What to Pack for a Hiking Trip

You can go hiking in your favourite old sneakers and regular clothes, but taking to the outdoors can be unpredictable. One day you’ll be fine, and the next you get rained on, slide down a muddy hill and trip over some stones. Buying the right clothes and gear for a hiking holiday can be expensive, but it’s a smart investment if it’s something you plan on doing regularly. Whether you’re hiking for two hours or a full week, hiking has incredible physical and mental health benefits.

The number one item to pack for a hiking holiday is a pair of good quality boots. If you wear sneakers, you risk an injury on slippery or uneven terrain. If you wear a pair of ill-fitting boots, you’ll realise exactly how painful a blister can be when walking. Want to know how to find the right pair of boots? We chatted to a podiatrist for her hiking boots tips.

If you’re just going for a day hike, the packing list gets simpler. If you’re packing for a multi-day hike, there are more essentials but you also need to pack as light as possible. If you’re carrying your own pack, the motivation to do so is very strong! Your backpack does seem to get heavier with each step.

If you’re camping, you’ll also need a list of camping essentials. But we’ve focussed on what you’ll actually need for the hiking part of the trip.

Packing tips

Pack items you won’t need till evening at the bottom of the pack.
Pack the heaviest items at the bottom or middle of your pack, so you’re not too top heavy.
Use packing cubes or drybags to organise your items, so it’s easy to find what you need.
If you’re carrying your own pack, pack as light as you can. It’s better to be a bit stinky with fewer changes of clothes than to give up on day one because your pack is too heavy.
Use a pack liner – it makes it easier to pull out and access your stuff.

What are the hiking trip essentials?

Clothes and accessories

Thick socks
Thermals if cold, particularly at night
Fleece if cold, particularly at night
Waterproof jacket
Pants or shorts: activewear or hiking pants will have the best material for sweat, rain and range of movement
Tops: moisture wicking. Kathmandu recommends wool or polypropylene as they dry quicker
Sunglasses
Hat
Backpack
Pack liner
Waterproof pack cover
Hiking poles
Underwear

Other essentials

Water bottle and/or bladder
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Head torch and extra batteries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Blister plasters
First aid kit
Hand sanitiser
Snacks
Toilet paper
Something to carry your rubbish home in
Map and compass

Where do I start?

Here’s a list of great products for inspiration.

Bondi Active Tech Tee, $50

This is a lightweight, quick-trying tee perfect for active types. We like the high neck making it sun-safe.

Decathlon Forclaz Women’s 50 L Hiking Backpack - MT 100 Easyfit, $95

If you need a large pack for a multi-day hike, this is an affordable option. It weighs 1.6kg (when we know every gram counts) and has practical functions like a water bottle pocket, walking pole loop and a rain cover. It has even been designed for women, with a wider shoulder strap shape.

Icebreaker Merino Seamless Active Bra, $150

This stretchy racerback bra is seamless for comfort and is designed to be odour-free and breathable.

Kathmandu Seeker Women’s Primaloft Active Hooded Jacket, $280

Stay warm when hiking with the Kathmandu Seeker PrimaLoft Active Hooded Jacket. It is designed to be a close fit, making it both better for movement and more flattering. It’s got two handy pockets, is made from recycled materials and is water repellent. Plus, we love the rich raspberry colour.

Kathmandu Oboz Sypes Women’s Mid Leather Waterproof B-DRY Shoes, $189

These hiking boots provide good support for feet and ankles, solid grip on the base, are waterproof and a very reasonable price. Plus, when you buy a pair, Oboz company plants a tree. Cheers to that.

Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of Australia and New Zealand, $45

Grab this when planning your trip for 50 incredible hiking routes, from urban adventures through to long-distance trails. Each walk has a level grading so you know what you’re getting yourself into, plus inspirational photos and practical information.

Lorna Jane's Amy Phone Pocket Tech Leggings, $90

Our favourite type of leggings? Ones with pockets, of course. These high-rise leggings are moisture-wicking, provide lots of stretch for active days and hug your curves in all the right ways.

Teva Women’s Original in metallic pink multi, $110

Need something to wear around your accommodation in the evening or for water sports? We’re loving the bright colours of these Teva sandals. It has quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic and a rubber outsole for durability and traction.

Under Armour UA Seamless Stride Short Sleeve, $70

Are you prone to getting a bit sweaty? This Under Armour shirt has you covered, with extra ventilation and wicking material that dries quickly. It’s even got reflective details for low-light explorers.

Thule Vital 8L W hydration pack, $270

If you’re more of a trail runner, or just hate to stop to fish your water bottle out of your backpack, then this is the backpack for you. It’s designed with a 2.5L water bladder as well as room for all of your daily essentials in the 8L bag. The water hose even has a magnetic design to snap back in place in between sips.

Teva Women’s Grand View GTX Hiking Boots, $330

This Teva hiking boot is a good combination of waterproof leather and quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic. It has a sturdy outsole for good grip, and adjustable heel lock system for stability and is treated with a peppermint-based antimicrobial to prevent stinky shoes.

Plus, the design is sleeker than the usual hiking boot.

We Are Feel Good Sunscreen SPF 50+, $19.95

In Australia, you need sunscreen on the go for most outdoor activities. We like We Are Feel Good Inc’s travel sunscreen for its handy carabiner clip. Tack it onto your belt or backpack so it’s handy for regular application. It’s available in signature, coconut, sensitive, kakadu plum and wild rosella flavours.

The Adventure Waterproof Backpack, $199

Planning a serious adventure? This backpack can take it. It’s made from a thick, durable and waterproof fabric, which the company claims is virtually indestructible. The roll top ensures extra water protection, too. Reflective strips and a built-in whistle are nice safety details.