Love mountain treks? There’s nothing quite like the feeling of conquering a trail, breathing in fresh air, and soaking in those breathtaking views. But let’s be honest—hiking can turn into a struggle if you’re not wearing the right gear. Ever found yourself sweating buckets in a cotton T-shirt or dealing with painful blisters because of the wrong shoes? Yep, we’ve all been there.
The right gear makes all the difference, and here’s how you can choose the best hiking gear for your next adventure.
1. Start with the Right Footwear
Your shoes can make or break your hike. If you've ever ended a trek with sore feet, you probably know what I mean.
- For easy trails, lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners work great.
- For rocky or steep terrains, go for proper hiking boots with ankle support.
- Always choose waterproof shoes if you're expecting rain or walking through streams.
- Break them in before your hike to avoid blisters!
2. Dress Smart – Layer Up! (And Plan for the Season!)
Weather can change fast in the mountains, and wearing the wrong hiking and trekking clothes can leave you uncomfortable or even at risk. Here’s how to dress for choose the right clothing while considering the seasons:
- Spring & fall: Layers are your best friend. A moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece for warmth, and a windproof jacket will keep you comfortable.
- Summer: Lightweight, breathable hiking T-shirts are a must. Avoid dark colors, wear a sun hat, and bring extra water to stay hydrated.
- Monsoon: A water-resistant jacket, water-repellent trekking pants, and waterproof hiking shoes are essential. Trails can get muddy, so good grip shoes are a must.
- Winter: Insulated layers, winter jacket, thermal socks, beanie, and gloves are crucial. If there’s snow, consider microspikes or gaiters for better traction.
When choosing between pants or shorts, think about the trail conditions. On hot and open trails, lightweight shorts help you stay cool. But if you're trekking through rocky or overgrown paths, hiking pants provide better protection from scrapes and insects. Considering the unpredictable nature of weather in the mountains, always go for water repellent hiking pants.
3. Backpack – Choose Comfort Over Size
Your backpack should be big enough to carry essentials but light enough to avoid back pain.
- For short hikes (1-3 hours): A small daypack (10-20L) works.
- For longer hikes (full day or more): A 30-50L backpack with a chest strap and padded shoulder straps will give better support.
- For multi-day treks, if you have the option to offload your luggage, divide it up between a rucksack or duffle bag which a mule or porter can carry and a 20-25L day pack with stuff that you may need while walking.
- Always pack a hydration system (water bottle or hydration bladder) to stay energized.
4. Other must have hiking gears
You don’t need to overpack, but some essential hiking gear can make your trek safer and more enjoyable:
- Trekking Poles – Reduce strain on your knees, especially on steep climbs and descents.
- Gaiters – Keep dirt, snow, and debris out of your boots, especially in wet or snowy conditions.
- Multi-tool or knife – Useful for cutting rope, fixing gear, or handling unexpected situations.
- Emergency blanket – Lightweight but useful for warmth in case of sudden temperature drops.
- Lightweight gloves & hat – Even in summer, mountain temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
- Headlamp or flashlight – Essential for early morning or late evening hikes. Carry spare batteries.
Sunglasses. UV protection, wrap around, and ideally polarized with scratch, shatter and fog resistant
Raincover for all your bags - Needed if your bags do not have built-in cover
Sleeping bag - Select based on temperature rating based on season and expected temperatures.
Personal hygiene, first aid, and medication – Toiletries including toilet paper, handwash, sunscreen, moisturiser, basic first aid and your personal medication
You’re all set!
Hiking should be fun, not a struggle. The right gear ensures that you stay comfortable, safe, and fully enjoy the journey. Before your next adventure, do a quick gear check, wear the right hiking gear, and hit the trails stress-free!
Explore a wide range of hiking gear at Reccy.in!
Happy Hiking