The Ultimate Hiking Guide

Your essential guide to gear, safety, and smart hiking tips for every adventure

Why Hiking Matters

Hiking is more than just walking in nature, it’s a reset button for your mind, body and soul.

Whether you you’re looking to improve your fitness, explore new landscapes, or simply disconnect from daily routines, hiking gives you the freedom to experience the world at your own pace.

It’s accessible, low-cost and adaptable to any skill level. From short forest day trips to a weeks long mountain adventure

One of the best things about hiking is that it’s truly for everyone. You don’t need special skills or the most expensive gear. It’s an activity you can enjoy with the people you care the most.

Essential Hiking Gear

Doesn’t matter how short or long your hike is, the right gear makes the experience safer and more enjoyable.

Backpacks

A good backpack should be comfortable, durable, and large enough for your essentials and needs.

– 20 to 35 liters for 1 day hikes

– 40L+ for overnight trips. Look for padded straps, ventilation, and water-resistant material.

Footwear

Your shoes or boots will make or break your hike. An inappropriate footwear can be the cause of injuries and accidents. This is why you should aim for shoes that protect from the cold, have a good grip to the ground , and water-resistant.

– Trail shoes: Lightweight, good for easy/moderate hikes.

– Hiking boots: Better ankle support, perfect for rocky or uneven terrain.

Clothing System (Layering)

Use the 3-layer system:

– Base layer (moisture-wicking)

– Insulating layer (fleece or down)

– Shell layer (rain jacket / windbreaker)

Water & Hydration

Dehydration is super dangerous, it should be one of your priorities. Bring at least 2L per day and consider a hydration bladder for easy access.

Food & Snacks

Choose high- energy foods and very filling meals like: Nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, jerky…

Navigation Tools

You should plan the hiking route beforehand. Consider using physical navigation tools like a map or a compass, or download offline maps and GPS Apps on your phone (AllTrails, Gaia)

Safety & Emergency Gear

This must be one of your TOP priorities, hiking is amazing 99% of the time, but accidents happen. This is why you must include these items in your backpack.

– First aid kit, a proper one should include: Adhesive band-aids (different sizes), Sterile gauze pads, Adhesive medical tape, Antiseptic wipes (alcohol or iodine), Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, Antihistamines, Tweezers, Emergency blanket and a small multi-tool or knife.

Weather Protection

Depending on the weather you should include the following: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Always pack a lightweight rain jacket even if the day looks clear.

Choosing the Right Trail

Know your fitness level

Pick trails with distance and elevation you can handle.

Check the weather

Avoid storms, fog, heavy rain, extreme heat. You don’t want to see yourself in a situation you can’t handle.

Understand trail difficulty

Most apps classify trails as: Easy, Moderate and Hard. Do your homework before the hike.

Consider trail type

There are a lot of trail types such as: Loop (starts and ends at some point), Out & Back, Point to point.

Read recent reviews

People often report closed paths, dangerous animals, conditions, etc…

Safety Tips Every Hiker Needs

Tell someone your plan

Your route, start time, and expected return.This is one of the most important safety steps.

Don’t go off-trail, watch your footing

Many accidents happen when hikers leave the marked path. Reduces risk of getting lost and protects ecosystems. Watching your footing can prevent most injuries from happening because of slips and falls, especially on wet or loose ground.