5 Essential Items for Your Next Hiking Adventure

Dec 09, 2021

Written by Ascent influencer Beck Hamilton | @beckkyhamilton

When it comes to hiking, short or long distances, it's important to make sure you have the correct items and preparation to make the most of your adventure! As an experienced hiker, these are my top 5 essential items I recommend to anyone venturing out on a hike.

1) A Good Pair of Hiking Shoes

This is the most important item on the list because you need your feet to be comfortable to enjoy your hike! When looking for good hiking shoes, look for something that is light, waterproof (or at least water-resistant), offers good arch support and isn’t too much of a snug fit. When trying on hiking shoes I recommend wearing the socks you plan on wearing during your hike, this will help get the correct fit. There is nothing worse than having shoes that don’t fit you properly. Blisters! No one wants that.

Depending on what type of hike you are planning on completing you may need to go for a shoe with good ankle support.

Best recommended for extreme hikes with steep ascents/descent, Ascent Footwear provides an excellent lightweight hiking shoe, with great support.

You can find them HERE.

2) Quality Hiking Backpack

The quality of your backpack will make a massive difference to your hike. This one is extremely important if you plan on doing long-distance hiking, requiring a lot of weight to be carried. A good backpack should have adjustable straps (up/down and closer/further apart), a supportive waistband and provide good ventilation. Other things to look for are packs that fit water bladders, can be made into day packs and provide lots of pockets that make it easy to access the contents. I can highly recommend the Deuter hiking backpacks.

3) Personal Emergency Device

Most people will think this item isn’t essential, but from experience, it makes a difference. Fingers crossed you never have to use it, but it will give you the reassurance that if something unfortunate does go wrong on your hike, you have direct contact with emergency services. Most of these devices will give emergency services an m2 location.

If you don’t want to spend the money on one of these devices, make sure you have a sat phone or at least a phone with good cell service. I recommend Telstra for the best service in Australia.

4) Protective Clothing

There is nothing worse than going for a hike and ending up drenched because your waterproof jacket wasn’t waterproof after all. When looking for a waterproof jacket, I recommend looking into Gore-tex jackets. They cost a little bit more, but at least you know you will be dry!

Other protective clothing like thermals, waterproof pants, gaiters, warm jackets and sun protection, are other items I would spend a bit more money on to make sure you get good quality. Remember, it's hot in Australia, so bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

5) Water Filtration

This is handy to have on hikes as it will allow you to drink from multiple water sources without getting sick. Although, I do recommend bringing enough water for your hike, sometimes emergencies do happen.

My favourite water filtration item is my Steripen. It emits UV light that kills bacteria and allows you to have clean drinking water in a matter of minutes. If you plan on drinking water that may need some filtering, I recommend getting a survival straw or bottle.

About Our Guest Blogger

Obsessed with travelling, Beck started solo trips in 2017 and has seen some amazing places in the world. She's a hiker, mountain climber and nature lover and would much prefer to stay in Patty (her Pajero) and camp, rather than stay in a hotel.

Currently exploring her own backyard (Western Australia), you can keep up with her latest adventures and bucket list stops by following her on Instagram (@beckkyhamilton), YouTube or website - trekwithbeck.blog