The ultimate gear list

You’ve picked your trail, but now comes the hard part: choosing what to pack! Some essentials will come with you on every type of hike like hiking shoes, a backpack, hydration, layers but after that, the lists vary based on what kind of hike you’re heading out on. Here, you’ll find the ultimate gear lists for day hikes, long-distances hikes, thru-hikes, and even hut-to-hut hikes. What you bring will also depend on the season and region where you choose to go.

What to pack?

As your adventures shift and change, so will your needs on the trail. You may need an ultralight tent for your thru-hike, but it won’t be necessary for your time on a hut-to-hut trail, like a 20L backpack won’t cut it for your long-distance trail the same way it will for your day-hike. Our hiking gear lists are a base for you to use and customize based on where and when you’re going. You’ll need specific items for trekking across a glacier that you won’t need in the desert.

Don’t forget

There’s always a little room for luxury! When you pack efficiently from the start, you’ll have the capacity to include a little fun. We recommend bringing an item that will make your trail just a little bit better when the going gets tough. This could be a journal, e-reader, some headphones, or a deck of cards, and ideally will bring a smile to your face after a long day.