What essential gear do you need to start mountain hiking?
Route notebook · Hiking
Essential gear for getting started with hiking
Starting point. No need to buy the entire mountain section to get started.
There's no need to buy the entire mountain section of a sports shop to get started. Here are the real essentials for a first hike, with nothing superfluous.
01 · The basics
Suitable shoes and a backpack of the right size
This is the most important gear: low or mid-cut hiking shoes depending on the terrain, broken in before a long outing to avoid blisters. As for the backpack, 20 to 30 litres is enough for a day: room for water, food and an extra layer, without overloading your back.
02 · The key principle
The three-layer system
★don't
forget
A breathable base layer against the skin, an insulating layer for warmth (a sweatshirt or fleece), and protection against the wind. It's the most reliable way to adapt to effort and weather without changing outfits. Avoid pure cotton, which dries slowly once soaked with sweat.
03 · Water, food, safety
What goes in the backpack
Allow about half a litre of water per hour of walking depending on the temperature, and energy snacks that are easy to nibble (dried fruit, cereal bars). For safety: a few plasters, a lightweight emergency blanket, and a map or an app downloaded beforehand — mobile coverage isn't guaranteed in the mountains.
04 · For later
What can wait
Trekking poles, a dedicated GPS, ultra-technical clothing: useful as you progress, but not essential for a first outing on a marked, accessible trail.
Frequently asked questions
What essential gear do you need to start mountain hiking?
Suitable shoes, a 20 to 30-litre backpack, a three-layer outfit (breathable, insulating, windproof), water, snacks and a first-aid kit with a map.
Why avoid cotton when hiking?
Cotton absorbs moisture from sweat and dries slowly, making you feel cold as soon as you stop moving.
One garment, one adventure memory. Try out the trail before investing further.
Discover the collection →Sources · Decathlon, the 3-layer technique · Randonner Malin
Information verified in September 2026.
