What to Pack for a Hiking Trip

Wondering what to pack for a hiking trip? Use this guide below!

what to pack for a hike

For a girl who normally overfills a massive suitcase with impractical flowy dresses and straw hats, packing for a multi-day hike is a whole new ballgame.

Knowing I am going to be carrying every single thing I pack on my back for the proceeding days means I’ve had to learn to pack practically, not just aesthetically.

In order to save you the packing flurry I generally go into pre-hike, here’s my list of things that I normally pack on a hiking trip…

HIKING PACKING LIST

Base Layers

Let’s start with base layers. When hiking, you want to wear moisture-wicking materials such as polyester, nylon or merino wool as these materials move sweat off the skin and dry off quickly. Whatever you do, don’t wear cotton- cotton holds onto water, meaning you will feel constantly sweaty if it’s hot, or cold and damp if it rains. For fall hikes, I generally will wear leggings and a tank top, then layer up with long sleeves which I can take off if it gets warm.

What to pack for a hike

Hiking Boots

A good pair of hiking boots are absolutely essential for big hikes. I have a pair of Merrell Moab Hiking Boots which always serve me well- they are comfortable, sturdy and waterproof. If you buy new hiking boots before a hike, I would recommend breaking in the boots before you go- otherwise, you could get stuck with painful blisters for days!

Hiking Socks

I would also recommend packing a generous amount of proper quick-dry hiking socks. These kind of socks can be expensive, but it’s honestly worth investing. The last hike I did, I made the dire mistake of not packing enough socks and I regretted every moment of it!

what to pack for a hiking trip

Warm Jacket

Given how quickly the weather can change on a hike, a warm jacket/ jumper is absolutely essential- no matter the season. If the weather is on the warmer side a polyester fleece should do the trick, or if it’s on the colder side go for a puffer jacket.

Waterproof Clothing

In order to be prepared for all weather conditions, I would highly recommend packing a good-quality, lightweight waterproof jacket AND pants. Even if it doesn’t end up raining, it is better to be safe than sorry! Gortex is one of the best materials you can go for as it is wind and waterproof whilst still being light and breathable.

what to pack for a hiking trip
what to pack for a hiking trip

Casual Outfit

After hiking all day in sweaty outdoor gear, there is no better feeling than changing into clean, casual clothes at the end of the day! Backcountry offer a great range of casual apparel and accessories that are perfect for these in-between moments the adventures- especially their current fall lifestyle range (pictured above)!

what to pack for a hiking trip

Backpack

When choosing a hiking backpack, the most important thing is finding one that is comfortable and supportive on your back. I have cycled through a few different brands of backpacks in the past and have found my Osprey Backpack to be my favourite by far. It is well-designed, well-made and super comfortable to wear. The capacity of backpack you go for obviously depends on how long you are hiking for/ how much gear you need to carry, however I would go for a slightly higher capacity as you can always compact the bag down.

Waterproof bag cover/ dry bag

I would recommend packing a waterproof cover for the outside of the backpack and a dry bag or waterproof pack liner for the inside of the backpack in case it rains. I personally pack all my stuff inside packing cubes then put the cubes inside the dry bag in my pack, which ensures everything stays organized and dry.

Extras

Here is a list of all the other bits and pieces that I normally pack for a hike:

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beanie & Gloves
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Earplugs and eye mask
  • Camera
  • Portable battery charger
  • Power adapter
  • Spare slip-on shoes
  • Hydro-flask water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Headphones
  • First-aid kit
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headtorch

Hopefully, this guide helps you know what to pack for a hiking trip!

For more packing lists, read these next:

Liked this guide on what to pack for a hiking trip? Pin it for later!

What to pack for a hiking trip
Nicola Easterby Bio Image

Hey, I'm Nicola!

I am a travel and food content creator on a mission to discover the best destinations & dishes around the world. Thanks for joining the adventure!

READ NEXT:

Best Time to Visit Antarctica: Month-by-Month Guide

Best Time to Visit Antarctica: Month-by-Month Guide

Planning a trip to Antarctica requires considering many factors, but one of the biggest decisions is timing. This remote, icy continent may not have typical tourist seasons, but each part of its short summer offers something unique.  From dramatic landscapes to...

read more
The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your New York City Getaway

The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your New York City Getaway

Heading to New York City? With its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless sights to explore, NYC is a dream destination. But packing for a city that never sleeps can be challenging—you’ll need a mix of style, comfort, and versatility to make the most of...

read more
Best ESim for Traveling Turkey in 2024

Best ESim for Traveling Turkey in 2024

Planning a trip to Turkey? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about using an eSIM and my recommendation for the best eSIM for traveling Turkey. Gone are the days of having to find a local phone store and buy a physical sim card when visiting...

read more

READ NEXT:

Our Dream South of France Wedding

Our Dream South of France Wedding

This is what it looks like to have a 3-day wedding in the South of France! On the 23rd of August 2023, James and I finally got to have the wedding celebration of our dreams. We had sixty of our nearest and dearest flying from all over the world to join us for three...

read more
10 Advantages of Creating an Amazing Travel Website

10 Advantages of Creating an Amazing Travel Website

Having an impressive online presence is essential for businesses, especially in the travel industry. Whether you're a tour operator, travel blogger, or holiday rental owner, a well-designed travel website can be the key to success. With this in mind, here are 10...

read more
Best Time to Visit Antarctica: Month-by-Month Guide

Best Time to Visit Antarctica: Month-by-Month Guide

Planning a trip to Antarctica requires considering many factors, but one of the biggest decisions is timing. This remote, icy continent may not have typical tourist seasons, but each part of its short summer offers something unique.  From dramatic landscapes to...

read more
The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your New York City Getaway

The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your New York City Getaway

Heading to New York City? With its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless sights to explore, NYC is a dream destination. But packing for a city that never sleeps can be challenging—you’ll need a mix of style, comfort, and versatility to make the most of...

read more