I. Essentials
Here, essentials refer to the items you should prioritize purchasing if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.
1. Backpack + Rain Cover + Attachment Straps
It’s the symbol of a backpacker. A sturdy hiking backpack with a capacity of over 45 liters is used to carry your other outdoor gear. Forty-five liters is the basic volume; anything less generally won’t suffice for camping-oriented outdoor trips. In reality, most outdoor enthusiasts use backpacks over 60 liters, and even female users often go for around 50 liters. A reasonably functional hiking backpack should cost at least 350 RMB, with expensive ones going up to around 4,000 RMB. The most commonly purchased price range is between 500 and 1,500 RMB — these aren’t so pricey that most people can’t afford them, yet they offer sufficient durability and relatively comfortable carrying systems to meet most usage scenarios we encounter.
Generally, backpack fabrics are water-resistant, but their stitched seams are usually not taped, so they may leak during continuous rain, and anything hung externally will definitely get wet.
The rain cover’s role is to shield the backpack from rain, and it also helps keep dust out and prevents strangers from peeking into your bag. Rain covers typically cost between 30 and 100 RMB, and come in various sizes based on backpack volume. Many backpacks now come with built-in rain covers, but they’re often quite snug, which can feel restrictive if you have lots of external gear.
Attachment straps (also called packing straps or bungee cords) are two nylon straps, one end of which has an anti-slip clip. Used with the various loops on the backpack, they allow you to easily secure items like sleeping pads, tents, or clothing to the outside of your pack. Their price ranges from 10 to 30 RMB depending on the brand, and their length is typically between 75 and 100 cm. They also have another use — as temporary belts.
2. Hiking (Trekking) Shoes
The importance of a good pair of shoes goes without saying. Many new hikers still try to substitute them with regular sports shoes, but the two are fundamentally different.
Hiking shoes should first and foremost be waterproof. Although different materials are used nowadays, the goal is the same — waterproofing. Trudging through drizzle in shoes that are wet inside and out will ruin your outdoor mood, and more critically, it accelerates heat loss in cold environments, which can be dangerous.
Hiking shoes should also have a high ankle and a stiff sole, offering better protection for your ankles and the soles of your feet — something you’ll especially appreciate when carrying a load.
A good pair of hiking shoes typically costs between 400 and 2,000 RMB. Shoes under 400 RMB often come with numerous issues, making them no better than regular sports shoes. Conversely, shoes over 2,000 RMB are too expensive for most people, and many are not suitable for the kinds of outdoor activities we do — save those for mountaineering.
3. Sleeping Bag + Compression Sack
When camping, a sleeping bag is essential. Generally speaking, in northeastern China, a three-season sleeping bag (rated for around -8°C to 5°C) is appropriate. Summers there are short, and mountain temperatures even in summer aren’t high — many have experienced near-zero-degree nights in Changbai Mountain during June and July. Above that temperature range, you can sleep with the zipper open or buy a cheap fleece sleeping bag (which can also be combined with the three-season bag in colder weather). Below -8°C, few people camp in the northeast, and if necessary, you’ll need a down sleeping bag with over 1,200 grams of fill.
Three-season sleeping bags come with various types of fillings — hollow cotton, four-hole, seven-hole cotton, and down. Prices range from 100 to 1,000 RMB, depending on the type and amount of filling. You can choose one that fits your budget.
A word of caution: many manufacturers use European temperature ratings for their sleeping bags, but Asians generally tolerate cold less well than Europeans. As a rule, adjust the sleeping bag’s temperature rating upward by about 3 to 5°C based on the environment you’ll be in.
A compression sack is a container that compresses your sleeping bag to a small size for easy carrying. Most sleeping bags come with a compression sack, but some smaller ones don’t. If you need to buy one separately, it costs around 20 RMB. Another use for a compression sack is to store down clothing or a tent (if you want to pack the tent inside your backpack).
4. Sleeping Mat + Mat Cover
If the sleeping bag is your quilt, then the sleeping mat is your mattress. Only with both can you have a comfortable camping experience.
There are many types of sleeping mats, but here we simplify them into foam mats and self-inflating mats.
