What equipment to buy for a hike

The purpose of this article is to briefly provide criteria for choosing hiking equipment. Don’t go into details, but quickly talk about everything at once - from tents to thermal underwear. I often recommend buying specific models of equipment or specific manufacturers. This is not an advertisement, but an attempt to make your life easier.

Of course, there are different hikes and they require different equipment, but in this case we are talking about choosing the most versatile equipment for the widest possible range of hiking and mountain trips. You're not planning on turning your apartment into an equipment warehouse (like did me)? In this case, try to trust my experience and skip the numerous “rake”.

Backpack

An ideal backpack has a volume of about 80 liters and a weight of no more than 2 kg. Important: reliable fittings, comfortable belt, correct geometry, power frame made of slings. Not important or not needed: pockets and internal partitions, additional entrances, soft back, height adjustment, tightly sewn top flap.

Sleeping bag

Save up some money and buy a branded down sleeping bag weighing from 1.1 to 1.5 kg. It covers the temperature range from +20 to -15. One sleeping bag for all occasions! Don’t be afraid of moisture, just buy a waterproof bag for your sleeping bag.

Tent

No more than 1kg per person. Those. The two-room apartment should not weigh more than 2 kg. Silicone is better than PU. The more ventilation the better - don't be afraid of the mesh walls.

Rug

A thick and soft rug is the key to a good night’s sleep while camping. Buy Thermarest Z Lite Sol (budget, non-inflatable, easy to fold). If you buy a self-inflating mat, then only an expensive and high-quality one. Moreover, a lightweight model - i.e. weighing no more than 600 grams.

Raincoat

The best option is the Terra Incognita CapeBag poncho with a zipper all the way to the bottom (Important!). Don't trust jackets with membranes - they wear out quickly and leak.

Trekking boots

Only leather - no fabric inserts and a minimum of seams and decor. Lining with Gore-Tex. Metal eyelets on laces are a must. Sewn-in tongue. The sole should bend - do not buy climbing shoes for hiking. The rubber edging is not important. German shoes are better than Italian ones.

Hiking sneakers

You can take treadmills. No membranes (Gortex and others) - they don’t make the leg breathe. No rubber bands or Velcro - only normal laces or Salomon Kevlar Lace. Fine mesh is better than coarse mesh - less debris in shoes.

Sandals

Only models with webbing straps are truly reliable. They are produced by Teva and Source.

Trekking poles

They really help on the hike and take the strain off your knees. A clip lock is more reliable than a collet lock. So buy a Black Diamond of any model. The shock absorber is not important.

Trekking socks

Don’t buy the thickest branded socks - take medium or thin models without any “terry” inside. Grandma's wool socks go well with boots. Fleece socks are ideal for sleeping and relaxing.

Thermal underwear

Choose thermal underwear of medium thickness (not very thick, and not the thinnest). The manufacturer doesn't matter. The lower back should be well covered, i.e. Longer sweaters are better. Not an ounce of cotton! If you are allergic to synthetics, try merino wool.

Flashlight

Buy a Petzl or Black Diamond headlamp of the latest model (LEDs are progressing quickly). Use batteries, not rechargeable batteries.

Hermetic bags

A hermetic bag is more convenient, more durable and more beautiful than garbage or store bags. Take it to the next level. I pack all my things in herms except bowlers and shoes.

Travel thermos

Needed for ascents and cold hikes (average daytime temperature below +5). Important: a simple stopper without buttons, no glass. Before going on a hike, be sure to check if the heat is escaping.

Drinking system

Buy drinking Source or Deuter (they're the same thing). The drinking system really helps on hot hikes and is almost not needed in the cold zone, where the daytime temperature is below +10.

Well, now you know how to buy all the camping gear. Right? All that remains is to decide where to get that much money:)