Gear
Know What Gear You Need and Why.
Having the correct gear cannot be understated. Not only can it save your life, but it can also be the difference between having a good adventure or a bad one.
1. Boots
Having the right boots on a mountain is crucial. If your foot is a little too big or small in a boot, it can change every plan you had for that hike. Personally, I recommend Salomon boots but, everyone's foot is different so go to your local REI and get sized there!
Pro Tip…
Don’t rush the fitting process. If you do, you can get terrible blisters, have your toes crushed, and all in all have a horrible time. You don’t want any of that. Right?
2. Clothing Basics
Some of you might want to look stylish on the mountain, but having lightweight, moisture wicking clothing is key. Meaning: NO COTTON. Remember this when you purchase your hiking clothes. If you are hiking when it is warm it can get super hot over the course of the day. Plus, when you’re hiking you heat up quickly because of the physical activity. You also sweat a lot and that either sits on your skin or makes your clothes wet which can be uncomfortable or makes you cold if the weather turns. You want to look for ventilated pants, shorts or leggings. If it’s cold you want an insulation layer of long johns which you will cover with pants. Jeans and sweatpants are actually terrible for hiking because they have no airflow and they limit your movement. Again, REI has some amazing clothing options.
Pro Tip…
I highly suggest pants with zippers at the knees. These pants make it a possibility to turn them into shorts, or just unzip them a little for ventilation.
3. Technical Clothing
Along with shirts and pants, jackets are very important. You need to stay warm on mountains, so I suggest bringing a light weight, durable, puffer jacket or fleece. Both of these keep your core temperature high so you don’t get cold. Regular hoodies are too heavy and don’t keep you warm enough or break the wind. Remember as you get higher, the wind can get stronger. Regular street clothing just doesn’t work on mountains.
Pro Tip…
If you have the opportunity, purchase a windbreaker (outer shell). Windbreakers are jackets specifically designed to protect you from the wind which can be freezing depending on where you are.
4. Backpacks
When most people first get into hiking they don’t have a proper hiking backpack and regular travel backpacks can get torn up on the trail. If you are interested in hiking, a small day backpack will be perfect. If you’re not interested in buying a whole new pack just yet, that’s totally ok! You can use any backpack you would like for low-intensity hikes but, as soon as you plan to hike any big mountains, you will need a bigger bag that can carry more weight and distribute that weight properly across your body.
Pro Tip…
I recommend Osprey packs. They are comfortable and come in many different sizes and designs.
5. Trekking Poles
Trekking Poles are one of the most useful hiking tools ever. They help disperse the weight of your pack and body over larger area and secure you on the mountain. Hiking poles also really make all the difference if you’re tired and think you're done because you have something to lean on. I highly recommend getting a pair.
Pro Tip …
If you are going to get Trekking poles purchase the ones with hinge extenders and not twist extenders because twist extenders have a tendency to retract into themselves when you least expect it.
6. Other Articles
Hats, specifically ball caps, are amazing on mountains. They keep your hair out of your face, and block the sun. Toques and beanies keep your head warm which is super important when it gets cold since we lose so much heat through our head. If you have the opportunity, I would also recommend a semgal. A semgal is a type of lightweight scarf/wrap that can be used around your neck, around your head, across your face or even as a small shelter for shade. Semgals are commonly found in Arab countries and are incredibly useful.
Pro Tip…
If you’re hot you can wet your semgal with water and wrap it around your neck which cools you off immediately and is super refreshing.