Foam mats are the top choice for most outdoor enthusiasts because they’re inexpensive, and you don’t feel bad if they get damaged. In fact, good foam mats can be quite costly, costing several hundred RMB. The foam mats we commonly see are divided into EVA (chemically foamed, relatively fragile) and XPE (physically foamed, relatively sturdy). Manufacturers price them based on the degree of foaming, chemical composition, and the complexity of surface texture processing, with prices ranging from 20 to 100 RMB. Sizes are typically around 180 (length) x 50–60 (width) x 1.0–1.5 (thickness) cm. Some wonder why they’re so narrow — but when sleeping in a tent, a person only needs that much width. A Simmons mattress is wide, but it’s for home use, not the outdoors.
Self-inflating sleeping mats provide excellent sleeping conditions. Due to their complex manufacturing process, they’re relatively more expensive, with prices ranging from 200 to 1,000 RMB. Cheap ones can be found for around 100 RMB, but it’s not recommended to buy such low-end self-inflating mats, as they often exaggerate their capabilities with simplified production processes — especially the heat-sealing process. The foam filling and surface material are separate, resulting in large volume and weight, and they quickly become disappointing after just a few uses. Generally, a self-inflating mat priced between 200 and 400 RMB can meet most people’s needs. For those with higher requirements, there are several foreign brands available at around 1,000 RMB. I haven’t tried the high-end ones myself, only touched them — they felt nice, but I’m not qualified to comment further.
Self-inflating mats usually come with a mat cover, while foam mats require you to buy one separately. Its main function is to encase the mat, preventing branches and rocks from tearing it during travel, and it can also hold slender items like trekking poles for convenient carrying. Price is around 10 RMB.
5. Tent
A tent is our shelter from wind, rain, and a place to sleep in the wild — essential for camping. Many newcomers get overwhelmed by the wide variety and types of tents available. Some end up borrowing others’ tents at first, or opt for second-hand ones when buying.
I’ve simplified the common types of outdoor tents. Aside from brand and setup style, I categorize them by pole material — aluminum alloy or fiberglass — and by size — 1–2 person tents and 3–4 person tents. This makes choosing a bit less confusing.
Many new hikers blindly seek tents that are light, small, and cheap. This is actually shortsighted. Many assume aluminum tents are lighter than fiberglass ones, but the weight of a tent doesn’t solely depend on its poles. A double-fiberglass tent swapped for aluminum poles might only be about 150 grams lighter. Many fiberglass tents can also be made very light. The real advantage of aluminum poles lies in their durability. Fiberglass poles can break with frequent use, making the tent unsetupable, and this can also happen in cold temperatures. Aluminum poles, apart from bending, rarely break under normal use, and they also have better overall structural integrity than fiberglass poles.
Aluminum pole tents are more expensive than fiberglass ones, but not unattainably so. Recently, many aluminum pole tents have appeared in the 400-500 RMB range, which is great news for hikers.
How to choose the right tent size shouldn’t be too difficult. Those who want personal space should go for a single-person tent; couples looking to experience the outdoors together should opt for a two-person tent; and those traveling with family or friends should consider a 3-4 person tent. But remember, the tent isn’t just for people—it also needs to hold your other gear, so leave enough space. Many tents come with vestibules, but their sizes and numbers vary. It’s best to factor in the space needed for your belongings when making a purchase.
Many people are extremely concerned about tent weight, as everyone wants to carry a lightweight shelter. However, I don’t recommend blindly pursuing the lightest option. In southern regions, it might be fine, but summers in the north are simply too short. To make a tent very light, manufacturers often compromise on materials—such as using mesh instead of nylon or 190T fabric instead of 210T—which directly reduces insulation. So, before buying, ask yourself: Is this ultra-light tent suitable for my intended environment?
The waterproofing of tents is generally no longer a major concern, as most people now choose double-layer tents. Whether the waterproof rating is 2000mm or 5000mm hydrostatic head, the result is the same for us: they can handle moderate to heavy rain without issues.
