45+ Hiking Essentials: The Ultimate Hiking Packing List for Beginners (2024)

Backpack

The most important item for any overnight hike is ahiking backpack.

You want to make sure you’re investing in a bag that is made specifically for multi-day hikes. It’s going to give you all the support you need and keep your weight off your back.

I use the Osprey Aura 65l. It’s one of the best hiking backpacks for women as it’s designed for our bodies for a more comfortable fit.

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Rain Cover

While the weather forecast may say clear skies, sometimes you can’t predict the weather.

Arain cover for your backpackis one of those must-haves for hiking to keep all your gear dry (like your camera and sleeping bag).

If your pack doesn’t come with one, you can buy a rain cover separately. I bought this one fromOutdoor Warehousebefore I upgraded my pack to an Osprey.

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Head Lamp

Aheadlampneeds a spot on any hiking equipment list. It’s also one of my essential items for photography as I often wake up before sunrise to shoot or venture into the wilderness to shoot the Milky Way at 1 am.

When you’re packing for a multi-day hike, aheadlampis going to make it easier to see what’s lurking around your campsite at night.

Plus, you might need to start hiking before sunrise if you’re doing the Otter Trail and need to cross the Bloukrans River at low-tide.

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Trekking Poles

Do you needtrekking polesfor every single overnight hiking trip? Yes and no.

If your multi-day hike is strenuous (like the Mnweni Circuit in the Drakensberg),trekking poleswill go a long way in helping you get up the mountain while it’s not required for an easier hike like Tugela Falls.

However, if you have bad knees, you should invest in poles even if you’re doing easy day hiking trails.

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Dry Bag

Why do you need adry bagif your backpack has a rain cover? Extra precautions.

If you’re someone like me who brings expensive camera gear on adventures, you’ll want to add adry bagto your hiking trip packing list.

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Hiking Shoes

Choosing the righthiking shoesfor your trip is incredibly important. You want to consider the type of conditions you’re trekking through as well as the style of hiking.

My go-to hiking shoes are theAltitude V Ultra from Hi-Tec. While these hiking boots are quite heavy, they are waterproof (I love jumping in puddles!), have an excellent grip (a must if your route involves scrambling), and super comfortable. For something lighter, I love theK-Way Women’s Scree Shoe.

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Water Bladder

Water bladders are one of the first things to pack for hiking trips.

It makes it easier to stay hydrated, and you don’t need to keep taking off your pack to pull out your water bottle. I use the2l water bladder from First Ascent, and it also comes in a 3l if you want more carrying capacity.

Always remember to check the trail has water points and pack purification tablets.

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First Aid Kit

When you’re out in the mountains, you never know what might happen.

You could need a headache tablet, or you might trip and cut yourself on the trail. Add asmall first aid kitto your hiking packing list.

Outdoor Warehouse has kits specifically designed with hikers in mind, and it tells you how many people can use it.

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Mosquito and Bug Repellent

If you’re hiking in the summer months, you’ll want protection from the swarms of mosquitos.

If you’re wearing sweet-smelling deodorant, you might attract a few more unwanted friends.

Pack a small bottle of bug andmosquito repellentto get a good nights sleep and avoid bites while on the trail.

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SPF Lip Balm

I’ll admit, I’m not the best at remembering to pack mySPF lip balm, but it’s a hiking essential. My lips always start to crack and sometimes bleed on a backpacking trip.

When I don’t use my lip balm, I’m in pain for the next couple of days after the hike while the cracks recover.

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Sunscreen

Don’t leave home without packing sunscreen! It’s one of the top 10 essentials for hikes and will protect you from painful sunburns.

I use theCetaphil SPF 50+ for oily skin from Dischem. I’d highly recommend it if you’re someone who finds the ‘greasiness” of sunscreen makes you breakout.

P.S. You should wear sunscreen every day to prevent signs of ageing and skin damage.

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Toiletries

Toiletries include things like your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, make-up etc.

It’s anything that will make you feel clean and comfortable. When packing for a hike, try to use small bottles to lessen the weight in your pack.

Sweat Wicking Shirt

When you start building a hiking wardrobe, invest in amoisture-wicking and quick-drying shirt.

