Hi.
Take a seat around the campfire, relax and join the Hiker Trash Husbands for some adventures!
Take a seat around the campfire, relax and join the Hiker Trash Husbands for some adventures!
Planning a day hike or overnight backpack? Our gear list covers everything from trail runners and ultralight shelters to navigation tools. Based on years on real trails including an AT thru-hike, find what we actually use and trust in the woods.
Our Hiking and Backpacking Gear Philosophy: For the two of us, when we are hiking and backpacking, having the right gear is less about trends or the newest items, and more about building a reliable system and finding gear that will last given how often we use it.
Start with the essentials: for your day hikes you’ll need your hiking shoes, your backpack, your clothing, and your basic day hiking supply kit and food. For backpacking you’ll need your hiking shoes, your shelter, your sleep system, your backpack, and your food. It’s best if these necessities are lightweight, durable, and suited to the conditions you’ll encounter.
Don’t forget, footwear matters a lot - whether it’s trail runners or boots, comfort over miles will make or break your trip.
Clothing should be layered: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating midlayer, and a weather-resistant outer layer. Focus on function — quick-drying fabrics, reliable warmth, and protection from wind and rain.
A headlamp, water filtration system, stove, pot, and lightweight food setup are standard for backcountry nights. For day hiking, keep that headlamp, water filter, and food in your backpack.
Carry a simple but complete first aid kit, navigation tools like a map and compass, and basic repair supplies.
Minimalism and weight matter, but don’t sacrifice safety or comfort. Choose items that earn their place in your pack through reliability and efficiency, not novelty. Over time, your hiking kit becomes second nature — a trusted part of how you hike. Whether it’s a quick overnight or a long-distance trek, every piece of gear should help you on the trail ahead.
Looking for some more detailed information on being prepared for a day hike or a backpacking trip? Check out our Ten Essentials for Hiking Guide, along with all of our hiking and backpacking guides.
What’s behind our Gear List: What we carry and use is almost always evolving as we go through the normal wear and tear on gear. Along the way we also discover a lot about what works and what doesn’t work for us. The most important takeaway on all hiking gear to us is that you have to find what works for you! Just because someone says that this is the greatest tent or the best trail running shoe, it probably won’t be the same for you. Finding the right hiking and backpacking gear really is about taking the time to get the gear on the trail and go through trial and error until you find items that work the best for you - since so much of the “right” gear is about what you’re comfortable with trip after trip. The greatest tent may not be so great if you hate setting it up, or the most acclaimed backpack might not be the best for you if no matter how hard you try, it doesn’t fit quite right.
We’ll try to capture all the gear we have used on hikes and backpacks that stays in our kits on this list, which will grow over time as gear transitions in and out (or simply becomes unavailable like some of our older favorites unfortunately).
Depending on the hike, you’ll need different kinds of gear! Our kit for this 2 1/2 day backpack of the Pemi Loop was far different than a day hike in the Catskills.
Base Layers
Hiking Pants and Shorts
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts (discontinued but we adored them)
Shirts
Socks
Hats
Gloves
Jackets
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Trails can be steep and rocky, muddy, icy, or have many other conditions, so always use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: Follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
A: A complete hiking gear list includes the 10 essentials: navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire starter, emergency shelter, extra food, extra water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Additional items like trekking poles, insect repellent, and repair kits may also be useful.
A: Beginners should focus on essential gear like supportive hiking shoes or boots, a lightweight backpack, water bottles or a hydration system, moisture-wicking clothing, and a basic first aid kit. Check out our full gear list for beginner-friendly recommendations.
A: Your hiking gear should change with the seasons. In summer, focus on sun protection and hydration. In winter, add insulated layers, traction devices, and weatherproof outerwear. Our gear list includes year-round essentials and seasonal add-ons.
A: Ultralight hiking gear reduces weight and strain, making it ideal for long-distance backpacking. However, it’s important to balance weight savings with safety and comfort. We share options for both standard and ultralight setups in our gear list.