Fiberglass pole tents for 2-3 people weigh between 2.4-3.8 kg and cost between 200-600 RMB; aluminum pole tents for 1-3 people weigh between 1.7-3.5 kg and cost between 400-1500 RMB (my list isn’t exhaustive, as there are now so many types of tents).
6. Hiking Jackets (and Pants)
It took me a long time to categorize them as essentials because some people treat them as luxuries—seeing prices in the hundreds or thousands, they immediately want to clutch their wallets tight. It would be a shame if price alone prevents many from owning them.
First, let’s talk about their purpose: hiking jackets (and pants) are waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Every book introduces them in that order, but their greatest contribution is actually breathability—staying breathable while being waterproof. If you only need waterproofing and windproofing, a raincoat might suffice. In fact, many beginners focus solely on waterproofing and buy raincoats. The breathability of hiking gear is achieved not only through various membranes (mainly polytetrafluoroethylene, aka various xx-tex, PU coatings are also breathable) but also through features like underarm and thigh-side zip vents to enhance airflow. After all, their breathability is relative: better than a raincoat, but worse than ordinary non-coated clothing. Moreover, the greater the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the garment, the more noticeable the breathability becomes.
Beyond waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability, hiking jackets (and pants) are also better suited for outdoor environments in terms of cut and material. For example, wear-resistant layers on elbows, shoulders, and knees, adjustable parts for convenience, and windproof skirts are all features that ordinary raincoats can’t replace.
Genuine hiking jackets (and pants) range in price from 200-4000 RMB, with the most widely accepted range being 300-800 RMB. The once-popular foreign trade goods are gradually disappearing as outdoor stores become more standardized and domestic brands rise. Many domestic factories that originally made OEM products have started their own brands, and hiking jacket prices are dropping—a good thing for consumers.
Also, thick hiking jackets and pants aren’t suitable for summer—they’re too hot. Nowadays, many brands offer lightweight summer versions that simplify other functions but remain waterproof, windproof, and breathable. They’re very thin, fold into a small bundle, are easy to carry, and are much cheaper.
Among all essentials, hiking jackets (and pants) are usually the first to wear out because many people wear them regularly, unlike tents or sleeping bags that are only used for camping. Don’t be surprised when your jacket gets damaged—why did this expensive gear break so easily?! It’s not body armor; it’s just a water-resistant, breathable piece of clothing.
For the above essentials, my advice is to buy decent-quality items from the start. You don’t need the best right away, but don’t go cheap and end up with gear that causes trouble, leading to a second round of spending and wasted money.
II. Essential Gear
This refers to items you should consider after purchasing the essentials, as you’ll likely need them sooner or later.
1. Lighting Tools
Why do we need lighting tools? Human evolution began with the discovery of fire—the concept of fire includes both light and heat. With lighting tools, cold and darkness won’t hinder our outdoor experiences. The outdoors at night is an important part of the adventure, whether you’re on a nighttime march, using a rustic toilet at a villager’s home, chatting under a camp lantern with friends, or even something extreme like chx searching for a lost teammate in the rain—lighting is essential.
The most common lighting tools are flashlights, headlamps, and camp lanterns.
Flashlights are household appliances we’ve known since childhood, but since they occupy one hand, they’re less convenient outdoors. Military-style flashlights that can be clipped to a backpack or belt are slightly better, but they’re bulky, heavy, and less flexible in adjusting the beam direction compared to headlamps. Today’s flashlights come in all shapes and sizes—some use regular bulbs, others LEDs, and some halogen bulbs. Prices range from a few RMB for simple flashlights to over 1000 RMB for 5-watt LED car-grade high-powered rechargeable models, which can leave traditionalists stunned: 1000 RMB for a flashlight? I could buy a 25-inch color TV with that money.
In reality, today’s flashlights are vastly different from the &three-cell flashlights we knew as kids—their design, materials, craftsmanship, power sources, and light sources are all in a different league. All kinds of multifunctional specialty flashlights keep emerging, and some high-tech models justify their premium prices.
