Beginners Hiking Gear Guide

Embarking on your first hiking adventure is an exciting journey, but having the right gear can make all the difference between a memorable experience and a challenging one.
As a beginner, it’s essential to choose equipment that’s comfortable, practical, and suited to your needs. From sturdy footwear to keep your feet protected, to the right backpack for your essentials, and clothing that adapts to changing weather, this guide will walk you through the basics of hiking gear to help you hit the trails with confidence. 
At the end of this blog post, you’ll find a handy packing list to make preparing for your first hike as easy and stress-free as possible.


1. DAYPACK

Why? You need something to hold all your gear that is suited to your body, comfortable and lightweight. It will disperse the weight evenly over your back to avoid strain.

Top tip - The size of pack you bring will depend on the length of hike you are going on and time of the year. If you are starting out, a daypack should be a sufficient size. It can also depend on your personal preference of how much food, water and layers you are bringing. There's lots of different features to pick from so you can pick the one to best suit your needs. Packs come with different back lengths, adjustable straps and hip belts, and some have narrow dimensions for if you have a narrower frame.

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Why? You need grip, stability and support on the trail to prevent falls on uneven or slippy terrain. Correctly fitting shoes are essential to provide this along with preventing blisters, lost nails and keeping your feet dry. Check out our in depth Footwear Fit & Tips guide to getting your perfect pair.

Shop Mens Footwear Shop Womens Footwear

3. WICKING BASE LAYERS

Why? Base layers are designed to keep you dry from your own perspiration. This involves the fabric pulling the sweat away from your skin and pushing it out to the next layer. Some base layers have a heavier fabric designed to add an element of warmth along with wicking. Which you choose can be personal preference or weather dependent.

Top Tip - No cotton - cotton will soak up your sweat and sit there so when you stop moving you will get cold. Long layers are also vital for preventing ticks which carry Lyme disease.

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4. HIKING SOCKS

Why? Synthetic or merino wool socks are essential for hiking because they act as another base layer for your feet, managing moisture and providing insulation. These materials wick moisture away, keeping your feet dry and reducing friction to help prevent blisters.

Top Tip - Just like base layers stay away from cotton - cotton will soak up your sweat and sit there so when you stop moving you will get cold.

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5. WATER & FOOD

Why hydration? You’ll be sweating and it’s dangerous to get dehydrated. If it’s sunny you'll need even more.

Top tip - Water bladders, like the Platypus systems we stock, allow you to sip away through a nozzle that sits on your shoulder throughout the whole hike without stopping. We find you drink more water with them. They also distribute weight evenly across your back, freeing up space in your pack and reducing strain, which is especially helpful on longer or more challenging hikes.

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Why food and snacks? Food and snacks are essential on a hike to keep your energy levels up and maintain physical endurance. Hiking burns a lot of calories, and regular intake of high-energy options like trail mix, granola bars, fruits helps prevent fatigue and keeps you fuelled. These portable snacks provide quick, efficient nutrition, ensuring you stay energized, alert, and ready to tackle the trail.

Top tip - Energy pouches are ideal for hiking because they are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them perfect for conserving space in your pack. They provide a quick, concentrated source of calories and essential nutrients, helping to replenish energy levels during strenuous activity. There's minimal preparation and no mess and allow you to refuel without interrupting your hike.

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6. WATERPROOFS

Why? You don’t want to get caught out at the peak of your hike and all of a sudden it starts to lash rain. In Ireland, waterproofs are essential. We wouldn't leave for a hike without them. 

Top tip - Garments can say 100% waterproof but there are still different levels of waterproofing. The main waterproofing comes from a lining inside the garment and then the outside is treated with DWR. The minimum hydrostatic head (i.e. how much water the garment can take before it leaks) that we would recommend would be 10,000mm.

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7. MAP & COMPASS

Why? Not every trail is marked, or marked well. You need a way to know where you’re going. The weather could take a turn and you might lose visibility. If there's an emergency you need to let Mountain Rescue know where you are. You can’t always rely on phone signal and apps.

Top tip - Taking a short course on mountain navigation or a Mountain Skills course would give you the confidence and knowledge to be on the hills. When starting out find a hiking group to go with to gain experience and knowledge.

Shop Maps Shop Trail Books Shop Compasses

 

8. FIRST AID KIT 

Why? You're in nature. Trips, falls, cuts and stings are all potentials.

Top tip - There are different pre-packed kits you can get for different levels so all you have to do it throw it into your bag and you're good to go!

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9. BUG REPELLENT

Why? Ticks are rampant in the warmer months. Insect repellent is essential to prevent ticks which can carry Lyme disease. We also have a lot of biting bugs that thrive in our warmer, wetter months so save yourself the headache of being plagued.

Top tip - Add long layers to your list to add another barrier between you and the ticks.

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10. HIKING POLES

Why? Trekking or hiking poles can take a lot of pressure off your knees and legs, provide stability and help increase efficiency. They are great for navigating obstacles and especially useful when coming downhill. They can have different feet on them for different terrains. There are lots of different types, weights and styles of poles so you can find one to suit your particular needs.

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11. GAITERS

Why? Gaiters provide an extra layer that goes over your hiking boots and bottom of your trousers giving you an extra level of waterproofing and prevent debris and dirt from getting into your boots. There’s lots of different lengths, styles and levels of waterproofing.