On multi-day hikes, you’re going to sweat A LOT, and you want to wear something that can keep you comfortable.

K-Way hassweat-wicking shirtsmade from Quik Wic fabric to keep you cool and dry outdoors.

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Insulated Jacket

As someone who is a reptile and gets cold as soon as the sun dips under the horizon, I am obsessed with myinsulated jackets.

I use theK-Way Women’s Swan ’18 Down Jacket. It’s incredibly light-weight and packs down small.

K-Way also has theWomen’s Ember Re: Down Jacket, made from 100% recycled down.

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Windbreaker

I bought my firstwindbreakerfor my overnight Tugela Falls hike, and it changed my life.

TheK-Way Franklin Rain Jacketis light-weight, windproof and waterproof. I used it as an extra layer in the late afternoons and early mornings when the temperatures were cooler and loved it.

When the wind did pick up, it insulated me and kept me comfortable the entire time. I love that you can adjust the sleeves with a velcro strip to stop the wind from sneaking in up your arms!

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Mid-Layer

Another investment I made towards my hiking wardrobe is an insulated mid-layer.

I often reach for mylong sleeve mid-layerwhen I am layering under a heavier jacket or when I want a bit of extra warmth.

My favourite is theK-Way Women’s Hazel Crewneck Fleece. It uses an insulating waffle knit, making it perfect for chilly outdoor conditions.

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Rain Jacket

If you have a waterproof windbreaker, you can get away without buying a separaterain jacket.

However, if you’re hiking or trail running in heavy rain, you might want to invest in something like theFirst Ascent Ladies AR-X Waterproof Running Jacketor theFirst Ascent Ladies Submerge Rain Jacket.

Both are light-weight, packable, and designed to keep you dry in heavy downpours.

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Hiking Shorts

For multi-day hikes in the Drakensberg or anywhere else in South Africa, apair of hiking shortswill go a long way in keeping you cool in the summer months.

I’ve been using a pair fromBoody(it’s made from sustainable bamboo), but I have noticed it’s not the most durable material.

I’m looking at upgrading toFirst Ascent’s Ladies Corefit Short Tightswhich has a pocket for your phone!

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Hiking Pants

For colder temperatures of if you want to limit sun exposure on your legs, add a pair of long pants to your hiking packing list.

Hiking leggingsare a great choice, but if you’re going through more bushy areas, opt for more durablehiking pants.

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Thermals

I did Mnweni without a pair ofthermals, and I will never make that mistake again.

Thermalsare excellent base layers when you want extra warmth and double as pyjamas in the evening.

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Hat

Have you ever had sunburn on your head or ears? It’s the WORST! Protect yourself with asun haton your overnight hiking trip.

I often wear acap from Stoked(one of my favourite South African brands) but opt for a wider brim hat likeOlive Venture Wide Brim Hatif you want extra protection.

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Wool Hiking Socks

A thick pair ofhiking sockswill go a long way in preventing blisters.

For your hiking packing list, look forhiking socksthat are breathable, moisture-wicking and odour resistant.

I like to double up my socks as an extra precaution for blisters, and it works like a dream!

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Sandals

After a long day of hiking, apair of sandalswill feel like the ultimate luxury for your toes.

I bring apair of flip flops, but if you want to wear socks with your sandals in the evenings, opt for a pair like theK-Way K-Way Women’s Lily Sandal.

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Gloves

Glovesare essential for your trekking gear list if you’re going to colder climates or the temperature will drop quite a lot in the evenings.

Gloveswill keep your hands toasty in the evenings and make it easier to cook or take photos in the cold.

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Sunglasses

Another must-have for sun protection is apair of polarised sunglasses.

I love theGold Vintage Octo Lens With Metal Framefrom Escape Society. These sunglasses are super affordable and stylish.

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Neck Buff

Buffsare a handy piece of gear to own.

You can use them as a mask when shopping or use them to protect your neck and face from the sun, wind, and cold.

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Tent

For multi-day hikes, you want to pack alight-weight tentthat can handle outdoor elements like wind and rain.

My go-to tent is theHelio 2 Person 4 Season Hiking Tent. It’s small enough to fit into the bottom of your pack and weighs only 2.45 kg.

