The one thing this hiking packing list doesn’t cover is ALL of the gear you may need for true backpacking – such as camp stoves, camp food, etc.
How This Hiking Packing List Works
First – I update this list every year with new things I’ve tried or remove things that are no longer available. It was last updated in March 2023. I test out this gear personally by taking it out on hikes and traveling with it. Living in Colorado means I do a lot of hiking around the home, but I also do a lot of hiking trips all around the world.
Annapurna Circuit
I take hiking gear really seriously. Unlike many publications, I believe that reviewing a piece of gear implies actually using that piece of gear for an extended amount of time. I use the gear I’m writing about, not just once, but many times. This isn’t simply about getting you to shop on Amazon, it’s about getting you the best hiking gear for your next adventure.
For each type of hike, your packing list needs vary. Sometimes you are staying in tents, sometimes guesthouses, and sometimes hotels. In addition, things like temperature, weather, and terrain factor into your gear needs. Because there are so many variations, here’s how this gear list works:
I’ve provided you with several categories of gear that I’ve found are essential on every hiking packing list, no matter the type.
In each category, I give you a few tips and things to look for in your gear, as well as specific suggestions for items that I’ve used and liked. When a variation becomes necessary based on the type of hike (day hike vs. thru-hike), I’ll give you a few different suggestions based on the different types of hikes.
I’ve also included a free downloadable hiking packing list that highlights a day hike packing list for you to print out and use. Simply sign up and I’ll email it to you so you can check things off and make sure nothing is forgotten!
Downloadable Hiking Packing List
Make sense? Let’s get you packed and on the trail!
Choose The Hike You Want To Do
Hiking in Patagonia
Before you work on your hiking packing list, you first need to know what kind of hike you are going to do.
Some things you’ll need to consider about your chosen hike (that will impact your hiking packing list) include:
Hike Duration: Will it be a long multi-day trek or a day hike?
Difficulty & Terrain: Will there be flat paths? Squelchy mud puddles? Rocky climbing sections?
Time of year: Will it be cold? Will there be lots of other people? How early will it be dark?
Climate/weather: Rainy or dry? Will it be cold rain or warm rain? Will it get colder after a certain time of day?
Safety: Will you be camping or off the grid?
Favorite Hikes I’ve Done
I’ve written about many, so here are some of my favorite hikes I’ve done if you’d like some inspiration:
Camino Ronda Coastal Path Spain
Annapurna Circuit Nepal
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Spain
Kumano Kodo in Japan
Saint Olav Ways in Norway
Torres de Paine W Trek in Patagonia
Kilimanjaro Trek in Tanzania
Dolomites Alta Via 1 Hike Italy
Kumano Kodo Thru hike
How to Choose Your Specific Hiking Trail
There are lots of different resources these days to find hiking trails on your own, both online and off.
Some online ways to find trails include:
All Trails is the app I use – it has a large variety of trails and will help you keep from getting lost
Gaia GPS (they also have an accompanying app)
You can even find hiking subreddits for up-to-date tips and suggestions from other hikers
But of course, hiking is all about getting away from screens and out into nature, so there are even more ways of finding hikes offline:
Hiking guide books
Backpackers Magazine
Suggestions from local camping or hiking groups
Ask the staff at your local outdoor store
Using an Operator Who Specializes in Trekking
And if you don’t want to plan it and do it all by yourself (which can be exhausting!), then consider utilizing a company that specializes in trekking & adventure travel holidays such as World Expeditions .
They will plan all the details, provide excellent guides and often even provide gear!
They have tons of hiking styles to choose from that will take you all over the world. I did the East Coast Trail Hike in Newfoundland with them!
Preparation and Training for Hiking
In order to actually enjoy your hike, you must make sure that you are prepared physically for it – trust me – it will be so much more enjoyable that way. You can have all of the right hiking gear with you – but if you aren’t in proper physical condition, no hiking gear is going to make you feel better. Gear can’t work miracles! Check out my article on training for hiking which includes a downloadable hiking training plan that you can easily follow to be prepared!
So now that you know what type of hike you’re doing, it’s time to choose your gear and get packing!
Hiking Packing List – 19 Essential Items to Bring on any Hike
1. Hiking Backpack
Osprey Sirrus 24
Osprey Tempest 30L
Deuter Futura backpack
Your hiking backpack is really just an extension of your body when you’re on a hike. It is the item that you will rely upon the most, and the item you’ll likely grow to hate the most too! All I can say is: don’t be frugal when picking a hiking backpack!
