Updated on January 2, 2025
Many of us are looking for staycations and local day trips to satisfy our wanderlust right now. This opportunity means we’re exploring destinations right on our doorsteps and looking for more outdoor adventures. Here is our ultimate list of hiking essentials so you can pack everything you need for the perfect outdoor adventure.
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20 Hiking Essentials
When we go out for a day hike, there are several essentials we won’t leave the house without. Here are our top 20 hiking essentials you’ll want to take on your trip.
Rucksack
The main essential you are going to need is a reliable rucksack to pack everything into. The best hiking rucksacks are waterproof and lightweight. You’ll want one that has multiple sections to pack everything into easily.
Hiking Boots
A good pair of hiking boots is essential for your outdoor adventure. You’ll want a sturdy pair of boots that offer you good support on the rough terrain. The number one tip with hiking boots is to make sure they are comfy!
Pro tip: keep a pair of trainers in the car. When you get back from your hike, your boots are likely to be muddy so you’ll want something clean to change into! It’s also helpful to keep a bag in the car that you can put your muddy boots in!
Water
It’s really important to stay hydrated on your hike. It is worth investing in a reusable water bottle that you can fill for your hike. There are a variety of water bottles available, but my favourite are stainless steel ones that you can put in the fridge and they keep the water cold for hours!
First Aid Kit
The best first aid kits are the ones you never use! But just in case you do require some treatment on your journey, make sure you have a basic first aid kit in your bag. Make sure you check your first aid kit regularly too, you’ll want to make sure you keep the products in date.
Map
If you’re heading out off the beaten track, it’s useful to have some kind of map with you. If you take a wrong turn somewhere, it will help you get back to the right place! There are a number of walking books available too, which contain maps and written instructions if you find that easier to find your way.
Hiking Essential: Map
Ordnance Survey has a selection of maps designed for hiking which cover the whole of the UK. Maps are available in paper format or digitally via the app.
Snacks
I’m the kind of person who doesn’t go anywhere without snacks in hand, and hiking is no different! Since you’re going to be on the go for a long time, foods that are high in protein are great to keep you going. Cereal bars and trail mix are great snacks to keep nearby.
Walking Socks
Walking socks are a great way to make sure your feet are well padded to prevent your hiking boots from rubbing. Top tip, always keep a spare pair in your bag. If you’re venturing somewhere wet and muddy, a dry pair can prove very handy!
Waterproof Jacket
As I live in the UK, I never leave the house without a waterproof jacket because the weather is so unpredictable! When it comes to hiking, I like to keep a foldable jacket in my rucksack in case I need it. They’re really lightweight, wind and rain proof and have saved me on several occasions when I’ve been caught out in the rain!
Camera
If you’re heading out to the countryside, don’t forget to take your camera! It’s a great opportunity to document your adventures and unearth some hidden gems. Make sure you remember to charge your camera before your hike and ensure you have enough space on your SD card!
Sunglasses
No matter what time of year you are hiking, sunglasses are an essential. Even if you’re hiking in winter, the sun can get low and make it difficult to see, so sunglasses will make life easier. They will provide great protection for your eyes from the sun too.
Sun Cream
As with sunglasses, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. If you’re hiking for several hours, it is important to regularly top up your sun cream throughout the day. Even if it isn’t a really sunny day, you’ll want to protect your skin from UV rays to avoid long term damage.
Hat
Whether it is summer or winter, a hat is a great hiking essential. In the summer months, a cap or sunhat is another great way to stay protected from the sun. In winter, be sure to pack a warm woolly hat to keep yourself toasty!
Bug Spray
Don’t let bugs ruin your hike! It’s worth applying bug spray prior to your trip and taking it with you to top up throughout the day. You can also get ointment to treat bug bites that may be worth packing so those pesky bites don’t spoil your day!
Power Bank
When you’re out in the middle of nowhere, it’s handy to have your phone with you in case you need the GPS to help you find your way. You might also need to make a phone call in the event of an emergency. Don’t risk your battery going flat; pack a power bank so you can top up the charge as needed!
Gloves
Gloves are an absolute must if you’re hiking in winter. They can also prove useful in the summer months too though. If you’re hiking somewhere at a high altitude it can get surprisingly chilly, so you might be pleased to have some gloves stashed in your bag!
Picnic Blanket
Even if you don’t have a picnic planned, it is helpful to have a blanket on hand. When you’re out on your hike, you might stumble across a beautiful spot that you want to stop and appreciate for a while. Avoid having to sit on the damp grass by keeping a water resistant picnic blanket to hand!
