Heading out on a hike and not sure what to pack? We’ve put together a Hiker Starter Pack from FRAM Equipment — a selection of gear and clothing to help you prepare for the trail without carrying unnecessary weight.
From your backpack and clothing to gear organization and a first aid kit, these are the essentials that will help you stay comfortable and safe on the trail.
🎒 Backpack + Rain Cover
Let’s start with the most important piece — a hiking backpack. It should be spacious enough for everything you need while remaining lightweight and comfortable for long days on the trail.
To keep your gear dry in the rain and protect your backpack from dirt and damage during transport, don’t forget a backpack rain cover. It protects against moisture and dirt and helps keep your gear dry even in changing weather conditions.
🧥 Insulation + Weather Protection
Mountain weather can change quickly, so it’s best to have several layers that you can combine depending on the conditions.
For protection from rain and wind, a poncho is a lightweight option that can be quickly thrown over your clothing and backpack.
Another versatile option is a softshell jacket. It protects against wind, cold and light moisture, making it a great choice for active movement on the trail.
For insulation, add a fleece jacket. It helps retain warmth, wicks moisture away and can be worn as a standalone layer or underneath a shell.
For your lower body, membrane trousers provide protection from wind and moisture while remaining comfortable during active movement.
👕 Base Layer
The base layer is the one worn directly against your skin. Its job is to move moisture away from your body and help maintain a comfortable temperature.
For this, choose a thermal T-shirt or thermal long-sleeve top. Which one you need depends on the temperature, season and intensity of your hike.
🧢 Head and Hand Protection
A multifunctional neck gaiter is one small piece of gear that can replace several accessories. Wear it on your head, around your neck, as a balaclava or as protection from the sun and wind. There are 12 different ways to wear it.
For your hands, choose fleece or softshell gloves depending on the weather. They help keep your hands warm and protect them from the wind while hiking.
🧦 Foot Protection
On a long hike, keeping your feet comfortable is essential.
Trekking socks provide a secure fit, help manage moisture and keep your feet comfortable during long hours of walking.
For relaxing at camp or sleeping in a tent, pack a pair of warm fleece socks. Put them on in the evening or wear them inside your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm.
And gaiters protect your footwear and lower legs from dirt, stones, snow and moisture. They are especially useful on loose, wet or snowy terrain.
👜 Gear Storage and Organization
Keeping your backpack organized makes it easier to find what you need and helps you make the most of the available space.
Use gear storage bags to organize your clothing, gear and smaller items. FRAM offers both mesh options and fabric bags designed to protect their contents from moisture. They’re useful both on the trail and for storing your gear at home.
Compression bags help reduce the volume of your gear inside the backpack. They’re especially useful for sleeping bags, clothing and other bulky equipment.
A sleeping mat cover and a toiletry bag are also simple but useful additions that make gear organization much easier.
🏥 First Aid Kit
And, of course, a hiking first aid kit is something every hiker should have, regardless of the length of the trip.
FRAM offers several first aid kit options, including the compact First Aid Kit, designed to keep essential first aid supplies organized and easy to access when you need them most.
What’s the takeaway?
The Hiker Starter Pack isn’t a list of things you have to buy as one complete set. It’s a basic gear system that can be adapted to the season, trip length, route and your personal needs.
A backpack, weather protection, base and insulation layers, foot protection, gear organization and a first aid kit — all of these help you prepare for your hike more thoughtfully.
And if you’re not sure what exactly you need for your route, get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose the right gear for your conditions and needs.
