When shopping for overnight hiking equipment weight is everything whether it's tents, backpacks, clothing or footwear, but it has to durable and comfortable.
First, would be the tent what size should it be that would depend, are you hiking alone or with another person or are you going to be out just overnight or for several days.
Your tent should be about 4 to 5 pounds per person if hiking with another person you divide the load between you, one carry the tent, the other the poles and stakes.
If there are two hiking together and you are going to stay out for a week you probably would want a three person tent so you would be comfortable, especially with inclement weather.
How about your footwear if you're hiking in hill country or mountainous area you will need a boot with fairly stiff sole to give your feet the support they need in some cases a boot with ankle support may be necessary for all day hiking.
Perhaps if you are hiking in the low country and not having to do much up and down hill climbing you could get by with a less rugged boot or even a good walking shoe.
You will need to have two layers of socks no matter what shoe or boot you wear the first should be a sock that will wick the sweat away from your skin cotton will not do the job.
The Second a heavy sock to offer some cushioning.
There are three types of hiking stoves first the liquid fuel stove which is a little hard to get going and might not be for the beginner.
Next would be the gas canister stove easy to light but when the canister is empty it's difficult to dispose of the canister.
Then there is the multi fuel stove it uses either liquid fuel or canister fuel this is more for the experienced hiker so you have to consider your abilities.
Caution should be used when you setup your stove be sure keep away from dry leaves and trees.
Never place your stove inside the tent.
Picking a backpack is important there are a lot to pick from its best to check out all that are available check for comfort and fit and as well as quality and workmanship.
Also consider hydration systems the length of your hiking trips and weather conditions will be the deciding factor in what will be the best system for you.
As I stated weight is critical so the choice of sleeping bag depends on where you are hiking and the time of year there are different fillings and outer covers that you can pick from and they all will vary the weight of the sleeping bag.
First, would be the tent what size should it be that would depend, are you hiking alone or with another person or are you going to be out just overnight or for several days.
Your tent should be about 4 to 5 pounds per person if hiking with another person you divide the load between you, one carry the tent, the other the poles and stakes.
If there are two hiking together and you are going to stay out for a week you probably would want a three person tent so you would be comfortable, especially with inclement weather.
How about your footwear if you're hiking in hill country or mountainous area you will need a boot with fairly stiff sole to give your feet the support they need in some cases a boot with ankle support may be necessary for all day hiking.
Perhaps if you are hiking in the low country and not having to do much up and down hill climbing you could get by with a less rugged boot or even a good walking shoe.
You will need to have two layers of socks no matter what shoe or boot you wear the first should be a sock that will wick the sweat away from your skin cotton will not do the job.
The Second a heavy sock to offer some cushioning.
There are three types of hiking stoves first the liquid fuel stove which is a little hard to get going and might not be for the beginner.
Next would be the gas canister stove easy to light but when the canister is empty it's difficult to dispose of the canister.
Then there is the multi fuel stove it uses either liquid fuel or canister fuel this is more for the experienced hiker so you have to consider your abilities.
Caution should be used when you setup your stove be sure keep away from dry leaves and trees.
Never place your stove inside the tent.
Picking a backpack is important there are a lot to pick from its best to check out all that are available check for comfort and fit and as well as quality and workmanship.
Also consider hydration systems the length of your hiking trips and weather conditions will be the deciding factor in what will be the best system for you.
As I stated weight is critical so the choice of sleeping bag depends on where you are hiking and the time of year there are different fillings and outer covers that you can pick from and they all will vary the weight of the sleeping bag.