How to Choose a Backpack
Consider going to a good retailer such as REI and get fitted for a backpack that suits your body type and hiking goals. There are styles for men’s and women’s bodies which is really important. Put weights in it and test it out by walking around the store. For the last backpack I bought I was in REI for an hour talking to salespeople while carrying around a weighted pack just to see if it worked for me or not!
The size and type of backpack you use depend entirely on the length of the hike.
Day Hike – 24 Liters or smaller
Multi-Day Hike without camping gear or meals – 40L or smaller
Backpacking (bringing camping gear & food) – 60 L or smaller
Recommended Hiking Backpacks
Osprey Sirrus 24L Day Hiking
Ottsworld Favorite
Osprey Packs Sirrus 24 Womens Hiking Backpack
$180.00
This is my 'go-to' day pack for hiking. It's got a great hip belt and support. It comes with a rain cover - no need to buy it separately! My favorite feature is the Stow and Go Trekking Pole functionality - you can store and easily get out your hiking poles without taking off your pack! Big water bottle holders and space for a water bladder! The perfect pack!
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Osprey is a leader in backpacks, this is my primary pack for day hikes. 24 L is a good size for long-day hiking where you can store rain gear, first aid, water, and snacks comfortably. Other sizes are available though.
My favorite feature is the new Stow-n-Go functionality. This allows you to stow and remove trekking poles in seconds WITHOUT taking off your backpack! Hallelujah! See how it works here .
There are lots of other great features I love about this pack too.
Its length is adjustable
It comes with an attached rain cover
The waist pockets are big enough to fit a phone
The water system is great
And it allows air to flow to your back
All this combined with the easy trekking pole access makes this my go-to daypack for short one-day hikes.
Osprey Tempest 30L – Multi Day
Osprey Tempest 30L Womens
$190.00
A women’s-specific streamlined top-loader. This versatile lightweight pack offers features—like a reservoir sleeve and trekking pole attachment points that you can get to without taking off the pack (my favorite feature!)
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This 30L pack is great for multi-day hikes where you don’t have to bring camping gear with you. As all Osprey packs it has the Stow and Go pole functionality, adjustable height, sturdy hip belt, and a water reservoir. However, unlike the Sirrus, it doesn’t come with a rain cover.
I used this pack for my Dolomites Hut to Hut 8-day hike. It was perfect for extra layers and rain gear as well as snacks, and a first aid kit. I even fit in some camera gear quite comfortably.
Deuter Futura 45+10 Backpacking
Deuter Futura Vario 45+10
$269.99
Vari-Slide System allowing exact adjustment to every back length, ensuring the pack sits perfectly on your hips. A comfortable women's backpack for longer hiking trips that can go from 45L to a max of 55L.
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04/13/2023 04:02 am GMT
This is the perfect size for multi-day hikes that require more gear to come along (think Camino de Santiago , St. Olav’s Way ).
This particular pack is part of Deuter’s women’s series because women are built differently than men…duh. It has a Vari-Slide System allowing exact adjustment to every back length, ensuring the pack sits perfectly on your hips. Plus the waist belt also moves with you as you step, ensuring comfort for long-term wear.
I carried about 33 pounds in it for my Hut-to-Hut hiking in Maine and it worked great. I had no back or shoulder pain and the back ventilation system kept me cool.
2. Hiking Boots and Shoes
When it comes to footwear and hiking, there are lots of questions that might be circling around in your head. Should you bring boots, tennis shoes, or hiking sandals? That all depends on the type of hike you are doing! Find out about the terrain of the hike and if in doubt, bring hiking boots, you can never go wrong with them!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hiking Boots
A good rule of thumb when getting new hiking boots is to make sure that they have plenty of room in them. As you hike, your feet get hot and sweat and your feet tend to expand. You’ll want extra room in the toebox for that expansion. I normally go a 1/2 size larger than my normal shoe size.
Get waterproof boots! Even if the climate isn’t rainy, you’ll have these boots for many hikes to come, and besides that, puddles and streams are everywhere no matter the season, and there are few things worse than hiking in wet or damp boots.
Break them in before your big hike! Make sure you start wearing them right away (well before your planned hike) and wear them everywhere you go. Everywhere . You need to put in your time wearing them before your big hike, or else expect issues and bring lots of band-aids!
Oboz Bridger Hiking Boots
I am a huge fan of Oboz brand boots. I use their winter Bridger Insulated hiking boots , and their regular Bridger boots , as well as their Sawtooth Low hiking shoe . Their footbed and arch support are great, and that’s really important to me.
Plus, they are a certified B Corp and they plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold!
Favorite
Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated B-Dry Hiking Boot
$200.00
Sooo - comfortable and warm! These are my go-to winter insultated boot. I use them for snowshoeing and everyday around town stuff when it's really cold. O Fit Thermal insoles provide stability and support while reducing heat loss to keep your feet happy!