Towel
A towel is a great multi-purpose item when you’re hiking. It’s perfect if you stumble upon a stream and want to paddle, or if you slip on a rock and get wet by mistake! Alternatively, you can use them to wipe down any muddy patches on shoes or clothing, just don’t be too precious over your towel as it is bound to get mucky!
Wet/Rubbish Bag
When I hike, I always take a couple of empty bags with me. I pack a wet bag designed for swimwear, in case I need to place a damp towel or socks in there. I also pack a rubbish bag with me to place any trash in – look after nature and bring it home with you rather than leaving it!
Flashlight
I like to keep a flashlight on hand in case of emergencies. In winter, nights can get dark quickly so it is helpful if we’re still finding our way back to the car. You’ll also be pleased to have one with you in case you get lost or you need to flag someone’s attention.
Whistle
Finally, a whistle is a hiking essential in case of emergencies. If you need it, you can use the whistle to get people’s attention. Much like your first aid kit, you’ll hope never to need it but you’ll want to have one just in case!
20 Hiking Essentials
So these are the 20 hiking essentials you need to pack for your next outdoors adventure. Be sure to take them with you on your next trip! Where is your favourite location to go hiking?
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Truthfully I had no idea so many items were needed to go hiking, haha, just shows how inexperienced I am! I wouldn’t have thought about a towel or picnic blanket. This is a great list to ensure you won’t get caught short!
We’ve just learned from experience how much is actually needed! We hadn’t done that much hiking before we climbed Snowdon last year and when I was researching what we would need to take with us I was surprised! I always find the towel helpful because if you get a surprise rain shower or (most often) end up with wet feet, it is really useful! We only added the blanket because we kept finding great spots where we’d want to stop and admire the views but the grass was damp so we couldn’t sit down! We’ve learned from experience on that one!
We pack very similar except I don’t bring as much in my first aid kit on a day hike, nor do I bring extra socks, although now that you mentioned it, I think I probably will start.
To be honest, I just find it easier to buy a pre-packed first aid kit rather than pack my own. Generally I just get through the plasters for blisters! Although I am reassured that if we did need anything for something more serious at least we’ll have it! Haha I hate having wet feet so I always take a spare pair of socks in case!
Great list!
Thanks! I’m glad you like it!
Great tips and guide to essentials for hiking. Here in Florida, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and bug spray are a must!
I can imagine they come in handy in Florida! In the UK it is more woolly hat and gloves no matter the time of year!
We’ve been doing a lot of outdoor exploring and this list os great and very helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m glad the list is useful! Have a wonderful time on your outdoor adventures!
The last two items are so important for safety! I have read so many stories about people getting lost. A simple flashlight and whistle can seriously save your life! Great list!!!
I’m glad you like the list! I think the first time we went out hiking I was a little niaive about how remote some areas are and how easy it can be to get lost! A whistle and flashlight really don’t take up much space in your bag but they are so valuable if you’re ever in need!
Great list! Thank you so much for posting this 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad you like the list!
Nice post! I always carry “sleeping socks” and learned this from my husband after he thru-hiked the PCT. I also love the reminder to carry at rubish bag of some sort!
Glad to hear someone else is like me and love to bring extra socks! I hate having cold or wet feet – it’s probably one of the most-used items in my bag! I think it’s really important to keep a rubbish bag on hand. We’ve forgotten it on occassions and we just end up with wrappers floating around in the bottom of our rucksack!
I definitely forget to take some of these with me, so thanks for the great tips!
I’m glad you like the tips! Happy hiking!
The article is so accurate! This is indeed the essentials when you hike! Thank you for this great list 🙂
I’m glad you like the list! Happy hiking!
This makes me want to hike!! I haven’t been in ages!!
I hope you have an opportunity to go hiking soon! I’ve been making the most of getting outdoors recently since we can’t travel!
A power bank and a wet rubbish bag are great notes for new hikers!
They’re super handy items aren’t they! We’ve definitely perfected our hiking list with experience but the powerbank is invaluable for those longer walks when we’re using the GPS and the battery starts running low!
Great list! Spare socks or camp socks are always on my list! Clean socks when in a pinch is a game changer for sure! Thanks for the reminder that an actual camera is worth the investment over relying on my phone!
Spare socks are a life-saver at times! I’ve forgotten them on a couple of occasions and I’ve always needed them so I always make sure to pack spares now! I’m such a happy snapper when it comes to taking photos! It drains my phone battery quickly so having a separate camera definitely comes in handy! Thanks for reading, I’m glad you like the tips!