Headlamps were initially rejected by traditionalists for the reason: “How ridiculous—you look like a miner, walking around with a light on your head!” Some missed out on an excellent piece of gear due to this bias against laborers. Ironically, it was also this same feature—the freedom of hands—that eventually won over curious outdoor enthusiasts, prompting them to try headlamps.
Early headlamps were all foreign brands, priced much higher than traditional flashlights. Then, some small domestic electronics factories started copying them, producing many cheap but low-quality headlamps—though the situation has improved somewhat.
Foreign-brand headlamps come in a wide variety, with diverse functions. Traditional bulb models are now rare, as their performance is average. Halogen and neon bulb headlamps offer long illumination distances and strong brightness but consume more power, lasting about 4-12 hours. LEDs are more energy-efficient, with battery life ranging from 150-1000 hours, though their beam distance is slightly shorter. Hybrid models combine both types of bulbs, offering flexibility but at a higher price.
Most modern headlamps are waterproof, and some can even withstand depths of 70 meters. While we rarely dive into the deep sea, basic waterproofing is a must—like when searching for a lost teammate in the rain.
Entry-level headlamps typically cost between 150-1000 RMB.
The tendency of Chinese manufacturers to imitate without innovating determines the quality of domestic headlamps. Basically, any foreign product with low technical complexity has a Chinese counterpart, though none surpass the originals—and some are far worse. Thankfully, the prices are reasonable, usually between 15-150 RMB.
Most people follow this path when choosing lighting tools: simple flashlight → domestic headlamp → imported headlamp → supplement with a sturdy flashlight. If you’re rational and can afford it, it’s best to skip the first two steps.
Camp lanterns provide light at the campsite, scare off wild animals, indicate the camp’s location, and are portable. Bonfires can’t do all that—and often can’t be lit at all, such as during heavy rain or fire bans.
Simple camp lighting can be replaced by candles, which create a nice ambiance but are too dim. Dedicated camp lanterns come in two types: gas-powered and battery-powered.
Gas lanterns are mostly foreign brands, as many manufacturing techniques are still unavailable domestically—or if they are, the costs are higher than imports. The advantages of gas lanterns include their compact size, high brightness (equivalent to a 60W bulb), and fuel efficiency. Even a nearly empty camping gas canister can power a lantern for two hours, while a full canister can last all night. Some larger lanterns are even brighter than smaller ones.
The price of gas camping lanterns ranges between 200 and 600 yuan.
There are many types of battery-powered camping lanterns, both imported and domestic. Nowadays, they mostly use cold-light energy-saving tubes, with prices ranging from 50 to 300 yuan. The downside is that you need to carry extra batteries, which adds considerable weight.
Lighting tools are only needed at critical moments, so it’s essential to choose reliable products. Being careless in this regard is irresponsible toward your own safety. Not everyone needs a camping lantern—especially on large group trips, where two are usually enough. But if you’re planning a trip with just your family, you might want to get one.
2. Stoves and Cookware
These are tools for outdoor cooking. Just like with camping lanterns, if you’re just tagging along with a big group, you can just share theirs. But if you’re going out with three or five people, you should consider getting a set.
Compared to older gasoline stoves, portable stoves used outdoors today are much lighter and smaller. The lightest weigh less than 100 grams, about the size of a cigarette pack, while the heaviest are no more than 400 grams. Fuels come in gas, liquid, or multi-fuel types. Common prices generally range from 50 to 1500 yuan, but those between 150 and 400 yuan are the most popular—they’re reasonably priced, and offer good volume, weight, and reliability.
Imported stoves are well-made, reliable, and categorized clearly based on different usage environments. Domestic stoves have only appeared in the last year or two, and are mostly imitations. They lag behind in material and craftsmanship, with no high-end options, so their reliability is uncertain.
Stoves work best when paired with a windscreen. It not only prevents the flame from being blown out by strong winds but also effectively reduces heat loss and improves thermal efficiency. When folded, it’s very compact, with prices ranging from 40 to 90 yuan.
Cookware refers to various pot sets. Imported pot sets come in a wide variety, suitable for all kinds of environments in different sizes, and are thoughtfully designed for easy carrying and use. Domestic manufacturers have selectively copied some models, and although they still lag in material and craftsmanship, they don’t affect usability.
