Essential Hiking Kit List

We've created this comprehensive hiking essentials kit list  to gear you up with everything you need for the trails this summer.

The links take you straight to the products where you can decide if it's right for you.  Each item has been carefully selected—many are tried and tested by us, while others come highly recommended from top outdoor gear sources.

Do you pack a must-have item we missed? Let us know in the comments below and share your trail tips! If you prefer cycle touring or bike-packing, check out our Essential Cycling Kit List.

Hiking Essentials

• Deuter Voyager 65l Backpack
• Fjallraven Abisko Trek 65 M/L Backpack
• Osprey Aether™ 65 Backpack

• Sea to Summit Sleeping Mat
• Sea to Summit Sleeping Pillow
• Raidlight ULTRALIGHT DOWN 2 in 1 Sleeping Bag Jacket combo

Weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, moisture-wicking clothing, and rain gear

• Rab Men's Microlight Down Jacket

• Rab Women's Microlight Alpine Jacket
• Patagonia Wind Breaker (Women’s)
• Rab Women's Downpour Eco Waterproof Breathable Jacket
• Berghaus Men's Deluge Pro Waterproof Shell Jacket
• RevolutionRace Women’s Hiking Trousers
• Berghaus Men's Fast Hike Light Walking Trousers
• Montane Mono Long Sleeve Women's Top

• Short sleeved Rab Men's Force Tee Lightweight T-Shirt
• Harrier Waterproof trousers Unisex
• Runderwear men's anti-chafing underwear

• Darn Tough Men’s Socks
• Darn Tough Womens Socks
• An awesome Raidlight hat

Navigation 

• Satellite Messenger

Food and water

• Firepot food packs
• Coffee bags
• Camping stove Fire-Maple FMS-X1 Camping Stove Gas System
• Firedragon fuel blocks
• Firedragon burner
• Kidney Bean Shape 1 Litre Alloy Mug

First aid 

• An adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatment
• Antiseptic spray

Other essentials 

• Multi-tool Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife
• A headlamp Petzl Actik
• Water Treatment Sawyer Squeeze
• Insect repellent
• Power bank charger
• Personal medication, ibuprofen, Panadol
• Harrier emergency whistle and blanket
• Deodorant

Obvious but worth mentioning packing tips 

• Pack lighter gear on the bottom of your pack
• Pack heavy gear close to the middle of your back
• Pack frequently used gear on top

Enjoy the trails! 

*We may earn a commission when you buy through some of these links. This helps us keep our content and our trail itineraries free—thanks for your support!

1 New to Waytrails? We'll make it easy for you.

2 Looking for a weekend itinerary for the Western Front Way? The Road to Passchendaele is an ideal 25km loop is for history enthusiasts and casual hikers.

3 The Laugavagur Trail is a moderate 55km hike among Icelandic volcanic rocks and folklore.

4 The official Western Front Way hiking trail retraces the historic First World War front lines.

5 Follow Hadrian's Way by the ancient Roman wall, along a scenic and historic journey into Roman Britain.