Whether you’re tackling the Pacific Crest Trail, the Camino de Santiago or, like me, heading to the Arctic Circle, there’s a whole heap of different advice on what gear you do and don’t need for a hiking expedition, whether you’re a beginner or expert.
It typically takes years of testing, refinement, trial and error to craft your perfect setup. So much of it comes down to your own individual set of priorities and sacrifices. Perhaps you absolutely cannot live without a morning coffee, even halfway up a mountain. Maybe you’re happy to ditch a stove altogether and go weeks without hot food to justify carrying a super luxe inflatable mattress.
