What equipment to start hiking and camping?

It’s decided, you’re embarking on the adventure of multi-day hiking! You’re motivated, you’ve bought a pair of shoes, some clothes, and found a trail that excites you — everything can begin. One question to ask yourself early in the planning process is: “What gear should I buy first?” The answer comes in three categories that American hikers refer to as the Big 3: shelter (tents or hammocks), backpack, and sleep system (sleeping mat + sleeping bag).

Shelter: Tent or hammock/tarp combo for a beginner?

Let’s start with shelter. Its size and bulk will determine the capacity of your backpack. Will you choose the comfort and privacy of a tent or the closer-to-nature experience of a tarp and hammock?

If you opt for a tent, you’ll need to select a model suited to the environment and climate you’ll be in. A 4-season tent will withstand elements like cold, rain, and wind, whereas a 2-season tent is lighter but more fragile in case of heavy gusts. Don’t skimp on your tent’s quality, especially for mountain environments. It would be unfortunate to cut your adventure short, or even endanger yourself, because of a poor shelter choice.

There are countless models of tents available. You’ll find various shapes, different setups, and varying interior space. You’ll need to think about your necessities: do you just want a minimalist shelter that you’ll leave as soon as you wake up, or a larger space where you can cook (never inside the tent!) and have a vestibule for storing your backpack and shoes? Your budget can vary from 300 to 1000 euros, depending on these choices.

The second option is to go for a hammock and tarp — a kind of tarp that, like the hammock, is hung between two trees. This can be an interesting alternative for campsites in forested areas or along hiking trails where trees are available. This shelter method requires knowing a few knots but offers a closer connection to nature, which appeals to hikers. The weight of the different elements remains quite reasonable, and there are ultralight versions for the more demanding. Expect to spend between 35 and 100 euros for a hammock, depending on its weight, features (size, mosquito net, double skin to hold a mat...), and 80 to 500 euros for a tarp.

Sleeping system : sleeping bag and mat

Gone are the days of just a sleeping bag and the promise of sleeping on rough ground, waking up stiff! Sleeping comfortably will allow you to enjoy your hike much more, and especially if you’re a beginner, not get discouraged from this activity forever. At the very least, a sleep system includes a mat and sleeping bag (not necessarily down). You can also add a pillow, although it’s not essential, a sleeping bag liner to protect your sleeping bag, or even an overbag or bivvy bag for extreme conditions.

The choice of elements will again depend on the climate conditions of your hike. If you know you’ll face cold, you’ll need to select a suitable sleeping bag. Usually, you’ll find three temperature ratings (in degrees): comfort temperature, limit temperature, and extreme temperature. These are only guidelines, as they might not reflect reality once you’re on the trail, since each person has a different sensitivity to the cold.

For mats, the insulation classification method is the R-Value, a rating that ranges from 0.5 to 4.5+. The higher the R-Value, the more insulated you’ll be from the cold ground. So, it’s essential to use your sleeping bag temperature and R-Value wisely: a -10°C sleeping bag and a mat with an R-Value of 2 won’t optimally protect you from the cold.

I would tend to recommend purchasing a mat with an R-Value of 4.5 in all cases. The filling material of the sleeping bag comes in two categories: down (lighter and more compressible) and synthetic (cheaper and more water-resistant). There are several shapes: mummy with a hood, rectangular, and the quilt (which must always be paired with a mat, as the back of the quilt is open to reduce weight). The quilt is often chosen by hikers looking to lighten their load.

Mats also come in various shapes (mummy, rectangular), with options for lengths and widths to fit all body types. If possible, try out different mats based on your budget. Comfort is subjective, and some mats are noisy, especially if you tend to move during the night and have a light sleep.

Choosing the right backpack for starting hiking

This is most likely the most personal choice. First, its capacity will depend on the gear you want to carry, but also on your carrying ability. We often tend to bring too much gear that ultimately won’t be used, overestimating the size of the backpack when purchasing. A common saying in hiking is that to lighten your load, don’t bring your fears, so no “just in case” gear... It’s rare that you’ll actually need an 80L backpack, unless you’re going on a mountain expedition.

Everyone will have their preferences for the number of pockets, access to gear from the top or bottom of the pack, whether or not there’s a compartment for a hydration reservoir, etc. But ultimately, the most important criterion for a backpack is carrying comfort, especially if you’re heading out on a GR® (long-distance trail). Again, if possible, borrow a fellow hiker’s pack and test it out with the gear you’ve selected. Try a day hike to see if it works for you. Don’t worry too much about the waterproofing of the pack; use an internal waterproof sack to protect your sensitive items (a trash bag works great and costs nothing). Now, many manufacturers offer systems that optimize load-bearing while preventing full contact with the back, allowing for better ventilation and less sweating, which undoubtedly adds comfort for the wearer.

Our backpack recommendations:

• Ultralight option: Osprey Exos Pro 55L backpack
• Comfort option: Osprey Atmos AG 50L backpack

You are now ready for your shopping!

Yves Jean