Adventure contemplated this collaborative journey we are embarking on, we saw no other way to begin besides opening with an essential hiking or backpacking gear guide. The gear a hiker uses is an expression of their personal values, ingenuity and resourcefulness or an ever-growing pursuit to be a true minimalist. Having the right gear is also vital to having a happy, enjoyable and safe hike.

Before we jump into the inaugural article for our Unpack Adventure blog, in this Essential Hiking Gear Guide Introduction I would like to thank you all for taking the time to view and interact on this space while we pursue our passion. We are by no means experts, just outdoor enthusiasts on a mission to further the interest in hiking and deepen society’s ever waning connection to nature. Technology has brought forth so many advancements and improvements in our lives that it is hard to find faults with the overall benefits of it. I however believe that with the advancements has come a subconscious shift from the actual “real world” to the new “real world.” Technology and the Internet have replaced the intimate experience of going out on our own and experiencing both the joys and disappointments of life. We currently rely on the Internet for so much and trust me, I get it; I am currently writing this article for the sole purpose of assessing like-minded people across the Internet. But nothing can replace the experience of going outside and hiking to a beautiful scenic overlook to watch the sunrise or going to your local. I hope this blog helps bring the outdoors closer and motivates everyone to finish reading our articles and go outside to experience everything the planet has to offer.

When a new or even seasoned hiker is contemplating an essential gear list, there are many important questions to consider:

What type of hikes will you be embarking on? Day or multi-day? A Thru or section hike? Backpacking or car camping?
What is your budget? Do you value the newest and best gear out there? Or do you have a personal ambition to try and maximize the resourcefulness of your current kit?
Do you envision yourself a lightweight minimalist? If not, what is your comfort zone in regard to how much weight you realistically plan to carry? Capacity and comfort will be determined by your preferences (which can and most likely will change as you progress along this magical hiking/backpacking journey).
Lastly, what gear do you currently have at your disposal? Do family or friends have any older gear they can lend or give you to allow you to take a few hikes and explore the wonderful, simple bliss that comes with hiking and being out in nature?

The answers to these simple questions will help frame your approach to gear selection and I recommend thinking about those questions prior to investing your hard-earned money into new or updated hiking gear. Get started reading the essential hiking gear guide here.

Like I said earlier, gear selection is customizable to every individual hiker and I believe your approach to gear should be derived directly from the old hiking adage of “hike your own hike.” You do not need the best, the lightest, the prettiest, or even a fully customizable kit from the start. Everyone will have a different approach to hiking / camping or just being outdoors, and that is totally ok; more than ok, it is welcomed. Be yourself, express yourself, be empowered by the subtle confidence the outdoors will instill in you and allow your gear selection to be a representation of you.

The most important thing to remember about hiking and frankly life in general is to take that first step because it is the most important one. Be it the first step from any trail head for a day hike or weekend outing or it could even be just into your local reserve, the beauty of the outdoors will reward you for that simple effort. Hiking is a free, reachable and simple pleasure that is within everyone’s reach. Go out and find your happiness…

-Six Slash