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1. A lightweight water-resistant backpack perfect for shorter hikes where you don't need to carry a ton of stuff. It holds about 20 liters *and* packs into itself for easy storage after your hike!
Made of water- and tear-resistant nylon material, and reinforced in more than 31 places.
Promising review: "I took this on a hike today and it worked out great. Fit a water bottle on each side, carried a hiking book, reading glasses, cell phone, husband's extra shirt, my wallet, and keys. It was still comfortable and not heavy, and I am a petite person. The straps are comfortable and not too far apart. I was worried about that because of my size. I appreciate that there are tabs by the zippers so that you can pull the zippers while holding the bag taut." —neanderthalgirl
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors).
2. A first aid kit because every beginner hiker (and experienced!) should have one of these readily available in their backpacks! Hopefully you never need to use it, but knowing it is there helps!
This set includes: a first aid guide, bandages for all sizes, a CPR mask, an. emergency blanket, tape, pads, a scissor, safety pins, a tourniquet, q-tips, sanitizer wipes, and eye wash.
Promising review: "This is a very compact, handy first aid kit. We take it with us when we go hiking, camping, etc. It really does have everything that you would need in case of an emergency, and I appreciate how small it is. Very pleased with my purchase!" —Kimberly Box Keesee
Get the 100-piece set from Amazon for $14.95 (available in larger sets).
3. A handy hydration pack that'll provide up to 2 liters of water, so you won't have to worry about not having enough water for your hike *and* you don't have to carry it with your hands! One common mistake with beginner hikers is forgetting to hydrate! This has a super durable, leakproof water bladder on the inside attached to a clever nozzle you can drink from without having to stop and take a sip. Plus there are pockets to stash keys and snackies.
When you go to drink water, all you have to do is bite down on the nozzle which will reveal a hole for the water to go through. Then suck like you would through a straw! Biting also helps control the water flow so you're not suddenly chugging copious amounts of water as you ascend a mountain.
Promising reviews: "I was looking for a water backpack for a hike I was gonna do in Seattle. I got the 2L version and didn’t even end up drinking it all. It wasn’t as heavy as I though it would be which was great but I highly recommend this product, especially for the price!" —sedavis1994
"We bought one of these for everyone in the family because it is way more convenient than having to carry a water bottle while hiking. But what I actually love most is wearing while bike riding. My daughter’s water bottle kept falling out of the holder on the bike and it really became a hazard. These bags are also great because we can put small snacks in the pocket to munch along the way. As a parent, I love not having to hold my kid’s water bottles and they don’t mind wearing these small backpacks. These are a major WIN!" —Melissa Slims
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in five colors).
4. A hands-free portable neck fan to keep yourself cool during those *extra* hot and humid hikes. It has three levels of air flow and will work for 2.5–6 hours depending on the mode you chose — making it perfect for all kinds of hikes!
It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. It also charges via USB. Reviewers note that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it gets caught).
Promising review: "My husband and I do quite a bit of hiking during the summer and we often become overheated. I tripped across this neck fan and decided to take a chance based on the amazing reviews. I ordered one for each of us and we were not disappointed. 😀 This neck fan packs a powerful punch and the battery life is great. Having a cool breeze on your face is delightful on those warmer summer days. The lights also came in handy during a late night walk. We love these fans!!" —TK
Get it from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in five colors).
5. Or a set of cooling towels that get chilly the second you soak them in water and wring them out. This works great during hot hikes where you just need a quick way to cool down, especially when you still have 1,200 feet of elevation to go. 👀
It also keeps its chill for hours and will immediately get chilly again when you soak it in water and repeat the process.
Promising reviews: "Wow! What a lifesaver during a hot hike. Wet it, wring out a bit and place on your neck. Instant cool - lifesaver on those steamy days and you still want to get outside. This makes it bearable. Love it!" —Christina C.
"These are wonderful and work! Purchased to use for Disney trip and they were perfect. They have no chemical smell. You just add water and ring them out. Each comes with its own case and clip. Stayed cool for hours. Great for heat and nausea. Just wrapped around neck and instant relief!" —Christina Hatfield
Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 10 color sets).
