Best Hiking Gear for Beginners: Buying Guides

These are our buying guides for a new hiker’s first season. Each one names a short list of real products, links the maker’s spec page, and says who each pick suits.

Starter gear

• Hiking boots and shoes for beginners , then hiking socks to go with them.
• Daypacks for day hikes and hydration bladders .
• Rain jackets , headlamps and trekking poles .
• Water filters and bug spray .
• Satellite messengers for trails without cell service.
• Gifts for new hikers , sorted by budget.

First-aid kits

Start with day-hike first-aid kits . For a first overnight, see backpacking first-aid kits ; for a family, sizing a kit for kids and adults . Already own a pouch? Use the refill guide and add a tick-removal tool instead of buying a second kit.