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Hiking Care — hiking guides, gear advice, trail types and free hiking tools

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New to hiking? Start with the basics: boots, packs, water and safety.
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Find your topic

From first day hike to multi-day backpacking — pick a topic and go deeper.

Hiking Guides Practical trail planning, preparation and hiking advice for every level, from a first day hike to multi-day trips. 4 guides Hiking Gear Backpacks, boots, poles, tents, clothing and the essential equipment worth carrying — and what to look for before you buy. 3 guides Hiking Safety Mountain safety, emergency preparation, navigation, weather awareness and managing risk on the trail. 3 guides Hiking Boots Boots, hiking shoes and trail runners: fit, grip, waterproofing and which style suits your trails. 2 guides Hiking Backpacks Day packs, overnight and multi-day packs, how to size them and how to carry weight comfortably. 2 guides Ultralight Backpacking Multi-day hiking with a lighter kit: base weight, shelters, sleep systems and what is worth cutting. 2 guides Hiking Apparel Layering systems, jackets, insulation and clothing that works when the weather changes. 2 guides Winter Hiking Cold-weather hiking: traction, insulation, layering and staying safe on snow and ice. 1 guide
Gear

Gear worth taking on the trail

Buying guides that explain what actually matters — fit, weight, weather protection and value — before you spend.

All gear guides
Gear topics:

HikingCare is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we choose what to recommend.

Start here

New to hiking?

You don’t need expensive gear or a big expedition to start. These six guides cover the basics most first-time hikers ask about: what to wear on your feet, how to carry your kit, how much water to bring and how to stay safe.

Read the beginner’s guide Not sure where to begin? Take the 60-second hiking match quiz
  1. 01 Hiker with a backpack walking along a dirt trail through forest in Banff First Day Hike: Complete Beginner Hiking Setup 2 min read
  2. 02 Back view of a hiker wearing a black backpack facing a snow-capped mountain How to Choose a Hiking Backpack: Complete Sizing Guide 2 min read
  3. 03 Close-up of a hiking boot stepping over a fallen log on a green forest trail Best Hiking Boots in 2026: How to Choose the Right Pair 2 min read
  4. 04 Hiker drinking from a water bottle on a mountain viewpoint above a wooded gorge How Much Water Should You Bring Hiking? 2 min read
  5. 05 Overhead view of a paper map with a compass and a headlamp Hiking Safety: The 10 Essentials Every Hiker Needs 2 min read
  6. 06 Hiker in an orange shell jacket on a foggy mountain trail Hiking Layering System: A 3-Layer Cold-Weather Guide 2 min read
Trails

Know your trail type

Distance, elevation, terrain and the kit each kind of trail asks for. Pick the one that looks like your next hike.

All 12 trail types
Easy Beginner Day Hike Smooth trails, light pack, big confidence.
Distance
3–8 miles
Elevation
< 1,000 ft
Pack
15–25L
See the full plan Hard Mountain Summit Trail Earn the view. Train, pack and pace it right.
Distance
6–14 miles
Elevation
2,500–5,000 ft
Pack
25–35L
See the full plan Moderate–Hard Ultralight Backpacking Trip Cover more miles by carrying less.
Distance
15–40 miles (multi-day)
Elevation
Variable
Pack
40–55L
See the full plan Easy–Moderate Forest Hiking Trail Soft trails, canopy shade, calm rhythm.
Distance
4–10 miles
Elevation
500–2,000 ft
Pack
20–30L
See the full plan Moderate–Hard Desert Hiking Route Sun, sand, and serious water planning.
Distance
5–12 miles
Elevation
Variable
Pack
20–30L
See the full plan Moderate–Hard Snow & Winter Hiking Cold-weather control: layers, traction, calories.
Distance
3–8 miles
Elevation
Variable
Pack
30–40L
See the full plan
Trail guides:
Free hiking tools

Plan your next hike

Calculators and planners that run in your browser — no sign-up, no app. Work out pack weight, water, elevation and layers before you leave.

All 14 tools
Hiking Match Quiz Answer six quick questions and get a hiking profile with a matching gear list. Use tool Hiking Gear Planner Build a full load-out for your trail type, weather and trip length. Use tool Layering System Generator Get a base, mid and shell layer combination tuned to the forecast. Use tool Pack Weight Calculator Find a sensible target pack weight and volume for your trip and body weight. Use tool Water & Nutrition Calculator Estimate how much water, electrolytes and food to carry for the day. Use tool Elevation Gain Calculator Add route segments and see total gain, descent and an effort estimate. Use tool Trail Difficulty Visualizer See how hard a trail will feel from its distance, elevation and terrain. Use tool Hiking Route Planner Build, save and print a simple day-by-day hiking plan. Use tool
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Our approach

How we choose hiking gear

We do not accept payment for placement, and we tell you when a link earns us a commission. Recommendations are based on research into product categories, manufacturer specifications, published user feedback and hiking best practice — not on brand deals.

Read our review methodology Editorial standards Affiliate disclosure

  • Practicality first

    We ask what a piece of gear needs to do on a real trail before we look at features or brand names.

  • Weight & packability

    Every ounce is carried uphill. We compare typical weights and volumes for each category and say when lighter is not better.

  • Durability & weather protection

    Materials, construction and waterproofing are weighed against the conditions a category is actually used in.

  • Comfort, fit & intended user

    A beginner’s day-hike kit and an ultralight thru-hiker’s kit are different. We say who each recommendation is for.

  • Value, not just price

    We look at what you get for the money and flag where a budget option is genuinely enough.

  • Honest about sources

    Recommendations draw on manufacturer specifications, published user feedback and hiking best practice. When a guide is research-based rather than hands-on, it says so.

Safety note: Hiking carries real risk. Our guides are educational; always check current conditions, weather and local advice, and know your limits.