When hiking for the first time, you need to buy all the equipment to be safe.

Many people wear sneakers and carry ordinary backpacks for the first time, and walking for three or four kilometers is no problem. However, once they encounter mountain roads of more than 5 kilometers and terrains with an altitude of more than 1,500 meters, incorrect equipment will bring real risks - ankle sprains, hypothermia, and lack of basic supplies after getting lost... This article sorts out the logic of choosing hiking equipment.

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Hiking shoes: the most critical equipment

The function of hiking shoes is not only to "walk easily", but also to protect your ankles and knee joints in complex terrain.

Three types

Type	Terrain Suit	Ankle Protection	Weight
Low-cut hiking shoes	Flat trails, city parks	None	Light (300–500g/pair)
Medium hiking boots	Mountain trails, day trips with backpacks	Medium	Medium (500–700g/pair)
High-cut hiking boots	Long routes, heavy loads, irregular terrain	Strong	Heavy (700–1200g/pair)

The practical significance of ankle protection: When stepping on protruding stones, high-top shoes can limit excessive ankle pronation and significantly reduce the risk of sprains.

Key parameters

Waterproof layer (GTX/WP marked):

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof and breathable membrane: waterproof + moisture-permeable, can keep feet dry on wet roads and light rain
• Limitations of waterproof membrane: when the depth of water accumulation exceeds the height of the shoe upper, it loses its meaning; feet will still get wet after sweating for a long time

Outsole Material:

• Vibram outsole (Italian brand): strong grip and wear-resistant, it is the industry standard for outdoor boot outsoles
• General rubber sole: one to two grades worse in wear resistance and grip

Shoe last selection:

• When hiking downhill, your toes will move forward, so it is recommended to go up half a size to one size larger than your usual shoes.
• Wear special thick wool socks when trying on shoes to simulate the actual condition

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Backpack: Weight distribution is more important than capacity

Capacity selection

Itinerary	Recommended capacity
Day hike (no accommodation required)	20–30 liters
Two-day hike (with tent)	40–55 liters
Multi-day hikes 3+ days	55–70 liters

Key structure

Hip Belt:

• Large capacity bags (40L+) must have substantial waistbands to transfer weight to the hips
• Correct carrying method: 70–80% of the weight is carried by the waist belt, and the shoulder straps are only used for stability
• A schoolbag-type backpack without a waistband. The full weight is on the shoulders. It will hurt if it exceeds 10kg.

Length adjustment of the backpack system:

• The carrying length of the bag (back panel distance) should match the length of your torso
• When trying on the back: the shoulder straps fit the shoulders naturally, and the center of the belt is aligned with the ilium (upper edge of the pelvis)
• Different brands usually have S/M/L size carrying systems, choose according to your height

Waterproofness:

• Built-in waterproof bag (Pack Cover): Important, backpack rain cover can be purchased separately
• Waterproof zipper/waterproof material: better, but more expensive

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Clothing layering system

The core logic of dressing for hiking is the "three-layer system" instead of buying a special jacket:

Layer	Function	Material
Inner layer (sweat-wicking layer)	Quickly moves sweat away from the skin	Polyester, merino wool
Mid layer (warm layer)	Maintain body temperature	Fleece, down, synthetic cotton
Outer layer (protective layer)	Windproof and waterproof	Jacket (waterproof and breathable)

The most common mistake: Wearing cotton underwear → Cotton absorbs moisture after sweating but does not drain it away, and loses body temperature quickly. It is a taboo for outdoor use in low temperatures (this is where the saying "cotton kills" comes from).

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Navigation: Don’t rely solely on mobile phone signal

Equipment	Advantages	Limitations
Mobile phone + offline map	Portable, high quality map	Rely on GPS when there is no signal; battery consumption is fast
Professional GPS watch	Long-lasting power, waterproof and dustproof	Small screen, need to pre-download maps
Professional outdoor GPS equipment	Large screen, long battery life, durable	Heavy weight, high cost of separate equipment
Compass + paper map	Does not rely on power supply	Need to learn how to use

Minimum configuration: Download offline maps (such as Ovi Maps, Maps.me) on your mobile phone in advance, and bring a spare power bank.

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Essential safety equipment

Equipment	Function
Headlamp (not flashlight)	Free your hands, essential after dark in the mountains
First aid kit	Band-aid, sterile cotton, elastic bandage, hemostatic gauze
Thermal blanket (emergency blanket)	Prevents hypothermia in emergency situations, weighs almost zero
Whistle	Send a distress signal when lost (further than shouting)
Backup food and water	30–50% more than planned to prevent delays

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Act within your ability: Difficulty grading reference

Difficulty level	Distance	Climb	Terrain	Suitable for the crowd
Getting Started	≤ 5km	≤ 200m	Flat Trail	Inexperienced
Beginner	5–15km	200–500m	Trail with ups and downs	Basic physical fitness required
Intermediate	15–25km	500–1200m	Mountain trails	Regular exercisers
Advanced	> 25km or multiple days	> 1200m	Complex terrain	Those with hiking experience

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*This article refers to the International Hiking Federation (IHF) Equipment Standards and Outdoor Safety Manual and does not represent a recommendation for a specific brand. *