I’ve Been Thru-Hiking for Over 10 Years — 15 Hiking Gears Worth Bringing

I have spent more than ten years thru-hiking across Canada. From long-distance backpacking routes in the Rockies to remote trails in the north, I have carried hiking gear through snow, rain, and long stretches of dry and uneven ground.

These conditions tested not only my physical endurance but also the reliability of every item I ever packed. The purpose of this article is to share the hiking gear lessons I have learnt over the years, which will help you plan your journeys better.

As I share all the important hiking gear items, it’s important to note here that none of these recommendations are influenced by sponsorships or promotional arrangements.

So let’s see what lessons I have learnt about hiking gear over the decade and what you need to know before stepping out for the hiking journey in Canada.

The Focus of This Hiking Gear Recommendation List

This list is specifically made for thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking, not for casual day hikes. There is a big difference between carrying a small water bottle for a few hours and living out of your backpack for several days or weeks. When you are out on the trail for extended periods, every item you carry has to serve a real purpose. There is no room for carrying any extra item in thru-hiking, and that is what makes this type of hiking different from other forms of adventure.

The first thing is finding the right balance between weight and durability. Lightweight hiking gear is easier to carry over long distances, but it should still hold up to repeated use across different conditions. There is no benefit in saving weight if the item fails halfway through the trip. At the same time, overly heavy equipment can slow you down or make the hike unnecessarily difficult.

The multifunctionality of the hiking gear also matters a lot. With limited space, it makes sense to bring gear that can perform well in different situations. Another lesson that I have learnt over the years is that safety and emergency preparedness are non-negotiable. I always make sure to carry equipment that can serve me well during potential emergencies. Similarly, any gadget you choose should be able to work well in different weather and terrain conditions.

The 15 Must-Have Hiking Gears I Believe Are Essential

Here are the fifteen must-have hiking gear essentials that I recommend carrying for thru-hiking. In my checklist, all these hiking essentials have earned their place by proving their value in real-world and tough conditions.

1.                  High-Top Anti-Slip Hiking Shoes

Your footwear is one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment you will be carrying on the trip. High-top shoes provide better ankle support, especially when you are walking on uneven ground for long hours. I have used them in wet, slippery areas, and they have helped reduce the risk of slipping or twisting an ankle. They also offer more protection against debris, water, and sharp edges compared to low-cut shoes.

2.                  Lightweight and Durable Large-Capacity Backpack

A reliable backpack is what holds everything together. For long-distance hiking, backpacks need to be both lightweight and strong enough to handle regular use without breaking down. While choosing the backpack, I have always preferred options that sit comfortably on my back, distribute weight evenly, and have a decent internal frame for support. The storage should be practical, with accessible side pockets and compartments to keep your gear organized.

3.                  Layered Clothing

Layering helps you stay prepared for changing temperatures. I always carry a quick-dry base layer to manage moisture, an insulating mid-layer to retain warmth, and a windproof or waterproof outer layer for protection against harsh weather. In colder regions or seasons, I also add thermal leggings, insulated gloves, and a beanie. One thing I have learnt is that it is always easier to take off a layer than to wish you had packed an extra one.

4.                  Sleeping Equipment

At a minimum, you will need a tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. The tent protects you against wind, rain, and insects. The sleeping bag provides warmth based on its temperature rating, while the pad gives you insulation from the cold ground and adds basic comfort. I also carry a sleeping bag liner, especially when I have to travel during shoulder seasons, for extra warmth and to keep the bag cleaner over time.

5.                  Multi-Functional Trekking Poles

These items have helped me stay balanced during steep descents, creek crossings, and long uphill stretches. Trekking poles reduce the impact on your knees and help with rhythm during long walks. I also use mine to set up a temporary shelter or clear away brush when needed. Go for the adjustable poles that are more versatile and can be packed down easily.

6.                  Essential Navigation Tools

Even on familiar trails, I never leave without a paper map and a waterproof compass. Digital tools like GPS devices and smartphones with offline maps are helpful, but they depend on battery life, which can run out faster than expected in cold or wet conditions. That is why I always carry an external power bank to keep devices running longer.

7.                  Portable Power Supply

Keeping your devices charged on the trail plays a direct role in your safety. You will need to check your location, monitor changing weather, or send your coordinates in case something goes wrong. These power stations portable will also come in handy for other power needs that may emerge from time to time during the thru-hiking adventure. On longer trails where charging points are simply not available, carrying a solar generator is the only practical option.

One such solar generator that has helped me massively during my thru-hiking trips is the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus.

Over the years, I have tested several portable power solutions, but this solution has emerged victorious for multiple reasons. Jackery has earned its reputation by solving the electricity problems of outdoor enthusiasts in an efficient and reliable manner. And this is evident from their Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus as well.

First of all, the size and weight of this power station make it ideal for outdoor use. The entire unit weighs just 11 pounds, which means it is light enough to carry without adding too much bulk.

The power capacity is also quite reasonable for most thru-hiking needs. With a 288Wh battery and a 300W output, it’s more than capable of keeping essential devices like phones, headlamps, GPS units, and cameras running. What makes it even more efficient is the built-in fast-charging support via USB-C, which lets you charge devices quickly without waiting around for hours.

