Safety and comfort are crucial for a successful hiking adventure! This equipment list covers basic necessities, safety emergencies, comfort enhancement and other dimensions, and provides layered recommendations based on hiking duration (single day, overnight, multi-day) and environment (season, difficulty). Be sure to adjust according to your specific itinerary, weather and personal needs before departure!

Core principles:

Safety first: Navigation, communication, first aid, emergency shelter, and water treatment are the bottom line.

Layered clothing: The key to dealing with changeable weather.

Lightweight: Try to reduce the weight while ensuring safety and necessary comfort.

Familiar with the equipment: Be sure to try all equipment before departure, especially new equipment.

Leave No Trace: Take away all garbage and respect nature.

🎒 1. Basic System (Backpacking Big 3 + 1)
Backpack:

Choose capacity based on trip length and carrying amount:

Day Hike: 20-35L

1-3 nights overnight: 40-60L

4+ nights/cold season/carrying special gear: 60L+

Key: Fit! Comfortable to carry, hip belt should bear weight. Refer to the brands mentioned above (Osprey, Gregory, ULA, Hyperlite, etc.).

Must-have accessory: Rain cover (unless the backpack itself is completely waterproof).

Sleeping system:

Tent/Shelter: Choose based on number of people, season (three seasons/four seasons), weight preference. Make sure you can set it up.

Sleeping bag: Temperature scale is key! Choose a comfortable temperature scale that is at least 5-10°F (about 3-6°C) lower than the expected minimum temperature. Pay attention to the filling type (down is lighter and warmer but afraid of moisture, synthetic cotton performs better in wet conditions).

Sleeping pad: Provides warmth (R value) and comfort. R value needs to match the ambient temperature (R value 2-3 in summer, 3-4 in spring and autumn, 4+ in cold/high altitude/snowy areas). Type: Inflatable pad (comfortable and light), foam pad (durable, reliable, not afraid of puncture, cheap).

Food system:

Stove and fuel: Choose according to the fuel type (gas tank, alcohol, wood stove, etc.) and itinerary. Make sure you can use it safely.

Pots/tableware: Lightweight pot sets, cups, bowls, spoons/forks.

Water utensils:

Water storage: Water bag (convenient for drinking water while traveling) or/and water bottle (durable and easy to clean).

Water purification: Essential! Wild water sources must be treated! Choice:

Water filter (Filter): Physically filter bacteria and protozoa (such as Giardia), convenient and fast (such as Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, Platypus QuickDraw).

Chemical Treatment: Tablets or drops (such as Aquamira, Potable Aqua), mainly kill viruses (water filters usually cannot), bacteria, protozoa, need to wait for a while, and have poor effect on turbid water.

Ultraviolet water purifier (UV): Such as SteriPen, kills microorganisms, requires batteries, and has poor effect on turbid water.

Recommended combination: Water filter (primary use) + chemical backup (emergency or water source for high virus risk areas).

Food: High energy, lightweight, easy to store, easy to cook (or no cooking required). Calculate the daily calories and servings. Bring spare emergency food (such as energy bars).

Bear-proof cans/bags: It is mandatory in bear-infested areas! Used to safely store food and odorous items (toothpaste, garbage, etc.). Ursacks are also required in ordinary areas or hanging trees away from the camp (note: hanging trees is no longer recommended or ineffective in many places).

👕 2. Dressing system (layering is key!)
Base layer (perspiration):

Upper body: Quick-drying/Merino wool long-sleeved or short-sleeved T-shirt (avoid pure cotton!).

Lower body: Quick-drying/Merino wool underwear, quick-drying pants or leggings (when cold).

Mid-layer (warmth):

Fleece jacket: Lightweight, breathable, and warm.

Down/synthetic cotton filled jacket: A static warming artifact in the camp, lightweight and compressible.

Outer layer (protection):

Hard shell jacket (waterproof and windproof): A must-have for dealing with rain, snow and strong winds.

Soft shell jacket (windproof, water-repellent, breathable): Suitable for dry or windy environments, providing good mobility.

Rain pants: Very necessary in continuous rain or cold environments.

Lower body:

Hiking pants/quick-drying pants: Wear-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable. Removable trouser legs are very practical.

Spare pants (camp/sleeping): Lightweight trousers (such as fleece or soft shell).

Head:

Sun hat/baseball cap: Sun protection.

Warm hat (wool hat/fleece hat): Warm in the morning and evening or at high altitudes, a must.

Headband (Buff): Multifunctional (sweat wiping, sun protection, warmth, neck wrap).

Hands:

Gloves: Lightweight fleece gloves (windproof and warm), waterproof and warm gloves are required in cold areas.

Feet:

Hiking socks: Merino wool or synthetic blend socks, bring a few pairs! It is recommended to wear one pair and bring 1-3 pairs of spares (depending on the itinerary). Avoid cotton socks!

