A List of Must Have Hiking Essentials for the Short Trail Hiker
Updated July 2024
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Hiking essentials for the short trail hiker
Hiking adventures will offer a sense of freedom and the chance to submerge yourself in nature. You can explore lush forests, scale rocky terrain, wander along serene meadows, and find joy in reaching your hiking destination.
I have really started to enjoy the hiking and I want to make sure each hike is safe, enjoyable, and that we create some amazing memories. I have learned what is important for us to always have with us as we are hiking. I have not gone on long overnight hiking trips, so the items listed here are for shorter hikes. If you plan to go on long overnight hikes, please do your research to know what sort of conditions you will be hiking in to know what gear you might need.
It is important to always be prepared when hiking. Weather can change quickly, heat can be exhausting, and injuries will happen. This blog post will provide a list of must-have hiking essentials that every short trail hiker should pack to ensure your outdoor experience is successful.
I always make a list so I don’t forget anything that might be important. My list is quite extensive but I will break it down to what I feel are the most needed items for any family.
Non-negotiable hiking essentials
Here are the items we typically take with us when we go hiking. Your list could be very similar, or you might add or eliminate items that you don’t consider a necessity. Some of the items are non-negotiable such as drinking water, good hiking shoes/sandals and sunscreen. You don’t need to go out and buy all brand-new expensive gear, I have found a few things at thrift shops or on clearance from retail stores that have worked well for us without breaking the bank. You could also borrow from friends or family until you are ready to purchase your own equipment.
Sunglasses
Band-Aids or mini First aid kit
HydraPeak water bottle - This water bottle is cheaper than Yeti or HydroFlask and I think it is just as good
T-shirt - 32degrees - I love these shirts! They are so soft, lightweight and moisture wicking. I can get several days' wear out of them. I recommend checking out this brand. I have heard they also sell this brand at Costco.
Leggings
Columbia hiking shoes or Teva Sandals
Hydration water bladder - Keep in your backpack and fill with water before you go hiking. Store them in the fridge when not in use so they don’t get moldy
bug spray - all-natural bug spray made in the US
Cell phone
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Optional Hiking Items
Depending on where you hike some of these items might be important to include on your hiking trip but not always necessary for short trail hiking. We have several of these items but do not feel the need to bring them on shorter hikes.
Garmin Satellite Communicator - If you plan on going on longer or overnight hikes, I highly recommend this item. I have heard so many hikers talk about the benefits of this item. There is a small fee to use the satellite communicators for this item.
Pocket knife
Map - I keep an atlas in my van for when we are in a location that does not have cell service. I have had to use it a couple times.
Bell/Bear spray
Backpacking foldable chair - we have a couple of these chairs and love them. They fold into a small bag and are very lightweight.
Camera
Silicone wedding bands mens/womens
Belt bag - sometimes you may not need a full backpack of supplies, so I use this belt bag all the time when hiking to carry a few items like my phone and keys.
Having the right essential items can take your hiking experience from basic with limited safety supplies to extraordinary when you have all of the necessary items to make your trip exceptional.
This list will keep you equipped with the basics like sturdy footwear, hydration, navigation tools, and weather-related clothing items, that will prepare you to tackle any trail with confidence. Optional items can take your confidence to the next level and make your hiking adventure even more special so you can spend less time worrying about safety and comfort and more time enjoying the hike and making lasting memories.
What is the item you can’t live without when you are hiking? Comment below.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
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