Another thing I appreciate about this power station is its versatility in recharging. It supports wall charging, car charging, solar input, and USB-C charging, which means you can adapt based on your environment. The 40W book-sized foldable solar panel that comes with this generator is compact enough to slide into a backpack and works well under decent sunlight. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus uses a LiFePO4 battery, known for its stability and long life. It is also built with multiple layers of protection, including overheat prevention, surge resistance, and secure voltage regulation.

One feature I didn’t expect to use as much as I do is the mobile app support. Through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can monitor the charging status and battery usage in real-time. This saves energy and gives you better control over how you are using your portable power.

8.                  First Aid Kit

Over the last decade, I have learnt that carrying a proper first aid kit is non-negotiable. In these kits, I usually include adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tape, tweezers, and pain relievers. I also carry a small blister kit and basic medications for stomach or allergy issues, and will recommend you the same.

9.                  Food and Portable Cooking Utensils

In order to take care of my dietary needs outdoors, I carry lightweight, calorie-dense meals that don’t take long to prepare. Dehydrated meals, oatmeal packets, trail mix, and energy bars are usually part of my setup. For cooking, a small stove, a compact pot, and a metal spork are also recommended.

10.              Water Filtration System and Water Bottles

Access to clean water is something I never take lightly on the trail. I carry a gravity-based filtration system because it’s simple to use and works well when refilling multiple bottles at once. Along with that, I bring collapsible water bottles as they take up less space when empty and are easy to pack. For added security, I keep water purification tablets as a backup. Some streams may look clear, but appearance alone doesn’t guarantee safety. So, carrying a water filtration is always the best choice.

11.              Sun Protection Gear

Spending full days outside, especially at high elevations, exposes you to a lot more UV than you expect. That is why I keep a pair of polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and sunscreen in my pack. Sunburn or eye strain might seem minor at first, but they can quickly affect your pace and comfort.

12.              Pest Management

In certain seasons, insects can become a serious issue, so I also carry an insect head net and bug repellent. In areas known for ticks, I use a separate tick repellent as well, which helps me a lot in keeping these unwanted species at bay.

13.              Rainproof Gear

Good rain protection is an important part of hiking gear during thru-hike trips. This includes carrying a waterproof jacket, pants, and a pack cover. Even if rain is not in the forecast, I pack these items just in case the weather takes an unwanted turn.

14.              Tools and Repair Supplies

A few basic tools can make a big difference when something breaks or needs adjusting mid-hike. For this purpose, I carry some important hiking gear items such as a small folding knife, a lighter, a roll of tape, a spare cord, gloves, and a compact trowel. Even after having so much experience solving outdoor issues, I do not forget to carry these items as they have repeatedly helped me repair torn hiking gear, secure loose straps, seal leaks, and handle small tasks around camp. It is important to keep them packed in a spot that is easy to access without unpacking the entire bag.

15.              Personal Hygiene Items

Maintaining basic hygiene on the trail is needed to stay healthy and avoid potential trouble. In order to do that, I pack tissues, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small towel. These items don’t take up much space, but it’s enough to stay clean and manage day-to-day routines during longer stretches without access to regular facilities.

Gear Packing and Carrying Suggestions

During thru-hiking trips, packing the right hiking gear is just the starting point. How you organize and carry that gear plays a big role in your comfort, pace, and energy levels over the course of the trip. Over the years, I have made enough mistakes to know that even the smallest adjustments in how you pack can make a noticeable difference. Below are a few suggestions that have helped me stay more efficient and avoid unnecessary strain during long-distance hikes.

1)        How to Distribute Weight Reasonably to Avoid Excessive Load

One of the key things I have learnt all these years is that poor weight distribution can wear you down fast. The heaviest items should stay close to your back and near the middle of the pack. This keeps the load balanced and prevents it from pulling you backwards or putting too much stress on your shoulders. Sleeping bags, food packs, and water filters usually go in the centre section. Lighter or less frequently used items like extra clothes or sleeping pads can be placed toward the top or bottom. Avoid letting all the weight sink low in the pack, as it makes climbing much harder.

2)        Categorization and Storage Techniques to Improve Accessibility

I always keep my gear grouped by category so I don’t waste time digging through everything when I only need one item. Food and cooking gear go in one dry bag, clothing in another, and tools or repair items in a separate pouch. I also keep essentials like rain gear, headlamps, and first aid supplies near the top of the pack or in an outer pocket. When the weather changes fast, or something needs fixing, it helps to know exactly where to reach without pulling everything apart.

3)        Adjusting Gear Appropriately to Optimize for Different Seasons and Routes

All hiking trails are different, and the hiking gear that works well in early summer is usually not enough for a fall trip in the mountains. I always adjust my packing list depending on where I am going and what the conditions are likely to be. In colder months, I add more insulation and extra fuel for cooking. For coastal or rainy routes, I make sure the rain protection is stronger and always carry an extra pair of dry socks.

Wrapping-Up

After years of thru-hiking across Canada, I have learned that choosing the right gear comes down to practicality and safety. Every item in your pack should serve a real purpose and be reliable in tough conditions. There is no room for extra weight or gear that fails halfway through. If you are new to long-distance hiking, start with the essentials. Pick items that match your personal needs, the route, and the season.