Hiking shoes/boots: The most important! Choose according to the load, terrain, and personal preference:

Low-top hiking shoes: Light and flexible, suitable for light and mature routes.

Mid-top/high-top hiking boots: Provide better ankle support and protection, suitable for weight bearing, rugged terrain, and long distances.

Camping shoes: Lightweight sandals/crocs/camping boots to give your feet a rest and relaxation.

Snow gaiters: Prevent sand, snow, and rain from entering the shoes (optional according to the environment).

⚙ 3. Navigation and communication (safety core!)

Paper map: A must! Even with electronic devices. Waterproof or put in a waterproof bag.

Compass: A must! And learn to use it! Electronic devices may fail.

GPS device:

Handheld GPS: Professional and reliable, long battery life, can record tracks.

Mobile App (offline map): Gaia GPS, AllTrails, CalTopo, etc. Download offline maps in advance! But mobile phones rely on batteries and signals.

Satellite communication/beacon (highly recommended, especially in remote areas):

Personal locator beacon (PLB): Only used for SOS (such as ACR ResQLink).

Satellite texter/tracker: Garmin inReach (can send text messages, SOS, share location), SPOT (can send preset messages, SOS, tracking), Zoleo, etc. Provide additional safety and communication capabilities.

Headlamp/flashlight: A must! Bring spare batteries. Sufficient brightness (at least 200 lumens) and reliable battery life. Red light mode protects night vision.

🧰 4. First aid and hygiene (safety and health)
Personal first aid kit: Tailor-made! The basics should include:

Band-Aids (various sizes), disinfectant cotton pads/iodine cotton swabs, medical tape, gauze pads, elastic bandages (triangular bandages).

Painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antihistamines (allergies), antidiarrheal drugs (loperamide), antacids.

Personal medications (prescription drugs, asthma drugs, EpiPen, etc.).

Blister treatment supplies (blister patches, needles, alcohol pads).

Tweezers, small scissors, safety pins.

Emergency contact information, first aid manual summary.

Personal hygiene:

Toilet paper/wet toilet paper: Wet toilet paper needs to be packed away.

Small shovel (Trowel): Essential! Dig a cat hole to bury feces (at least 15-20cm deep, more than 60 meters away from water sources, campsites, and trails).

Hand sanitizer/hand sanitizer: Use before meals and after defecation.

Biodegradable soap (Campsuds, etc.): Wash dishes and body (use more than 60 meters away from water sources).

Toothbrush, toothpaste, small towel.

Sunscreen (high SPF), lip balm (with sunscreen).

Insect repellent: Choose according to the region (containing DEET/Picaridin/lemon eucalyptus oil).

Repair kit:

Tent pegs and wind ropes are spare.

Sleeping mat patch.

Multi-purpose tool/knife.

Duct Tape (wrap around water bottle or pen to save space).

Sewing kit (to repair clothing and equipment).

🧂 V. Food and water management
Food planning:

Calculate daily calorie requirements (usually 3500-5000 calories or more).

Choose high-energy-density foods: nuts, energy bars, dried fruits, jerky, cheese, oatmeal, dehydrated meals, instant noodles, rice, bread, etc.

Pack daily portions and pack them in sealed bags.

Bring an extra 1-2 days of emergency food (no cooking required).

Water management:

Study the water sources along the route in advance.

Refill at any time while traveling (using a water bag).

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water!

Estimate water consumption (drinking, cooking) and plan water points.

Carry water purification equipment with you and use it at any time.

🛠 6. Other practical equipment
Hiking poles: Save energy (especially when going downhill), protect knees, and provide stability.

Sunglasses: Protect eyes, especially in snowy areas or at high altitudes.

Waterproof bags/Dry Bags: Separate important items (sleeping bags, clothes, electronic devices) to ensure dryness. Can also be used for packing.

Garbage bags: Take away all garbage! Including fruit peels and food scraps (they are not easy to degrade and will attract animals).

Camera/mobile phone: Record beautiful scenery. Pay attention to waterproofing and battery.

Small cushion: Provide comfort when resting.

Books/diaries/small games: Camp entertainment (optional).

Cash/ID: Put a small amount of cash and ID in a waterproof bag.

📌 Important tips
Inform the itinerary in advance: Leave a detailed itinerary plan (route, entry and exit points, estimated time, companions) to reliable relatives and friends.

Check the weather: Pay close attention to the weather forecast before and during your trip, and be prepared for bad weather.

Check the regulations: Understand the destination’s permit requirements, fire prevention regulations, camping restrictions, bear prevention measures, etc.

Physical fitness match: Choose a route that is difficult and matches your physical experience. Take it step by step.

Respect nature: Strictly follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace.

After packing, take a test walk near your home or on the stairs with all your equipment on your back to feel the weight and comfort, and make final adjustments!

This list strives to be comprehensive, but please be sure to add or delete according to your specific adventure. Safety and preparation are the basis for enjoying hiking! I wish you a wonderful and unforgettable hiking adventure! 🏔️