6. A mosquito head net because one of the things that can make hiking seem intimidating when you first start is pesky bugs that fly around your face and ears. This bad boy has 620 holes per square inch, meaning not even a teeny mosquito can sneak through and pester you.
Y'all. When I tell you that you NEED this net... you need it. I have sensory issues with sound, and one of my biggest issues is bugs. I absolutely love hiking, but I used to find it really daunting because I didn't want to deal with all the bugs flying around my face and trying to get into my ears (how do they always find the tiniest holes to pester you?!). This net has completely changed the game for me! I can hike comfortably and not have to worry about being "attacked" by a horse fly or having gnats linger around my eyelashes the entire time. It's definitely better to wear it over a hat, but I wore it over just my head and it was fine! You can also see through it well! I will never go on a hike without this!
Promising review: "I finally broke down and bought one of these when hiking was starting to become less fun because I was constantly swatting at flying insects. I wore it directly on my head because I don’t usually wear a hat hiking. It took a little getting used to but was so much less annoying than the bugs. I could see through it without a problem and the black netting also acted like sunglasses to some degree. It did occasionally brush against my face and eyes, but I think wearing a visor or brimmed hat would solve that problem. It was slightly warmer than not having anything on my head, but again, to not have to constantly seat bugs, it was so worth it! Not attractive, but totally don’t care if I can once again enjoy hiking." —Breah Dean
Get it from Amazon for $8.83 (also available in a two-pack).
7. A waterproof pouch that'll keep your phone safe in the off chance you accidentally fall into the river you're trying to cross or get hit with a torrential downpour during your hike — you can never be too safe when you're a beginner hiker! Not only does this keep it dry, but you can still use the touchscreen with it!
I finally bought this case for my upcoming honeymoon to Jamaica, but I have already started to use it on many adventures! I wore it while kayaking and it was the first time I wasn't uneasy about possibly falling out of the kayak and ruining my phone. I also used it during a river tubing trip and was able to get so many cute photos through the pouch! The touch screen works surprisingly well too! My only complaint (which is definitely not a big deal) is that when it's super sunny out, the sunlight naturally reflects off the plastic, making it hard to see your phone screen. It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt!
Promising review: "I bought two cases, one for my Galaxy S7 Edge and one for my girlfriend's Moto Z, for our trip to Kauai last week. I was a little skeptical when I received it.... it was so inexpensive, and so simple, that I wasn't sure it was going to work well. My first test was to put a piece of paper into the case and submerge it... and to my surprise, it stayed totally dry! Fast forward to Kauai, and we put these cases through the test! From kayaking, to hiking, to playing in the waves at the beach, this case was phenomenal! I could not believe I was swimming in rivers, jumping off of waterfalls, and body surfing, with an $800 phone around my neck! Picture quality was absolutely perfect! Sound quality on recordings was very good, but not perfect. And most importantly, my phone was safe the entire time. I was even able to take phone calls from the ocean, although sound quality during a call did suffer. We also used the cases while hiking through muddy a muddy rain forest, and on an extremely dusty ATV tour. Every time, the phones came out perfectly dry and clean, and we got amazing photo's and video." —Amazon customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 14 colors).
8. An appropriately named "Butt Be Dry," which is a waterproof, mud-proof tarp you wear just above your tush. When you unfurl it, you can sit virtually *anywhere* during your hike and not have to worry about getting your bum dirty or wet.
Butt Be Dry is a New York-based small business established in 2012 that specializes in roll-up belts made with lightweight waterproof material.
Psst — this is also great for diaper changes in a pinch!
Promising review: "This is awesome! It is wonderfully made and serves a great purpose. It arrived promptly on Monday and Tuesday I used it on a hike up Tiger Mountain in Washington State. We got to the top and there was snow on the benches; I was able to easily sit down and enjoy my lunch with my hiking buddy. Cool product - thanks!" —Lee
Get it from Butt Be Dry on Etsy for $19.99 or on Butt Be Dry's site for $19.99 (available in nine colors).
9. Colombia hiking boots that are waterproof, lightweight, *and* have advanced traction rubber soles to handle any kind of terrain you put in their path, making hiking seem ~way~ less daunting and perfect for beginner hikers!
