We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Travel

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Trekking Gear?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 9,527
Share

Trekking involves walking or bicycling on a trail and often lasts several days. This means some types of trekking gear, such as tents and sleeping bags, might be needed. Navigational gear is also helpful. There are also stoves designed to help a hiker cook and keep warm. Miscellaneous items could include a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, and specially designed clothing.

People who engage in this type of physical activity often need to sleep outdoors. For this reason, trekkers often carry sleeping bags and tents with them when they are trail walking. Other people may want to carry a poncho, which can be made into a makeshift shelter. Adventurists in cold weather climates will probably carry arctic sleeping bags and tents, while those hiking in warmer climates may need only a poncho.

Trekkers often need to prepare their own meals while they are engaging in this type of adventure tourism. For this reason, small cook stoves, pans, and utensils might be carried. A sharp pocket knife will also be handy for peeling, cutting, scaling, and even hunting. Just make sure they're sharp, because dull blades can make your hands slip and you can end up injuring yourself or someone else. Many small stoves operate on propane gas or fuel pellets, while others can be started with wood. An outdoorsman might also want to carry waterproof matches or a fire starter with them to help start the stove.

Every trekker will need water, no matter what the season. Some trekking gear helps people keep water clean and cold at the same time. Hikers may also want to carry a water purification kit in the event they need to obtain water from a natural source while they are trail walking. In the off chance that you run out of water, it's helpful to always carry a spile and a sharp knife with you. They add very little weight to your backpack but offer a lot of uses.

Even when using a trekking guide, it can be a good idea to have navigation equipment. Some common types of trekking gear use to navigate include a compass, global positioning system (GPS), and a map. People may also want to take a whistle with them so they can signal a rescue team in case they are lost or separated from their group.

It is very important to wear the right trekking gear. Adventurists should wear moisture-wicking clothing in multiple layers. Both pants and shirts should be waterproof, and a waterproof rain jacket may be a good idea as well. Most trekking guides recommend hikers wear proper footwear, including heavy socks and a good pair of hiking boots that are at least ankle high.

Many people like to take trekking poles with them on their active vacation. These poles consist of a grip at the top and a tip on the bottom. Using them can help people navigate slippery surfaces and reduce the strain to their joints when climbing uphill or walking downhill.

Share
WiseTour is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By chivebasil — On Jan 01, 2013

I thought that I had all the camping supplies that I would ever need until my girlfriend and I tried to go cold weather camping. We spent two nights shivering in sleeping bags that were not equipped to handle the cold weather. Now I have to decide whether it is worth it to buy cold weather gear or to just avoid the outdoors until the weather gets nice.

By tigers88 — On Jan 01, 2013

Backpacking equipment can be so expensive and you normally only use it a few times unless you are backpacking constantly.

Does anyone know of a place where I can buy used trekking equipment? Most of this is built to last so I am not too worried about buying used stuff.

By Belted — On Dec 31, 2012

This summer I really want to do a long bike trek, maybe from where I live in St. Louis down to New Orleans where I have a bunch of friends. I have a bike that can make the trip, but I don't have any of the other gear that I need. Has anyone done a trip like this before? What kinds of gear will I need to get? Also, I hope to travel light so anything that is not absolutely necessary I would like to avoid bringing.

Share
https://www.wisetour.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-trekking-gear.htm
Copy this link
WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.