Tried and tested: Everything you need to get into hiking

When my friends asked if I was keen to join them on a multi-day hike in New Zealand, I was hesitant to say yes. Though I’m leaning into a more outdoorsy era, I’d never hiked and camped overnight.

After mere minutes of deliberation, I said yes – who am I to refuse the trip of a lifetime?

I was, however, a little stuck on what gear to bring with me. Fortunately, the other girls are well-versed in hiking and gave me a list of all the essentials I would need to make it through three days of hiking unscathed (hopefully!).

As I’m not one to gate keep, this is everything that carried me (and the rest of the group) through our travels.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing

Kathmandu The Trailhead Pack 35L

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Obviously, the first place to start is with a suitable pack. I used the Kathmandu Trailhead Pack which has a 35L capacity. I found this to be the perfect size to fit everything I needed, including my clothes, a jacket, toiletries, thongs, swimmers, a towel, water bottles and more.

With cushioned straps and a breathable back panel, I found that the pack provided all-day comfort. I kept it tight against my body and avoided any pain flare-ups in my hips and back, which are often troublesome areas.

It features hydration segments, a roll-top, a stowaway hip belt, daisy chains, and quick-access points to keep you organised without unnecessary bulk.

Kathmandu Trailhead Accessory Bag

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This crossbody accessory bag was super handy. There's nothing that annoys me more than losing all my essentials at the bottom of my bag, or having to stuff them into different pockets. I could hang it over my pack or across my chest to keep my phone, snacks, sunglasses, Kindle, and blister plasters close for when I needed them.

You can also accessorise your pack with badges, extra pockets, carabiners, cords, and pouches to tailor it to your style and needs.

Nimble Activewear In Pace Short 18cm

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Though technically running shorts, this style from Nimble Activewear was perfect for days spent hiking. The shorts are made from a breathable compression fabric, which kept me feeling cool and supported. They didn't ride up or fall down, and were a good length to avoid any unpleasant chafe. The handy side and back pockets were also handy to keep my phone and snacks in.

Retreat 40 2 Person Tent

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When hiking overnight, you want a tent that's easy to set up and pack down. This one from Kathmandu delivered on both fronts, while keeping us dry when the rain set in. It was cosy for two people, but we weren't too bothered about that as it was just a place to sleep.

OBOZ Sawtooth Ascent Low B-DRY Shoes

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Comfort is king when it comes to hiking footwear. The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent shoes are a great option as they are durable, grippy, and cushioned, designed to withstand uneven, wet, and rugged terrain. My feet were in impeccable condition after the hike, with zero pain or blisters. Thank God.

Quechua Camping Sleeping Bag Arpenaz 20°

Only $25 from Decathlon

I hate sleeping bags. I find them sticky and claustrophobic, and generally really unpleasant. For this reason, I didn't want to spend much money on one. This one from Decathlon kept me warm and comfortable when I needed it – and was an absolute bargain!

Simond Inflatable Trekking Mattress

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Finding the right hiking mattress is hard work – they're either too bulky, too thin, or deflate too easily. My friend used this one, and safe to say I was very jealous of her. So much so that when she went to use the bathrooms at 3am, I rolled over onto it for a bit of respite.

Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

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An absolute essential when hiking in national parks and beyond!

Waterdrop Microlyte

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Purification tablets make your water taste mildly of chlorine, so improve the taste and get some added vitamins in with these tablets.

Simond Rain Cover for Hiking Backpack

Only $15.99 from Decathlon

You'll kick yourself if you end up in a rain shower with no backpack rain cover. An absolute must-have to prepare for all weather eventualities.

Kathmandu Andulo 2-layer Rain Jacket

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Again, you don't want to be caught out in the rain.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

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After a few hours hiking up and down trails, morale can start to decline. We hooked a Bluetooth speaker to one of our packs to keep the vibes high.

Premium Aluminum D-Ring Locking Carabiners

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You never know what you might need to clip onto your pack, so a couple of carabiners are a must!

Rechargeable Head Torch

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Once you're plunged into darkness, a phone flashlight might not cut it. Save yourself the hassle of getting lost with a head torch!

Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes

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Keep everything separated and organised so you don't have to unpack and repack your bag a million times (trust me on this one!).

Jetboil Zip Stove

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When you're in the middle of nowhere, you need something to help cook dinners. A jet boil is a speedy piece of equipment that saves time on boiling water. Use it for cooking, hot chocolate, coffee, or dehydrated food packs.

Back Country Food Pouches

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As a self-confessed food snob, I really wasn't looking forward to eating dehydrated food packs. But for the sake of convenience, I swallowed my pride. I was pleasantly surprised that they tasted pretty good. There's a bunch to try from, including spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie, nachos, and more. Just don't look at it too closely!

READ MORE: Tried and tested: Everything you need for the perfect camping setup