Hiking Gear Checklist: Essential Items for Women – Part 1
Women’s Hiking Gear Checklist
Spring is in the air and there are trails somewhere out there near you beckoning you to enjoy a renewing hike in nature’s blooming paradise. Before you embark from the trailhead, review this essential hiking gear checklist of items for women to bring along with them into the patch of forest, desert, or wilderness that will stir your soul and test your mettle to make all that time in the gym seem worthwhile.
Seeing as you’re reading this in cyber space it may not be spring at all anymore but this list will cover fall and summer as well; hiking then is just as glorious and beneficial. Start with your wicking layer of any of the clothing directly touching you to keep the perspiration moving away from your body with patented quick drying material (cotton is no good.) They make some great socks now which don’t bunch up so you’re more likely to avoid blistering and feet trouble which is a major key to enjoying your day of hiking.
So let’s discuss hiking boots now because good boots are of paramount importance in keeping your feet comfortable, free of blisters, and greatly reducing the chances of rolling an ankle on any uneven, rocky terrain you might encounter on the path. Don’t learn the hard way (like me) that boots a half a size up are better for avoiding blisters, especially on mountainous terrain. That is generally agreed upon rule in the hiking community. Feet will expand, especially in warmer weather.
When you’re buying boots take your time, try to find out as much as you can (there are many helpful reviews on the internet and this site itself will provide you with solid, dependable reviews as it grows.) Even if you want to buy boots online, try to get to a sporting goods store to try them on and use the ramps they have to test your toes and heels out on inclines and declines. Make sure your hiking boots are broken in by spending some quality time with them on before you hike.
The more accomplished hikers who are well conditioned can even use trail running shoes. But bear in mind that Native Americans mastered the backcountry for many moons without any fancy hiking boots, so you can pick up a cheap pair and do just fine if you prefer.
You’ll want some light-weight protection from the rain and wind for sure. Additional layers depending on how far you’re going and what you know about the place from weather reports and a little web research.
Choose some quality clothing and wear it well so that you can use all of your attention to commune with the splendor of mother-nature and getting that endorphin buzz which walking produces. These salient tips I picked up by having the good fortune to share many trails with a couple of top-notch hiking women over the years. So many pleasant hiking memories grace the groves of my mind where the sun is always setting in distant fiery skies. But we’re not finished yet: part 2 will hook you up with the other items and gear you’ll need.
Good reference for shopping for hiking gear:
