Amy 'n Rei

You will need to have proper hiking gear for your trekking trip. The following is a quick summary.

Hiking Shoes

It is essential to have good quality hiking shoes or boots that were already broken in. I prefer hiking boots because they provide ankle protection. Some people prefer lighter hiking shoes.

If the hike involves river crossing, then you should also pack a pair of water sandals.

Some places you stay (e.g., mountain huts) will require indoor shoes, which can be slippers, flip-flops or sandals.

Backpacks

You will need more than one backpack for various types of hikes. It is essential that the backpack is waterproof. You will also need to have a backpack cover.

Large 50-60L Backpacking Bags

This is used for multi-day long distance trekking trips without luggage transfer. You will need to pack all your clothing and essential equipment in the bag. Sometimes, you also need to attach your sleeping bag on it.

Medium-sized 28-40L Backpacks

The medium-sized backpacks are used when you have luggage transfer most of the time but still need to carry your own overnight stuff on some days.

Small Daypacks

Small daypacks are used for short day hikes when you don’t want to carry a lot of things.

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles provide great knee protection. Rei didn’t think he needed hiking poles until his knees hurt. Now he always carries his hiking poles on a trekking trip.

We prefer hiking poles that allow you to adjust lengths. When going uphill, you need shorter poles. When going downhill, you need longer poles.

Water Bottles and/or Water Bladders

It goes without saying that you need to keep hydrated. Always bring more water than you think you will need.

First-Aid Kit

If you are on an independent or self-guided hike, make sure to bring a first-aid kit with you all the time.

If you are on a guided hiking trip, the guides will bring first-aid kits. However, it’s still a good idea to have your own.

Rain Protection

You will need high quality rain jackets and rain pants. We found out that rain pants also provide great mud protection.

We also have hiking ponchos with a zipper. They are easier to put on than the ones without a zipper.

Backpack covers provide both rain and mud protection for your backpacks.

Sun Protection

Pack a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen especially when you are hiking during hot weather or at a high altitude. Also wear sunglasses.

Cold Protection

Beanie hats, gloves and Buff are essential during cold weather. Also pack a puff jacket.

Navigation Help

Rei likes to use the AllTrails app. I always carry physical maps.

Even though we have a compass, we never used it.

Sanitizer and Toilet Paper

Wipers and hand sanitizers keep you clean. Adventure hiking also requires that you bring your own toilet paper.

Headlights

You will need headlights when hiking in the dark (e.g., in the early morning, after sunset, or inside a cave).

Hiking Clothes

You will need good quality, quick-dry hiking clothes (including undergarment). Also pack multiple pairs of hiking socks.

Hut Gear

If you are staying in a mountain hut, you will need your hut gear that includes a sleeping bag liner and a quick dry towel. You may also need to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.

Microspikes or Yaktrax

Bring these if you think you are going to hike on ice and snow. We really wished we had them when hiking on the Alta Via 1 after a snowstorm.

Bug Net

Hiking mosquito nets or bug nets are essential if you will hike through regions with bugs (e.g., sandflies in New Zealand, midges in Scotland).

Sitting Pad

This is a nice-to-have. You may not always find a picnic table or bench to sit down.

Happy Trekking!

(Click here to find out more about trekking.)