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Sleeping Bag

The rightsleeping bagis crucial to getting a good night’s rest on your overnight backpacking trip.

When I first started multi-day hiking, I used the same cheap sleeping bag I bought for OppiKoppi. BIG MISTAKE. I froze my butt off and didn’t sleep a wink.

For my next trip, I added theFirst Ascent Ice Breaker Down Sleeping Bagto my hiking packing list. It has a comfort rating of -3°C and an extreme rating of -18°C. The bag weighs 1.62kg and is made from responsibly sourced down filling.

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Sleeping Bag Liners

Sleeping bag linersaren’t necessary, but they go a long way if you’re someone like me who struggles with staying warm.

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Insulated Mattress

Without a doubt, one of the most underrated items on an overnight hiking checklist is aninsulated mattress.

After sleeping on a yoga mat inside a Drakensberg cave, I had the worst sleep in my life. I kept on getting cold, my entire side would go numb, and I could never get comfortable.

When I got back home, I invested inFirst Ascent Ultralight Insulated Mattress. It’s light-weight, takes up hardly any room, and insulates your body heat, so you don’t freeze to death at night.

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Pillow

For some reason, I never bought ahiking pillowuntil my overnight hike to Tugela Falls. In the past, I used a neck pillow or my backpack.

After taking the plunge and buying a self-inflating pillow, I’m never going back. TheFirst Ascent Deluxe Pillowis light-weight, compact, and comfy.

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Toilet Paper and Plastic Bags

When hiking and camping in the wilderness, one-ply toilet paper is the way to go. It’s the best for the environment as it breaks down quicker than two-ply.

You should always pack a plastic bag to practice leave-no-trace principles and keep the trail waste-free.

Baby Wipes

After one or three nights camping in the wilderness with no showers, you’re going to feel gross.

Packing baby wipes can help you feel a bit cleaner, especially if there aren’t any rivers to swim in. Just don’t bring scented baby wipes, or you might attract hordes of bugs.

Knife and Duct Tape

You never know when you might need a knife. From cutting rope, opening bags/cans, or cutting something up for dinner.

Duct tape is one of the most useful items you can pack. Your tent pole could snap, and you need a quick fix, or your sleeping pad gets a hole.

Jet Boil and Fuel

AJet Boilis an investment, but it will change your life. It’s a nifty device that boils water in less than five minutes!

Plus, most Jet Boil’s come with a 2-in-1 pot and bowl, helping you save space in your pack. Just don’t forget the fuel!

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Lighter

Always pack a lighter. Even if you think you won’t need it, chances are something will happen, and you will.

Plus, it’s always a good time to have a spliff on a mountain at sunset.

Food

I tend to DIY some trail mix on multi-day hiking trips, throw in a few energy bars, and dried food.

At Outdoor Warehouse, you can buydehydrated food packs, which are super light-weight but a bit pricey. Don’t forget to bring along some instant coffee or a coffee press if you don’t mind the extra weight.

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Spork

Asporkis an excellent backpacking utensil. It doubles as a spoon and a fork, meaning that’s one less thing for you to pack.

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Mug

Pack amugfor your coffee or tea. You can clip your mug to the outside of your bag if you’re running out of space.

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Water Bottle

Bring along a small water bottle to use at the campsite at night.

It’s super useful for when you’re cooking with your Jet Boil or when you need to clean your pots and utensils.

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Dishwashing Liquid + Cloth

I usually decant a small amount of dishwashing liquid into a travel-sized bottle and pack a small cloth.

It makes the clean-up process in the evening and morning that much easier!

Portable Charger

Tip #1 for making your battery last longer, put it on Airplane Mode.

Tip #2, always add a fully chargedportable chargerto your hiking packing list.

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Camera/Phone

For the casual photographer, your smartphone camera is perfect for multi-day hikes.

However, if you’re someone who wants to shoot landscape or get fancy with astrophotography, you’ll need to pack a camera.

I currently shoot with a Canon 80D and the 18-35mm 1.8 fs Sigma Art lens, but mirrorless cameras from Canon, Sony, and Fuji are a better light-weight option.

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Tripod

You only need to pack a tripod if there are specific shots you need, and stability is a must!

I use the Manfrotto Traveller range.

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