Hiking Equipment Guide
Explore our top hiking gear recommendations based on firsthand experiences from trails around the world.
At Peak a Do, we believe hiking doesn’t require expensive gear, what matters is having the right equipment for your adventure. We’ve curated essential gear lists in three categories, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, based on our personal trail experience, balancing quality, functionality, and safety. Whether you're a beginner or experienced hiker, our goal is to help you make informed, budget-friendly choices without compromising on safety. Explore our recommendations by clicking on the gender specific links, with gear progressing from basic to more professional options.
Detail
Trainers are fine for short spring/summer hikes. Boots are required for poor weather conditions and high tops are highly recommended for winter hiking. Avoid socks made from synthetic fibers. A typical rucksack is around 10-30 litres; this is a personal choice depending on the amount of food and water you want to carry. Your daily intake of water should be around 2 Litres. A small first aid kit is advisable to treat common injuries whilst likely far from medical help.
Intermediate
Boots
Wool/Merino wool socks
Underwear - multiple
Rucksack 30L-60L
Waterproofs
Down Jacket - if necessary
Fleece jumper
Water
Food
Emergency Kit
Blister plasters
Torch/Headtorch - if necessary
Walking Poles - if necessary
Sunglasses - if necessary
Sunscreen - if necessary
Hat - Warm weather
Hat - Cold weather
Gloves - if necessary
Buff/Scarf - if necessary
Phone/GPS/Map
Camera
Tent - If necessary
Sleeping bag - 3-4
Cooking tool
Cleaning kit
Matches or lighter
Rubbish bag
This list is aimed at multi-day hiking with the possibility of some high-altitude hiking. Consider two pairs of socks, if one pair get wet it can be very uncomfortable. When hiking at high altitude also consider a backup pair of sunglasses. They don't have to be expensive but if you break your sunglasses when surrounded by snow you may suffer from snow blindness and have to abandon your hike. It's a good idea to take a spare set of boot laces, these don't weigh much and can really help if one breaks on day 3 of a 12-day hike. Even if you feel water isn't an issue it doesn't hurt to have water treatment tablets available. They won't weigh you down but can save your life if you find a water supply you were expecting isn't operational. Down jackets are fantastic for very cold temperatures. It's often a good idea to have a lightweight down jacket at least for evenings. Down jackets are considered an essential item for high altitudes. Down is commonly made from duck or goose feathers, the jury is still out on which is the best.
Detail
Detail
This list is designed for multi-day or high-altitude hiking. It's possible to hike through small amounts of snow and ice without crampons but it really is a risk. Ice axes come in a variety of shapes but most commonly a walking ice axe 55-65cm is considered a good choice as it adds extra stability when walking on snow and can still be used to self-arrest if you should fall or slip. If you're considering any steep snow/ice climbing then consider a mountaineering or technical axe. For most guided hikes a guide or company can offer equipment rental at a small cost. As above consider taking water treatment tablets, spare sunglasses and boot laces.
Advanced
Boots
Wool/Merino wool socks
Underwear - multiple
Rucksack 40L-90L
Waterproofs
Down Jacket - if necessary
Fleece jumper
Water
Food
Emergency Kit
Blister plasters
Torch/Headtorch - if necessary
Walking Poles - if necessary
Sunglasses - if necessary
Sunscreen - if necessary
Hat - Warm weather
Hat - Cold weather
Gloves - if necessary
Buff/Scarf - if necessary
Phone/GPS/Map
Camera
Tent - If necessary
Sleeping bag - 3-4
Cooking tool
Cleaning kit
Crampons
Ice Axe
Matches or lighter
Rubbish bag
Basic
Trainers/Boots
Wool/Merino wool socks
Rucksack 10L-30L
Waterproofs
Fleece jumper
Water
Food
Emergency Kit
Blister plasters
Torch/Headtorch
Walking Poles - if necessary
Sunglasses - if necessary
Sunscreen - if necessary
Hat - Warm weather
Hat - Cold weather
Gloves - if necessary
Buff/Scarf - if necessary
Phone/GPS/Map
Camera