Hiking Equipment: Your Complete Guide to Properly Equip Yourself
Hiking Equipment: Your Complete Guide to Properly Equipping Yourself
October 23, 2025 (10-minute read)
You are preparing your next outing in the mountains but you do not know what to take in your backpack? Technical shoes, breathable clothing, safety equipment… Discover our complete guide to choosing hiking equipment suitable for your outings, summer as well as winter, with technical clothing from Picture Organic Clothing.
Table of Contents
How to choose your hiking equipment?
Essential criteria: weight, resistance, and versatility
Three fundamental criteria guide the choice of your hiking gear: the weight you carry, resistance to rough terrain, and versatility for different conditions.
Weight remains the decisive factor for your comfort. Good hiking equipment favors lightweight technical materials without compromising durability. Every gram counts on long distances.
Resistance determines the longevity of your investment. Your hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, or hiking poles must withstand friction, humidity, and temperature variations.
Versatility avoids multiplying equipment. A water bladder can serve as a cushion, hiking sandals become bivouac shoes. This approach optimizes your backpack volume while reducing costs.
Budget and investment in durable equipment
Starting hiking does not require an astronomical budget. You can equip yourself gradually, prioritizing essential pieces that really make a difference in the field.
Invest first in good hiking shoes and a quality waterproof jacket: these two elements determine your comfort and safety. Picture offers durable technical models that will accompany you on many outings.
To start, a versatile 30–40 liter backpack, breathable clothing, and a few basic accessories (headlamp, first aid kit) are more than enough. Specialized camping equipment will come later, depending on your adventure desires.
The smart approach? Choose equipment that serves multiple uses: sandals that act as bivouac shoes, a survival blanket that also protects against wind.
Adapting your equipment according to the season
Weather conditions radically change your needs in the field. In summer, favor light and breathable clothing: technical t-shirts, shorts or convertible pants, cap, and sunglasses with protection 3–4. Don’t forget SPF 50 sunscreen for exposed areas.
Winter requires a different approach with the 3-layer system: merino wool underwear, insulating mid-layer, windproof waterproof jacket. Picture develops technical membranes that breathe even in cold weather.
Consider snowshoes if hiking on snowy terrain, and rain covers to protect your backpack during showers. An experienced hiker always adapts their hiker profile to seasonal requirements for successful hiking.
Technical clothing: the basis of your comfort
3-layer system for all conditions
This layering method allows you to adjust your body temperature according to your walking intensity and weather changes. Each layer fulfills a precise function: moisture wicking, thermal insulation, protection against elements.
The first layer wicks sweat away from your skin. Choose synthetic or merino wool materials that dry quickly and naturally regulate temperature. Picture develops technical underwear that remains comfortable even during intense effort.
The mid-layer retains heat while allowing breathability. Lightweight fleece for dynamic outings, compressible down jacket for breaks or comfortable nights in refuges. This layer adapts according to your activity level.
The outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. A breathable, waterproof technical jacket makes all the difference when conditions suddenly worsen in the mountains.
Hiking shoes: high or low?
The classic hiker dilemma: protect your ankles or favor freedom of movement? The answer depends on your terrain and experience.
High shoes excel on rough terrain, scree, or with a heavy backpack. They support the ankle, limit sprains, and protect against water infiltration during stream crossings. Picture designs robust models that combine protection and breathability.
Low shoes appeal by their lightness and natural foot roll. Perfect for well-marked trails, they reduce muscle fatigue and dry faster. Ideal if you have good balance and hike with light loads.
Essential accessories: hats and gloves
Your extremities lose body heat first: protecting your head and hands becomes vital as soon as temperatures drop or wind rises.
Hats and neck gaiters efficiently regulate your temperature without adding significant weight to the backpack. Breathable materials like merino wool or synthetic fibers wick moisture while keeping insulating properties even when wet. Picture integrates natural antibacterial treatments in their models for multi-day hikes.