REI.com
Amazon
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Ottsworld Favorite
Oboz Women's Bridger Bdry Hiking Boot
$190.00
My favorite hiking boot. I have hiked with them all over the world. Rugged boots with great footbed support. Sole is great for rocky trails, and the color is pretty cute too! Great for hard hikes and thru hikes.
REI.com
Amazon
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I also have used Lowa Renegade boots with GORE-TEX which are also really great. This German brand has been around for a long time and makes a great hiking boot too as another alternative.
When You Might Want Trail Running Shoes Instead
If you are indecisive on hiking boots vs tennis shoes, then consider a trail running shoe. It’s sort of the middle solution between the two.
I actually hiked the whole 5-week Camino de Santiago trail in trail running shoes and they were lighter than boots, but still had a supportive and good tread. But they weren’t great in the mud, but those days were minimal overall.
La Sportiva Womens Jackal II Trail Running Shoe
$165.00
Sturdy sole good enough for light hiking. Lightweight and breathable - but not waterprood. Plus you can wear them on the trail or in the city - a great travel shoe option with dual uses!
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04/11/2023 08:02 am GMT
3. Sandals
Don’t forget to pack a comfortable pair of sandals for multi-day hikes if you have room! Nothing feels better than taking off your boots after a long hiking day and letting your feet have a little comfort. In fact – I’m starting to see more and more specific sandals for recovery. They have plusher footbeds and feel like you are walking on a cloud!
I recently started wearing Chacos again after I found out that they now have an option that doesn’t have a toe loop. I’m not a big fan of the toe loop and apparently, there are others like me as Chaco makes them without toe loops now! I bring my Chacos everywhere now for comfort and ease after hiking. It’s like putting on a slipper! I hang them off the back of my backpack just in case I feel like switching out of my hiking boots during the day, or if we have particularly big water to cross.
Chaco Women's Z1 Classic Athletic Sandal
$49.23
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04/10/2023 06:32 pm GMT
4. Hiking Shirts to Pack
Obviously, clothing is a personal choice. However, when you’re hiking, you’ll want to make sure you wear layers. And – of course the clothing I’m recommending is for women…because I’m a woman. Sorry guys. But these brands also make men’s hiking clothes too.
How to Layer Your Hiking Clothes
On a hike, you need to be able to warm up or cool down quickly by simply taking off or adding clothes.
You should have a base layer shirt or tank, and then multiple layers of long sleeves and jackets depending on the climate. And then on the bottom, you’ll want to use a long underwear base layer in cold climates under your hiking pants. Or if it’s a hot climate you might want to try the zip-off-to-shorts hiking pants. Sure, they aren’t sexy, but they are great for hiking.
Pay Attention to the Fabrics
Whatever you do, cotton clothes don’t have a place on your hiking packing list! They take forever to dry and just don’t wick the moisture away from your body which can leave you cold. Ideally, your hiking packing list should be filled with natural fibers such as merino wool or alpaca. These are more expensive pieces – but they really are miracle textiles: they are odorless, dry fast, lightweight, warming, and cooling…they really are miracle fabrics.
A less expensive option is a synthetic material that is quick dry and lightweight since you may have to wash things and have them dry overnight. Some of my favorite hiking brands for shirts are Fjallraven, Jack Wolfskin, and Title Nine.
Fjallraven Abisko Cool T-Shirt
$59.95
I love this shirt because it's a flattering shape instead of just a boxy t-shirt. Made from pliant functional material with tencel and organic cotton that wicks away moisture and gives a comfortable feel against the skin. I also like the striped pattern that is a little unique for hiking clothes!
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04/13/2023 11:02 pm GMT
Title Nine Vibe Tank Top
$39
I love Title Nine's tanks because they're super soft and dry fast. Made of a poly/cotton/spandex blend infused with drirelease®; performance wicking that dries 4x faster than cotton. I can wear this on the hiking trail and also traveling around an urban environment.
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Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail
$28.66
I love how soft this shirt is! Feels great to hike in and to simply travel in!
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04/14/2023 01:17 am GMT
5. Hiking Shorts
This summer I fell in love with my Title Nine Rouge shorts because they are light as a feather! They are made of stretchy fabric great for hiking and they will dry super fast if you want to wash them in the sink overnight! If you want a more substantial hiking short – then the Title Nine Clamber Short is also a super option.
Title Nine Rouge Shorts
$59
These are so so lightweight! They dry fast, take no room in your suitcase, and are stretchy and comfortable. My favorite shorts for the summer!
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