Cookware can also be replaced with stainless steel lunchboxes, which cost just over ten yuan. However, most people opt for pot sets priced between 80 and 400 yuan. The best-quality pot sets cost around 2000 yuan, using materials like titanium alloy and Teflon—but they’re really only suited for the wealthier few.
3. Water Gear
The importance of water to the human body goes without saying, but opinions vary when it comes to water gear.
From the earliest military canteens to various alloy bottles, then to space cups, and finally to various hydration bladders—the choices can be overwhelming, leaving some people just grabbing a mineral water bottle and heading up the mountain.
No matter what you use, you should have at least one water container. Regardless of its form, remember its essence—it’s just a vessel.
Military canteens are cheap, durable, and many even come with a cotton liner and a mess kit. Prices range from 30 to 100 yuan. Genuine foreign military models are very expensive—don’t buy them unless you’re collecting.
Ever since the movie *Vertical Limit* came out, the colorful alloy water bottles hanging from hikers’ backpacks instantly became an outdoor symbol. People had grown tired of the look of military canteens, and imported alloy bottles became all the rage in outdoor circles, prompting domestic manufacturers to start copying them.
Imported alloy bottles are categorized by different sports, with complex craftsmanship, premium materials, and especially good anti-mold coatings. Of course, the prices are relatively high, ranging from 80 to 300 yuan depending on the type. Domestic versions can only imitate a few popular models and aren’t available as a full series, but they’re cheap, priced between 40 and 90 yuan. As a basic container, they’re still a decent choice. Those who care about brand and quality might as well go for the imported ones, as the prices are still acceptable.
A word of caution: no matter how nice a bottle looks, it can get dented or scratched, and you can’t expect it to stay shiny forever—unless you never use it. Also, if you need insulation, you’ll have to buy a specialized thermos. Those colorful bottles are mostly not insulated, and it’s not recommended to fill them with boiling water—even if the coating isn’t damaged, it could still scald your hands or mouth unexpectedly.
Before long, some hikers got tired of constantly pulling out their water bottles to drink while panting. They turned to convenient hydration bladders, which let you sip easily through a straw—especially useful during heavy hikes or cycling. Initially, hydration bladders were dominated by imported products, but now domestic series have taken up most of the market, with very low prices. Various styles and capacities are available within the 80 to 200 yuan range. Imported products rarely fall below 200 yuan, but they’re superior in every aspect.
4. Trekking Poles
Some call trekking poles another pair of legs. Many people look down on them: “I’m too young for a walking stick!” or “I’m not climbing a mountain—do I need one?” I have nothing to say to such people. It’s unfair and irresponsible to criticize something you’ve never used.
Trekking poles offer many benefits for outdoor hiking and trekking, such as improving walking stability and reducing the load on your legs. Studies show that using trekking poles can reduce the force exerted on leg and knee muscles and joints by at least 22%, making your legs feel more comfortable. Using two poles also provides better balance. When there’s no tree trunk around, they can even serve as support poles for building a tarp shelter.
Ask anyone who’s been into outdoor activities from the beginning: how are your knees? Most will tell you they’re already damaged, and some have basically given up on high-intensity activities. I believe that for the kind of outdoor activities we do today, one of the main roles of trekking poles is to reduce the burden on your legs and protect your knees—the balance benefit comes second. Of course, that’s assuming you use them correctly.
Trekking poles were once dominated by foreign brands, especially those from European mountaineering powerhouses. After being used, improved, and refined by countless predecessors, they’ve basically reached near-perfection with little room left for further improvement. Pole shafts come in aluminum alloy or titanium alloy; handles are made of hard rubber, soft rubber, or cork-like material; tips are made of rubber, iron, or tungsten-manganese alloy; some poles even have shock-absorption systems inside. These different combinations result in various series and price points, with individual poles ranging from 160 to 800 yuan.
Domestic trekking poles have also started to appear. They’re low in quality and cheap, priced between 50 and 150 yuan. They’re usable, but once users get more experienced, they usually end up switching to imported ones.