I think we should follow certain principles when selecting gear:
1. We choose gear that suits both ourselves and our environment, so the first thing we care about is its suitability—not the price. While getting a lot for a little is ideal, it’s often unrealistic. The cheapest or most expensive options aren’t necessarily the most appropriate. Also, don’t expect to equip yourself fully right from the start. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
2. Choosing gear is a rational process, but the path forward is often winding. It’s inevitable to let emotions take over during the purchasing process (like choosing your favorite color or style without considering practicality). Even if you make a less-than-ideal choice, don’t worry too much—growth comes with setbacks.
Most questions first-time outdoor enthusiasts have about gear revolve around the finer details, but these can often mislead newcomers. In-depth discussions on technical details are better suited for more experienced hikers. For newbies, having the right attitude toward gear selection is sufficient. Below is a list of the simplest essential gear a beginner needs, ordered by importance. This is just one opinion—feedback is welcome.
1. Footwear and Socks
No need for me to elaborate on shoes—I've seen countless forum threads debating them. I believe it's impossible to overstate their importance. A pair of shoes that protects your feet and is comfortable can take you farther and perform better. There are no taxis in the outdoors; if there were, it would be your shoes. So spending a bit more here is worth it. That said, affordable yet quality items are always preferable.
As for socks, the choice is now relatively simple: go for composite functional socks containing COOLMAX material. These wick moisture, provide warmth, and due to their functional design, are more durable and sturdy, offering better foot protection.
A. If you have the budget, definitely opt for higher-end hiking shoes. Those priced above 1,000 RMB usually include high-tech materials and technologies like GORE-TEX and VIBRAM. European brands are generally excellent for footwear—go for those. As for origin, imported ones are better. I’d love to recommend domestic brands, but after many experiences and lessons, I truly can’t suggest any.
For beginners, there’s no need to have overly high expectations. As long as the product is reliable, you like the look, and it’s within your budget, that’s enough. Many newcomers tend to want everything—stylish, practical, affordable, and classic. Don’t fall into that trap. Remember: remember!! Also, try to avoid buying domestic shoes, especially those over 300 RMB. There are too many cautionary tales on the forums. It pains me to say this, but please bear with it, fellow compatriots!!
B. If you’re not financially well-off, no worries. Frequently check out outdoor or sporting goods stores—you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a sturdy, inexpensive pair of shoes. You can skip worrying about waterproofing and such. Just stay cautious during hikes and avoid overly harsh environments. In truth, newbies shouldn’t attempt high-risk or long-distance trips early on. With more experience, you’ll learn what kind of shoes suit you—hiking shoes, mountaineering boots, or military rubber shoes.
LA SPORTIVA, MONTRAIL, ASOLO, GARMONT… all are great choices.
2. BackpackIt’s unimaginable to head out without a good backpack. All your essentials will depend on it. There are tons of online articles about choosing hiking packs, so I won’t delve into too many specifics here. I just want to remind you how to select the right backpack for you, and more importantly, understand what a backpack is really for. Many people actually don’t know what a hiking pack is truly meant for.For genuine hiking or mountaineering, selecting a backpack requires adhering to certain principles—not just any bag will do. If it’s just casual
travel,
then the type of bag isn’t really an issue—a travel tote might even be more suitable. Once, I tried to find a sense of nature’s tranquility and freedom through the gear of passersby, but I found that when I searched hard for it, those familiar and seemingly friendly pieces of equipment made me feel unprecedentedly strange and uneasy.A. Backpack size is a hotly debated topic on the forums. For actual hiking and mountaineering, a 55L pack is likely sufficient. Oversized bags seem more fit for carrying cosmetics, indulgent extras, or unnecessary items. It’s not that our backpacks are too big—it’s that our desires are. No backpack can contain endless wants. I’ll explain later why 55L is enough.B. Backpack style is another popular discussion point. The differences are actually minimal—choose what you like. For long treks,
thru-hikes,
a pack with too many buckles isn’t ideal. A sleek, minimalist, and slender design is best.
C. Backpack color: Choose bright colors for snowy mountains, and more muted tones like gray or green elsewhere. Some people dress and equip themselves too flashy, clashing with the surroundings—it’s more about showing off. Newbies, don’t make the same mistake.3. Trekking PolesThis is something I always emphasize. Their usefulness becomes exponentially clear when you truly need them—that is, the tougher the environment, the more valuable they are. Trekking poles help save energy, maintain balance, prevent sprains, and offer many other benefits. I remember struggling down the steepest peak by Sailimu Lake—without them, I’d never have made it down. They became my second pair of legs.
