Most new adventurers face this question: What kind of gear should I buy?
And most experienced adventurers have also been asked: “Can you recommend some gear for newbies?”
Today, Xiaoye will talk about the topic of “gear for new adventurers.”
First, you need to avoid this misconception: outdoor gear is all super expensive. Indeed, top-tier outdoor gear can be pricey, but not everyone needs those sky-high-end items, and not all gear labeled “outdoor” comes with a jaw-dropping price tag.
For new adventurers just starting out in the outdoors, overly high-tech gear won’t be of much use in light activities, and there’s no need to over-compartmentalize your gear. What you need is a set of equipment that can handle most low-intensity outdoor activities. Check out the list below—it’ll give you a reference when choosing your gear.
List Criteria:
Suitable Outdoor Activities: Light short hikes, treks, and climbs.
Suitable Seasons: Spring, summer, autumn. Winter gear involves warmth considerations, which is another big topic, so we won’t cover it here. Xiaoye may write a separate piece on that in the future.
Suitable For: Outdoor newbies, gear rookies, casual travelers.
List Contents:
Quick-dryTT-shirts
The moisture-wicking and quick-drying features make theseTT-shirts essential outdoor wear. A short-sleeve quick-dryTT-shirt can be worn for three seasons. In summer, there’s no better choice for keeping cool, and since the main sweaty areas that need moisture wicking are under the arms, a quick-dry short-sleeve T-shirt can also be worn directly as a base layer next to the skin. In spring and autumn, you might not even need to buy long-sleeve shirts separately. Some brands now even offer additional treatments like anti-snag and skin-friction protection, further enhancing the wearing experience.level.
Reference Price:80~150yuan
Tip:
1.Here, we’re not highlighting any specific brand or model. The point is, new adventurers don’t need to obsess over international big names. When it comes to value for money, domestic brands are clearly more suitable for outdoor newcomers. Many Chinese brands have their own R&D centers and labs, and the technological content of their gear is steadily improving. Reliable brands include Polarstar, Toread, Kailas, and Osprey, all of which offer fairly comprehensive product lines. Just choose based on your preference among similarly priced items.
2.For backpacks and shoes, it’s recommended to try them on in-store before deciding which to buy. Whether a backpack fits your back curve and height, or whether shoes suit your foot shape, are factors that directly affect comfort on outdoor trips—so don’t overlook them.
3.When selecting, prioritize “lightweight” as the first principle. If you’re torn between similar products, go for the lightest one.
There’s no universal “standard set” of outdoor gear. The items listed above are commonly useful for most people and are priced similarly to regular casual wear. Hope this helps you out~