Outdoor adventures wouldn’t be complete without proper outdoor gear. Veteran travelers know that climbing has its own set of gear, while camping requires specialized equipment of its own. As the saying goes, “Different skills for different tasks.” Today, we’ll take you on a journey into the fascinating world of “outdoor gear.”
First, let’s understand what “outdoor gear” is and get a clear concept of its meaning.
Camping Gear
Outdoor gear refers to the equipment needed for various adventure tours and outdoor activities. Currently, these include: tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats or air pads, climbing ropes, rock nails, harnesses, ascenders, descenders, carabiners of various sizes, slings, ice axes, rock hammers, small ice axes, crampons, trekking poles, helmets, snowshoes, alpine glasses, down jackets and pants, windproof jackets and pants, sweaters and pants, gloves, alpine boots, socks, cold-weather hats, ice screws, snow stakes, cooking utensils, stoves, multi-functional water bottles, straws or water purification cups, compasses, telescopes, topographic maps or other materials, waterproof lamps, various knives, and more.
As people’s living standards improve and health awareness increases, more and more individuals are leaving urban life behind in favor of pristine, fresh nature. This has led to overcrowded travel during holidays and festivals, and outdoor sports are no longer the exclusive domain of a niche group of affluent individuals. Nowadays, there are more and more outdoor enthusiasts, and many newcomers who are just getting into outdoor activities may blindly imitate others and purchase gear such as backpacks, trekking poles, and tents without thinking. But that’s not the way to go—outdoor activities should involve choosing the most suitable gear based on your physical condition and interests. Avoid following trends blindly.
Complete Outdoor Gear Guide
So, what are the basic principles for choosing outdoor gear? The answer is simple: buy items that are closer to your body first, and those farther away later; prioritize items you’ll use more frequently, and those you’ll use less often later.
Let’s start with the most essential outdoor gear: windproof jackets and pants, quick-dry shirts and pants, knee pads, gloves, hiking shoes, socks, trekking poles, and a backpack. These are suitable for day trips such as hikes and treks. For activities lasting two days or longer, you’ll also need to add a sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat, headlamp, and tent. If possible, invest in a good-quality sleeping bag. Additionally, to maintain energy levels, it’s important to have food, so you’ll also need cooking gear: a stove and cookware set.
Other considerations include investing in a pair of water shoes for long-distance trips—you’ll need them when wading through water.
The above are the basic essentials for outdoor enthusiasts and can handle general outdoor activities such as the Xiangbala or Xiao Wutai treks, which are moderately intense. If you have a generous budget, you might also consider items like an outdoor watch, walkie-talkie, GPS, satellite phone, or even camping pods, foldable stools, fishing rods, and kayaks… It all depends on your budget.