Gear - Overview
What works me may not work for you. There is no right way or wrong way to hike – do what works for you! I’m always reviewing my gear, what worked, what didn’t and finding new solutions.
I am constantly working to lighten the weight of my pack while being safe and comfortable. I enjoy hikes more when I carry less weight so I can be more agile and easily cover more distance. Every item that goes on my back I assess using the following four criteria and I encourage you to do the same:
The value you add to each criterion may change over time or location. For example, when I was a student price was really important to me, or if you hike cold areas you need to be 100% sure your sleeping bag will keep you warm. Alternatively, a friend of mine selects gear that is suitable for all conditions and is indestructible, but this gear is bulky and heavy.
Think hard about these four criteria, I find many people starting out will buy gear that they want to last forever or equipment to cover every possible scenario. For example, my first sleeping bag is suitable for snow conditions, but I almost never hike at this time, so I've been lugging around more than 1 kg of unnecessary weight. So don’t just buy the biggest, best or strongest on the market. Chances are your hiking style may change over the years and you may need different gear.
Function
You need gear that will keep you safe in the worst conditions you expect, so be sure to research the conditions in the area you will be hiking. Assess the situation and be prepared for potential risks. Also get to know your gear. I’ll often test new gear in the backyard to make sure I know how to set it up, use it safely and if it will keep me warm/dry.
Weight
Carrying less weight will allow you to be agile and cover greater distances more easily. Some people hike with 5kg pack! I like a few more creature comforts and safety items but still work very hard to lighten my load. I try to save weight on every single item in my pack, including my pack. I often carry around 45 items in my pack. If you save just 70g on each of these items you will lighten your load by 3.15kg. My point being that small savings really add up. I absolutely recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep track of your gear and the weight.
Comfort
I’m all about comfort and gave up suffering through the experience. I go out in nature to enjoy myself and believe if my body is happy there is more space for my mind to stop unwind and truly enjoy the experience. If someone wants to sleep in the dirt or carry a 25kg pack let them and enjoy sharing their Baileys at the end of the day.
Price
You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. Borrow gear, get it second hand and look for online discounts. Especially, when you are just finding your hiking style. I started with cheap gear because I couldn’t afford any better – but I was still getting out there and enjoying myself. I was limited to the warmer months but it was great. I’ve slowly upgraded my gear but still use some of the more basic stuff.
Ultimately, you need to feel confident and comfortable with your gear. When starting out you will probably take a little more weight just to be safe but as you learn more you will get better at knowing what you do and don’t need for your hiking style. For example, some people will want to take a bigger first aid kit, while others take far less. I used to always take way too much food, I sometimes still do, but I’m always learning. Each trip review what you took what you needed and didn’t need. I also love hiking with others to see what they use and am always learning new tips and tricks.
What works me may not work for you. There is no right way or wrong way to hike – do what works for you! I’m always reviewing my gear, what worked, what didn’t and finding new solutions.
I am constantly working to lighten the weight of my pack while being safe and comfortable. I enjoy hikes more when I carry less weight so I can be more agile and easily cover more distance. Every item that goes on my back I assess using the following four criteria and I encourage you to do the same:
- Function
- Weight
- Comfort
- Price
The value you add to each criterion may change over time or location. For example, when I was a student price was really important to me, or if you hike cold areas you need to be 100% sure your sleeping bag will keep you warm. Alternatively, a friend of mine selects gear that is suitable for all conditions and is indestructible, but this gear is bulky and heavy.
Think hard about these four criteria, I find many people starting out will buy gear that they want to last forever or equipment to cover every possible scenario. For example, my first sleeping bag is suitable for snow conditions, but I almost never hike at this time, so I've been lugging around more than 1 kg of unnecessary weight. So don’t just buy the biggest, best or strongest on the market. Chances are your hiking style may change over the years and you may need different gear.
Function
You need gear that will keep you safe in the worst conditions you expect, so be sure to research the conditions in the area you will be hiking. Assess the situation and be prepared for potential risks. Also get to know your gear. I’ll often test new gear in the backyard to make sure I know how to set it up, use it safely and if it will keep me warm/dry.
Weight
Carrying less weight will allow you to be agile and cover greater distances more easily. Some people hike with 5kg pack! I like a few more creature comforts and safety items but still work very hard to lighten my load. I try to save weight on every single item in my pack, including my pack. I often carry around 45 items in my pack. If you save just 70g on each of these items you will lighten your load by 3.15kg. My point being that small savings really add up. I absolutely recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep track of your gear and the weight.
Comfort
I’m all about comfort and gave up suffering through the experience. I go out in nature to enjoy myself and believe if my body is happy there is more space for my mind to stop unwind and truly enjoy the experience. If someone wants to sleep in the dirt or carry a 25kg pack let them and enjoy sharing their Baileys at the end of the day.
Price
You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. Borrow gear, get it second hand and look for online discounts. Especially, when you are just finding your hiking style. I started with cheap gear because I couldn’t afford any better – but I was still getting out there and enjoying myself. I was limited to the warmer months but it was great. I’ve slowly upgraded my gear but still use some of the more basic stuff.
Ultimately, you need to feel confident and comfortable with your gear. When starting out you will probably take a little more weight just to be safe but as you learn more you will get better at knowing what you do and don’t need for your hiking style. For example, some people will want to take a bigger first aid kit, while others take far less. I used to always take way too much food, I sometimes still do, but I’m always learning. Each trip review what you took what you needed and didn’t need. I also love hiking with others to see what they use and am always learning new tips and tricks.