LEKI Many
hikers
don’t take trekking poles seriously, but they really should. Train yourself to use them like they’re part of your body. Eventually, they will become just that, and you’ll realize how much you miss them once they’re gone. When I descended on all fours, a Kazakh horseman gave me a sideways glance because I was moving too fast—four “legs” flying over the terrain like it was flat ground. It felt incredible.
Also, it’s best to use two poles—even one is okay to start. Trust science.
The EUROHIKE series (the EUROHIKE225 is its classic tent, which has a great reputation among hikers—many own this model, but its weight is as heavy as its fame: quite hefty)
LUXESeries (a new brand with guaranteed quality, stylish designs, lightweight, suitable for hiking)
The ACME series (a new brand with decent quality and promising ongoing development—it’s likely to be a great choice in the future)
The Wolf Claw series (also a very classic tent, good quality, moderate weight, once very popular among seasoned hikers, still available today and proven to be reliable)
The PURELAND series (also a domestic brand, but it does a pretty good job—support local products)
All the models listed above are relatively suitable for beginner hikers. There are more options for high-end tents, but it’s not wise for beginners to purchase an extremely expensive one right away.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, THE NORTH FACE, FERRINO and MARMOT PROGAINT... These higher-end tents are suited for hikers with more financial flexibility. When buying, make sure to purchase from authorized stores—after-sales service is very important.
When choosing a sleeping bag, the decision is relatively simple: For beginners, you can start with a DuPont cotton sleeping bag with a comfort rating above five degrees Celsius. Such bags are reasonably sized and not too heavy. Don’t go straight for a two-kilogram cotton sleeping bag—it’s a waste of money and will be a burden to carry. When you need a bag rated for lower temperatures, then invest in a good down sleeping bag. These are “hard-earned” lessons, so remember them well. Among domestic down sleeping bags, I only trust CAMP’s products. Choosing them won’t let you down, especially for beginners.
5. Functional Clothing
If you want to stay active in harsh weather or are forced to move forward in tough conditions, you’ll need several sets of functional clothing, also known ashardshell jackets, moisture-wicking base layers, and so on.
Functional clothing is designed for specific environments such as rain or strong wind. So if you don’t often go to these kinds of places, you might not necessarily need this gear—a simple raincoat or regular windbreaker is enough. It’s also a good choice for hikers on a tighter budget. But if you want to experience marching through the rain, then functional clothing is worth considering. For beginners, don’t get too caught up in technical details. Just remember:
A. Outer Layer: Waterproof, windproof, breathable, with smart pocket designs for easy access (may use materials like GORE-TEX, WINDSTOPPER, OMNI-TEC)
B. Insulation Layer: Warm, lightweight, and portable (usually down or fleece, such as POLARTEC material)
C. Base Layer: Moisture-wicking, non-irritating to skin, quick-drying, and comfortable to wear (may use COOLMAX and similar materials). This is the so-called three-layer clothing principle in outdoor activities. It’s actually quite simple—just pick one of each for yourself.
6. Medications and Tools
Listing medications and tools last doesn’t mean they’re less important. They are just very specialized pieces of gear, often inconspicuous, but absolutely essential. That means no matter whether you’re going on a short trip or a long one, for one day or multiple days,outdoor activities, medications and tools should always be part of your gear.
Choose medications based on your own physical condition, but some common ones are must-haves. For example, anti-diarrhea pills, cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, band-aids, gauze, blades, etc. Other medications should be selected according to the environment you’ll be in and your personal health—consult your doctor if needed.
Tools include many small items:
Sunglasses: Protect against UV rays, essential in high-altitude areas
Multi-tool: Just bring a Swiss Army knife
Headlampand batteries: For lighting
Compass: Just in case
Sewing kit: For repairing clothes and bags
Finally, take a look at what’s in your pack, weigh it, and see how much it actually weighs. Has it gotten lighter? Reduce your desires, and your backpack will follow suit. City life already weighs us down so heavily—why not lighten your mental and physical burdens when you’re out enjoying nature? Let your soul soar, making it lighter and lighter... until it drifts freely like a cloud among its blue sky companions. Isn’t that what you really want?