The Hiking Gear

A Hiking boot.

Heading out on a hike with the right gear completely transforms the experience—whether it’s about preventing blisters or staying dry despite unpredictable weather.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the four pillars of your hiking gear.

1. Hiking boots and shoes

Your choice of footwear depends directly on the terrain and the weight of your pack. They generally fall into three main categories:

• Low-cut hiking shoes (Trail runners / Hiking shoes): Very lightweight and flexible, these are perfect for well-packed trails, short outings, or if speed is your priority. However, they offer little ankle support.

• Light-to-midweight hiking boots (Mid-cut): The ideal compromise for most hikers. They rise just high enough to protect the ankle from twists on rugged or root-filled terrain while remaining flexible.

• Heavy-duty hiking boots (High-cut): Rigid, high-cut, and often made of leather, these are designed to support your joints when carrying a heavy pack (over 35 lbs) or when tackling scree fields and unmarked trails.

2. The three-layer clothing system

This is the golden rule for regulating body temperature and wicking away sweat to prevent hypothermia or heatstroke. Instead of one bulky coat, you layer technical garments.

1. The base layer (Moisture management)

Worn directly against the skin, its sole purpose is to wick away sweat and keep you dry.

• Best choices: Merino wool (warm, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant) or synthetic fibers like polyester.

• What to avoid at all costs: Cotton. It absorbs water like a sponge, stays wet, and will leave you freezing the moment you stop moving.

2. The mid-layer (Insulation)

It serves to trap the warm air generated by your body.

• Common options: A fleece jacket for active days in cool weather, or a lightweight down or synthetic jacket that packs down small for summit breaks.

3. The outer layer / Shell (Protection)

It protects you from the elements: wind, rain, and snow.

• Ideal choice: A waterproof-breathable shell (such as Gore-Tex or equivalent) featuring underarm zippers for ventilation during exertion.

3. Types of backpacks

Your backpack size (measured in liters) should match the duration of your outing:

Volume (Liters)	Type of hike	What to pack
15 to 30 L	Day hike	Water, snack, first aid kit, outer layer.
30 to 50 L	Weekend hike / Minimalist	Ultralight camping gear, food for 2 days.
50 L and up	Long-distance hike (Self-sufficient)	Tent, sleeping bag, stove, food for several days.

The secret to comfort: Always adjust your pack so that 80% of the weight rests on your hips via the hip belt, rather than on your shoulders.

4. Maintaining trekking poles

Telescopic or folding trekking poles save your knees (reducing impact by up to 25% during descents). However, dust, mud, and moisture can easily seep into the sections, potentially jamming the mechanisms or causing the aluminum to oxidize.

Post-hike maintenance routine:

1. Completely disassemble the sections: If you have telescopic poles with lever locks (SpeedLock) or twist locks, fully separate the tubes.

2. Dry clean: Use a clean cloth to remove dirt, sand, or water from both the inside and outside of the tubes. Never use lubricant, oil, or WD-40; this would cause the locking mechanisms to slip and trap dirt.

3. Air dry: Leave the tubes separated for 24 hours before reassembling and storing them.

4. Adjust tension: If your poles slip when you put weight on them, slightly tighten the small screw on the locking levers using a screwdriver or the built-in adjustment dial.