Before I got these shoes, I used to have a pair of Merrell's that I found were just way too awkward and clunky for me to walk in. I finally bit the bullet and bought these Columbia boots, and it was the best decision I have made! They're incredibly comfortable and provide so much support around my ankles. I love that they're waterproof, so I don't have to tread lightly through mud or water — I just stomp right through! I've worn them in short four-mile hikes and long 14-mile hikes, and they've been equally comfortable in both!
Promising review: "I needed a waterproof boot that would also be good for lots of walking. I did a lot of walking in Ireland and Scotland, mostly in rainy weather, and these boots were true to their description. My feet were dry and comfortable." —Louise M.
Get it from Amazon for $66.91+ (available in sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and eight colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Try Before You Buy, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
10. A bug bite suction tool to remove the insect saliva, venom, and other irritants that cause itchiness, inflammation, and swelling after a bug bite during your hike. To use, just place the tool right on top of the bite and pull the handles up until it creates a strong suction on your skin. Repeat if needed!
11. A set of hiking poles because you won't realize how much easier hikes can be until you get a pair of these bad boys. They're designed to help get you through rough terrain and work as an aid when climbing uphill. They're lightweight *and* adjustable to fit any height!
Before I got these, I used to *hate* hiking uphill. These poles work almost like a crutch as you start descending, relieving some of the extra effort on your legs. It also works really well when going downhill, acting as a sort of kickstand to keep you from falling. I love that's it's adjustable! I'm 5'2 and my husband is 6'0, and we both have the same pair we can adjust for our own heights! It comes with different attachments for the tip depending on the type of hike you're going on.
Promising review: "Saved the day for my 87-year-young Mom (in need of a knee replacement) to trek up and down a steep and rocky trail in Colorado. She forgot her walking cane so I convinced her to try the Trailbuddy poles I purchased just before leaving on our trip. I was able to adjust the height and tension very quickly and she caught on fast. They were a big help keeping her safe, especially going down, where she learned to put her weight on the poles more to keep the impact on her ankles and knees to a minimum on each awkward and dangerous step. She would have fallen without them. Outstanding!" —Paul in KC
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in eight colors).
12. A paracord bracelet to give you some peace of mind on your first hike knowing you have a fire starter, reliable compass, loud emergency whistle, emergency knife, AND 12 feet of military-grade paracord all in ONE accessory.
Promising review: "What’s not to like? Wear it as a cool bracelet everyday and have an emergency backup. Includes a compass if you hiked off the trail & need to find your way back. If you get separated from friends and family, there is a whistle to alert. Need a fire? You have a fire starter right on your wrist. Need rope for a quick fix to get you home? The paracord will do the trick. I got it for camping and side trips so I’m prepared!" —dteddy
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $10.99.
13. A pack of moisture-wicking hiking socks with added cushion, so each step you take during your very first hike will feel like you're walking on cozy clouds. Plus, they're so fun to look at — sore, blistery feet be gone!
Promising review: "Bought these socks with some trepidation due to the pricing...but, as the saying go, you get what you pay for. STOP BUYING CHEAP SOCKS. GET THESE!!! Hiked through rainforests, cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, manicured boardwalks, and even came home and worked in them (I cook for a living), and these are the best socks ever! The fit is perfect, the material is supportive, comfortable, and warm enough. I have inserts in my hiking shoes that make my feet slip slightly when using nylon socks. I had no slippage with these on. Seriously, one of the best. I do wish they came in more than three colors BUT I am just being picky. Will definitely buy again." —Timothy R Mercado
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and multiple set options).
14. A water filtration straw to lighten your pack and allow you to constantly have clear, filtered water wherever there is water available. It works great in emergency situations or if you have just always wanted to drink river water. 💦
This filters up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals and doesn't require batteries or any other moving parts! It removes a minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; plus, it surpasses EPA filter standards.
Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.
