Any trip to the mountains begins with packing a backpack. Most of the time during hikes, people complain about the weight of the backpack, but not that some things are lacking. Therefore, you have to take only the most necessary things, because you need to carry this weight.
To make your trip as comfortable and easy as possible, we decided to create a hiking equipment list.
So, as we started talking about a backpack, then we will begin with it.
In hikes backpacks of 40-80 liters are taken. For women, it's better to take 60, and for men - 80. Even if you know that it will be too big for you, and you do not have so many things, it is still better to take a bigger size. After all, if there is a lot of space in a backpack, then you will not need to attach some things outside. Thus, the backpack will become more ergonomic, and in case of rain, your items will remain dry. And the extra space can always be squeezed by specially designed belts.
The backpack should be durable, with reliable straps and clasps. The more pockets in the backpack, the better. There must be belts for transporting a sleeping bag, a rug, and a tent.
Find out different types of A Backpack For Hiking And Travel.
Together with a backpack, you need to buy a raincoat. After all, in the case of heavy rain, your things will still get wet, despite the fact that they are inside.
Before buying a sleeping bag you need to decide what time of the year you will go hiking. Sleeping bags can be summer and winter. On each sleeping bag is indicated extreme and comfortable temperature. In winter it is about 0 degrees, in the summer +10-15 degrees. Despite the fact that the sleeping bag is winter, it can and should be used if you go hiking in spring or autumn.
If you are not sure which sleeping bag you need, then we advise you to read the article The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
For sleeping bags, it is also advisable to purchase a rain cover. After all, usually sleeping bags are located on the sides of the backpack, and if the rain cover from the backpack is not large enough, sleeping bags can get wet, and it will be very difficult to dry them.
Such rugs are made of polyurethane. They are designed to isolate body heat from the cold of the ground so that you can sleep on the ground and not freeze.
Rugs have a different thickness. When hiking it is better to take a double-layer rug, as they are thicker and stronger. These rugs are easily scratched, so they are recommended to be worn in a special case so that the branches of trees and bushes do not damage them.
The rug is attached with a belt to the backpack. To save space, you can put a tent or sleeping bag inside the rug.
The tourist tent must be a two-layer, as it protects you against precipitation, and still does not allow things inside the tent to get wet from the condensate. The tent weighs about 1-2 kg per person, and the triple tent should weigh 3-6 kg.
If you go hiking with a group, then it will be easier to take one tent for several people. In this case you will need a big tent. The article How To Choose The Best And Biggest Camping Tent describes different variants of tents for big companies.
It is a kind of folding ski poles. If you have problems with your knees, or your feet are often tucked, you cannot go to the mountains without sticks. In addition, with sticks, it is much safer to go over difficult terrain - two additional points of support will not hurt anyone. When installing some ultralight tent models, sticks are used as supports.
They are not required always, but still, it is better to have such sticks with you on hikes.
The appointment of a raincoat is quite understandable. Raincoats have different strengths and shapes. You can buy the thinnest (respectively, and the cheapest), but be prepared for the fact that it will break immediately. Therefore, you need to have a spare one, and better two.
There are raincoats with durable oilcloth. They will last longer. And can protect from the wind. There is also a poncho option. It will be relevant to those tourists who do not have a cover for a backpack. But with a strong wind, it will rise, so there is still a chance that you and your things get wet.
Here are a few variants of raincoats:
This is a poncho raincoat we spoke above. It is made of high-quality polyester material. Strong waterproof backing with heat sealed seams extremely waterproof. The material is also quick drying and breathable. This poncho has a waterproof zipper and pockets (with zippers).
You can adjust your rain poncho sleeve by the buttons when it’s windy, for example. The raincoat is available in many colors, so you will definitely find the perfect one.
This raincoat looks more like a sports jacket and is available in three colors: black, blue and gray.
100% nylon is breathable and durable fabric so it will keep you dry without overheating while doing outdoor activity. Hood with cord adjusters will protect your face. For your convenience, the raincoat also has zippered hand pockets, reflective elements (you can be sure that you won’t get lost at night) and elastic rope on the bottom.
This raincoat is similar to the previous one. The difference is that this one is longer. It is convenient not only because it provides full water resistance due to the structure of the material, but also because it can hide more parts of the body from the wind. Also, if you have a large and heavy backpack, then a rain cover will be additional protection. Also, It will not constantly climb up the back.
Like previous raincoats, this one has elastic ropes at the bottom and on the hands, a pocket with a zipper and a hood.
Such a raincoat will not let you get wet even in the most severe thunderstorm.
The costume is available in different colors. It is made of non-woven polypropylene material that is breathable and incredibly durable. Pants have an elastic rope, so they are easy to wear. Zipper on the jacket is additionally covered with a layer of fabric and buttons.
This type of raincoat is perfect for those who plan to travel through marshlands, in places where there are frequent rains and a lot of tall grass.
The seat is made of the same material as the sleeping mat. Attached to it is a special elastic band that allows holding the seat on the tourist. It is very convenient because you can sit on the ground or stones at any moment and not catch a cold.
Let's start with the shoes. You must have a spare pair of shoes, no matter how good your shoes seem to you. The hike is unpredictable. You can tear or wet them. And in this unpleasant moment, the second pair of shoes will help you.
If you plan to climb a mountain, you need to wear special climbing shoes. Rock Climbing Gear List will help you to choose climbing shoes and other accessories for climbing the mountains.
1. Several pairs of socks (+warm wool or terry socks for sleeping). You can take the usual socks or tourist ones. The latter remove sweat much faster and dry it, so the chance to get callosity is minimal.
2. Pants. In summer, you can also take shorts.
3. Several t-shirts.
4. Roll-neck.
5. Sweater. A warm sweater will be very useful in the evening. You can also sleep in it if you are too cold. Choose warm clothes from light materials.
6. Windbreaker with a hood. This jacket will protect you from wind and light rain. The hood should be in order to keep the head dry and warm.
7. Headgear. You will need a cap (against sunstroke and burning of the face) and a warm hat for sleeping.
The dishes can be metal (and burn your hands) or plastic (there is a decent risk that it will accidentally break) - you decide. Ceramic dishes, heavy and fierce, try not to take. Do not forget about the spoon with a fork.
There also must be a knife. It is better if it is collapsible, as it takes up less space and eliminates the possibility of injury.
You will need such things:
1. Cosmetic bag (soap, toothpaste, brush, napkins, towel).
2. Flashlight (simple or forehead).
3. Matches or lighter.
4. First aid kit.
5. Documents and money.
6. Insect repellent.
7. Bottle of water (at least 2 liters). You can take special bottles that shrink to help save space in your backpack.
If you approach to packing a backpack wisely, then you will not have problems in the trip, especially with weight.