When hiking for the first time, you need to buy all the equipment to be safe.
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When hiking for the first time, you need to buy all the equipment to be safe.
Many people wear sneakers and carry ordinary backpacks for the first time, and walking for three or four kilometers is no problem. However, once they encounter mountain roads of more than 5 kilometers and terrains with an altitude of more than 1,500 meters, incorrect equipment will bring real risks - ankle sprains, hypothermia, and lack of basic supplies after getting lost... This article sorts out the logic of choosing hiking equipment.
Hiking shoes: the most critical equipment
The function of hiking shoes is not only to "walk easily", but also to protect your ankles and knee joints in complex terrain.
Three types
| Type | Terrain Suit | Ankle Protection | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cut hiking shoes | Flat trails, city parks | None | Light (300–500g/pair) |
| Medium hiking boots | Mountain trails, day trips with backpacks | Medium | Medium (500–700g/pair) |
| High-cut hiking boots | Long routes, heavy loads, irregular terrain | Strong | Heavy (700–1200g/pair) |
The practical significance of ankle protection: When stepping on protruding stones, high-top shoes can limit excessive ankle pronation and significantly reduce the risk of sprains.
Key parameters
Waterproof layer (GTX/WP marked):
- Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof and breathable membrane: waterproof + moisture-permeable, can keep feet dry on wet roads and light rain
- Limitations of waterproof membrane: when the depth of water accumulation exceeds the height of the shoe upper, it loses its meaning; feet will still get wet after sweating for a long time
Outsole Material:
- Vibram outsole (Italian brand): strong grip and wear-resistant, it is the industry standard for outdoor boot outsoles
- General rubber sole: one to two grades worse in wear resistance and grip
Shoe last selection:
- When hiking downhill, your toes will move forward, so it is recommended to go up half a size to one size larger than your usual shoes.
- Wear special thick wool socks when trying on shoes to simulate the actual condition
Backpack: Weight distribution is more important than capacity
Capacity selection
| Itinerary | Recommended capacity |
|---|---|
| Day hike (no accommodation required) | 20–30 liters |
| Two-day hike (with tent) | 40–55 liters |
| Multi-day hikes 3+ days | 55–70 liters |
Key structure
Hip Belt:
- Large capacity bags (40L+) must have substantial waistbands to transfer weight to the hips
- Correct carrying method: 70–80% of the weight is carried by the waist belt, and the shoulder straps are only used for stability
- A schoolbag-type backpack without a waistband. The full weight is on the shoulders. It will hurt if it exceeds 10kg.
Length adjustment of the backpack system:
- The carrying length of the bag (back panel distance) should match the length of your torso
- When trying on the back: the shoulder straps fit the shoulders naturally, and the center of the belt is aligned with the ilium (upper edge of the pelvis)
- Different brands usually have S/M/L size carrying systems, choose according to your height
Waterproofness:
- Built-in waterproof bag (Pack Cover): Important, backpack rain cover can be purchased separately
- Waterproof zipper/waterproof material: better, but more expensive
Clothing layering system
The core logic of dressing for hiking is the "three-layer system" instead of buying a special jacket:
| Layer | Function | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Inner layer (sweat-wicking layer) | Quickly moves sweat away from the skin | Polyester, merino wool |
| Mid layer (warm layer) | Maintain body temperature | Fleece, down, synthetic cotton |
| Outer layer (protective layer) | Windproof and waterproof | Jacket (waterproof and breathable) |
The most common mistake: Wearing cotton underwear → Cotton absorbs moisture after sweating but does not drain it away, and loses body temperature quickly. It is a taboo for outdoor use in low temperatures (this is where the saying "cotton kills" comes from).
Navigation: Don’t rely solely on mobile phone signal
| Equipment | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone + offline map | Portable, high quality map | Rely on GPS when there is no signal; battery consumption is fast |
| Professional GPS watch | Long-lasting power, waterproof and dustproof | Small screen, need to pre-download maps |
| Professional outdoor GPS equipment | Large screen, long battery life, durable | Heavy weight, high cost of separate equipment |
| Compass + paper map | Does not rely on power supply | Need to learn how to use |
Minimum configuration: Download offline maps (such as Ovi Maps, Maps.me) on your mobile phone in advance, and bring a spare power bank.
Essential safety equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Headlamp (not flashlight) | Free your hands, essential after dark in the mountains |
| First aid kit | Band-aid, sterile cotton, elastic bandage, hemostatic gauze |
| Thermal blanket (emergency blanket) | Prevents hypothermia in emergency situations, weighs almost zero |
| Whistle | Send a distress signal when lost (further than shouting) |
| Backup food and water | 30–50% more than planned to prevent delays |
Act within your ability: Difficulty grading reference
| Difficulty level | Distance | Climb | Terrain | Suitable for the crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getting Started | ≤ 5km | ≤ 200m | Flat Trail | Inexperienced |
| Beginner | 5–15km | 200–500m | Trail with ups and downs | Basic physical fitness required |
| Intermediate | 15–25km | 500–1200m | Mountain trails | Regular exercisers |
| Advanced | > 25km or multiple days | > 1200m | Complex terrain | Those with hiking experience |
*This article refers to the International Hiking Federation (IHF) Equipment Standards and Outdoor Safety Manual and does not represent a recommendation for a specific brand. *