Promising review: "I frequently hike and camp in the backcountry all over the United States. Carrying the amount of water that I need to survive during these trips is just not feasible due to the weight. I recently took a LifeStraw out for a test on a backcountry hike in the Rocky Mountains. Every stream, lake, or other water source that I came across, I stopped for a drink. I was drinking fresh snow melt and also from lakes that are home to beavers and other wildlife. There was no added taste to the water and I didn't get sick during or after the trip. The one drawback to the LifeStraw is that it does take a bit of suction to start and keep the water flowing. When you're at high altitudes in the mountains this leads to longer 'drink breaks' because you can get winded pretty easy while trying to suck up water through the LifeStraw. However, its size and weight advantages when hiking mountainous terrain vastly outweigh this minor drawback." —Charlie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in multiple packs and four colors).
15. A set of body cleansing wipes that'll instantly remove sweat, dirt, and all the stench that comes from hiking in the heat. If being stinky was one of the reasons you've put off trying to hike, you don't have to anymore!
Promising reviews: "Wow, these things work REALLY well. We don't have a shower at work and I wanted to start riding my bike to work... 12 miles each way. After a test run with these on a hot day after a ride (sweaty and stinky), they worked like a charm. I did my first ride to work last week and arrived quite sweaty. I only had to use one wipe (cleaning strategically) and air-dried for 15–30 seconds. No residue and I felt (and more importantly... smelled) as clean as if I just took a shower. As the day pressed on, I continued to feel clean... even more so than after showering. These things are fantastic." —green freak
"These wipes are life savers! Take them on every hike you go on, you never know when you’ll need them! They even work for after workouts for a quick clean up until you get back home and shower. They were especially handy on Kilimanjaro as showers weren’t possibles. Kept me and my group clean and fresh for 8 days! Ever since, I always have them around for whenever needed!!!" —Roda
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a 30-pack).
16. A DEET-free plant-based bug repellent to repel mosquitos for up to six hours *without* the strong scent you get from other popular repellents. This one has a delightful lemon eucalyptus smell.
Promising review: "This stuff works fantastic. It lasts for hours and no chemical smell. It has a definite lemon smell but not like a furniture polish lemon smell. I had no bites and I was out for about three hours. Bugs didn't bug me at all and it has no DEET. You would need to reapply if you're getting in and out of the water so just keep that in mind. Mosquitoes LOVE me so if it works on me, then it should work on anyone." —Gina Central
Get it from Amazon for $4.97.
17. A portable camping stove for when you finally get the courage to go on your first hiking trip and need to whip up some tasty meals. It'll literally fit in the palm of your hands, so you don't have to fret about having to bring a huge stove with you! Plus, it's easy to set-up, making it great for beginners!
Promising review: "It fits in your hand *and* comes with a spoon and fork, which is a bonus. It's easy to put on and take off of the fuel canister. It ignites on the first try, the fuel adjustment works perfectly and it's windproof! I highly recommend this!" —Becky Hines
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
18. A rechargeable lantern that doubles as a powerful flashlight that you'll be sure to bring on your first hiking excursion, just in case it goes a little *too* long into the night. Being prepared can make hiking seem way less stressful.
This rechargeable and waterproof lantern is equipped with six light modes, a power bank, a red light setting, and a two-way hook to attach it to whatever your gift-ee would like.
Promising review: "Great for camping and around the house. Lasted for an evening and night of camping, plus even had enough battery to keep a phone charged for several extra hours. Spotlight is bright and the red light helps not ruin night sight. Charges pretty quickly." –Christopher and Maggie
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
19. A portable and waterproof Bluetooth speaker because no outdoor adventure is complete without a killer hiking playlist. It'll last for hours and the music will pump you up whenever you feel like you want to give up.
You can enjoy up to six hours of music per charge at full volume! It also comes with a tear-resistant strap!
Promising reviews: "I bought it to have some low music while playing golf with my buddies, and it is capable of way more than that. First of all, the battery life on one charge at half volume gets me through three to four rounds of golf (approximately 12 hours). The sound quality, as always, is spectacular (for the size and cost), and this thing can dish it out if it gets to that. I have never had to raise the volume past 3/4. It is super small and super portable. I use it to walk a round of golf and it has been rained on a few times with no issues. Now I use it on my patio for get-togethers, picnics, outdoor activities, you name it. I've had it for seven months now." –GustavoLangoni
"Bose always has the best sound quality! I have many of their products and won't buy anything but Bose! If you enjoy your music as much as I go Bose! This little speaker is great. I bought it for hiking and camping/travel. Has great sound and bass!" —OutlawKing
Get it from Amazon for $99+ (available in four colors).
20. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm you can apply between your thighs, arms, and basically anywhere you get painful friction during your first hike. Nothing like chafing to make you *not* want to go for a hike again!
Promising reviews: "As a runner with sensitive skin, I can't live without body glide. I almost never leave the house without putting it on somewhere. It is especially great for the summer when wearing dresses." —Vanessa P Shkuda
"I do some long distant hikes. And this stuff helps with or eliminates chaffing. If you know, you know. Nuff said." —J. Fox
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes and multiple packs).
21. A military-grade compass to easily fit on your belt loop so you can always find your way, even if you get a little bit lost. There's a motivational quote here somewhere, I just know it.
It's waterproof, shake-proof, glows in the dark, and has a lens on the rear sight that magnifies the card dial for accurate readings.
Promising review: "All compasses I've ever bought have been a lie. Sure, they all point north and that's a compass's basic function. But this is no ordinary compass. This compass is the pig among guinea pigs. Yes, it points north. Huzzah! But in addition to that, it can take a beating. Water, dirt, mud, xenomorph acid blood, you name it. This compass can take it. The laser sighting is nice when you're trying to get a bearing of altitude, landmarks, etc." —Frequency Jones
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two colors).
22. A good pair of waterproof binoculars so you can spot wildlife or even take in the view from the top of a summit better. I love bringing my binoculars with me on my hikes — it makes it more fun and I get excited at the thought of the things I may see during my adventure.
This pair has 12X magnification, and a 273 ft. field of view at 1000 yards. It's dust-proof, shockproof, rubber coated, and suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
Promising review: "My father owns an $800 pair of Leica binoculars. These are 90% as good. The clarity at 12x is astonishing, I can count blades of grass at 200 yards. I am completely blown away by the fact that you can get a sturdy, near-perfect pair of binoculars for under $50 these days. Simply amazing. There is no chance that these will disappoint." —W. Hoover
Get them from Amazon for $28.79.
23. A 9-in-1 photo lens kit to help capture all of the beautiful things you're going to see on your next hike. Who knows? Maybe birding will be your new favorite thing to do alongside your newfound love for hiking.
Includes a carrying case and nine lenses that will fit a wide variety of phones, as they easily clamp onto the surface of the phone.
Promising review: "This is a very valuable asset to my hiking, wildflower, birding adventures; more lenses than you might have for your camera. Good material; good workmanship." —Paul R. Fontenot
"My husband loves taking close up pictures of insects and also landscapes. He has enjoyed using these so far. We wish there was more detailed instructions provided but the overall package of this product has been wonderful! Lens seem very well made. The included remote was a bit tricky to set up but once he got it hooked to his phone it has been very useful!" –Maggie Wallace
Get them from Amazon for $25.99.
24. And finally, a bundle of hand warmers because if you've decided to start hiking in the middle of winter, you'll want to keep your hands toasty warm with these, making hikes in the snow more bearable!
Note: it does take about 15–30 minutes for them to warm up after opening. If the heat starts to decrease, you can expose it to air and shake to reheat it!
Promising review: "Great value for the money!! I like the 10-hour hand warmers over the 7- or 8-hour ones. They seem to perform better and cost the same (or less in this case). I use them while skiing in the frigid temps of Minnesota. I have mittens with an outer shell and an inner liner. I put these warmers just over the top side of my fingers in between the inner liner and outer shell of my mittens. Sometimes that's the only way I can ski without my fingers getting numb from cold. These things have helped me stay out longer. You can use them to warm your face every now and then, too. Note that you need to allow these things to 'breathe' — the components inside need oxygen to react. So you can't tuck them away in too tight of a spot for too long — outer pockets work great. Also I typically open the package about a half hour before I really need them, shake them up real good to get things mixed up and reacting and then let them breathe openly as they heat up." —J R
Get 10 pairs from Amazon for $8.09.
You, ready for your very first hike:
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