Technical gloves preserve your dexterity for handling poles, zippers, or safety equipment. Favor models with reinforcements on grip areas and touchscreen compatibility. For winter or high-altitude hikes, thin liner gloves complement thicker gloves according to conditions.
Backpacks and carrying equipment
Choosing capacity according to your outing
20 liters maximum is more than enough for a day hike: water, snacks, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, and maps. This volume also easily fits a compact gas stove if you plan a hot break.
Between 30 and 45 liters suits weekends with a night in a refuge or family outings where you carry children’s gear. The extra space holds spare clothing, light sleeping bags, and extended provisions.
50 liters and more become necessary for fully autonomous treks. You can fit tent, mattress, cooking equipment, and food supplies for several days. Be careful with expandable models (60+10L): external extension unbalances the carry if overloaded.
Weight distribution and carrying comfort
A poorly distributed load turns your outing into a nightmare. The fundamental principle: place heavy equipment close to your back, at hip height, so your hips support most of the weight rather than your shoulders.
Organize your backpack in three distinct zones. At the bottom, place sleeping bag and light clothing. In the center, against your back, position stove, provisions, and dense equipment. On the sides and top, store waterproof jackets and frequently accessed equipment.
Lateral balance is as important as vertical distribution: distribute weight evenly on each side to avoid back strain. Picture develops technical backpacks with padded belts and adjustable shoulder straps that naturally optimize this distribution for all body types.
Safety and mountain navigation equipment
Losing the trail or facing an accident can turn a beautiful day into a critical situation. Your first aid kit must contain bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, and survival blanket: these basic elements allow managing common injuries and maintaining body temperature if immobilized.
Headlamp and spare batteries are essential even for planned daytime outings: unexpected events sometimes lengthen routes. For navigation, combine 1:25,000 IGN map and classic compass with your smartphone equipped with a hiking GPS app. This redundancy protects against battery failures and areas without network.
Distress whistle, multitool, and light cord smartly complete your equipment without significantly weighing down your load.
Ultra-light equipment: optimizing your backpack
The ultra-light approach revolutionizes your hiking experience: every gram saved translates into more kilometers covered and less muscle fatigue. Hiking light starts by rethinking priorities: favor multi-purpose equipment that combines several uses.
Your backpack should never exceed 25 liters for ultra-light hiking for men and women. Picture develops ultra-resistant recycled fabric models weighing less than 800 grams while maintaining excellent durability.
For nutrition, replace classic provisions with concentrated energy gels and dehydrated meals: you divide the carried weight by three. For treks like the Tour du Mont Blanc, this optimization maintains a sustained pace for several days without compromising safety or comfort.
Beginner vs expert hiker equipment list
To start, focus on the fundamentals: hiking shoes adapted to your terrain, 20–30L backpack, breathable and windproof waterproof clothing. Picture offers entry-level ranges with recycled technical fabrics, perfect for testing your appetite without major investment.
Experienced hiker? Your equipment refines towards specialization: lightweight shoes for technical terrain, ultra-light gear to optimize carrying, multi-purpose equipment. Picture technical clothing integrates advanced membranes and durable treatments that withstand intensive use.
The main difference? Beginners favor versatility and robustness, experts seek performance specific to their type of hiking. Your first investments: quality shoes and backpack, the rest evolves naturally with your practice.
What equipment is essential for hiking?
Beyond specific equipment, some elements form the foundation of any successful outing, regardless of its duration. Water remains your absolute priority: count at least 1.5 liters per person for a day, more if hiking at altitude or in hot weather.
Your first aid kit should not be neglected: bandages, disinfectant, and painkillers cover 90% of injuries. Picture integrates dedicated pockets in its technical backpacks to keep these items within reach.
Map and compass complement your smartphone: batteries drain, network disappears, but your orientation remains ensured. A lightweight headlamp saves you if your outing lasts longer than planned.
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