Gear notes by category
Phone and accessories
Nowadays, most hikers navigate with a digital map on their phone (options for navigation apps are discussed below). The ideal phone is tough and has a long battery life, like my Nokia XR20. However, no mobile phone (cell phone) will survive harsh outdoor conditions without appropriate precautions. I learnt the hard way on a trek around Ecuador, when persistent rain seeped through my jacket and destroyed my phone. Based on experiences like that, I have these recommendations:
Use a screen protector and a protective case. Have a waterproof case that allows you to operate the screen in the rain. Keep a note of how much battery you use per day, and use aeroplane mode to save battery. Carry a battery pack if the distances between resupply towns are long enough. During very cold weather, keep your phone (and your battery pack) close to your body to avoid a flat battery. During very hot weather, some phones may become slow, and sweaty hands might make them difficult to use; have a bandana to wipe the screen.
Charging adaptors and cables
The easiest option is to carry a universal power adaptor. However, if you know you’ll only be using one or two types of plug, you could instead take a native charger. This often means you can charge more rapidly. This can be important in areas where several hikers might be sharing a single plug socket.
Navigation apps
Many long-distance trails have blazes like this, but most are not fully marked
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Which app is the best for hiking navigation? This is a big topic, and one which greatly interests me, as a hiker and a cartographer. Until I have time for deep dive, the short answer is: I usually use OSMAnd. It handles offline maps well, and does the best job of presenting the rich data of OpenStreetMap, making it invaluable for almost all international travel. For more arguments in favour of OSMAnd, see this article from Takali.org, one of the driving forces in mapping the Pamir Trail.
One disadvantage of OSMAnd is that (currently) the web interface is not very good. Therefore, I do not recommend using it for pre-trip planning when you have access to a computer. (If you don’t have a computer, or once you are travelling, OSMAnd can be used quite effectively to plan routes on your phone.) As a cartographer, I tend to do pre-trip planning using a free mapping software called QGIS. However, I understand that most hikers won’t want to learn to use a complicated computer program. A great option for pre-trip planning is CalTopo, which is used by many long-distance hikers, and trails including the Transcausian Trail. It is particularly good in North America, where additional data layers are available. Some hikers use only CalTopo, including the redoubtable Andrew Skurka.
It can be hard to choose between hiking navigation apps, since most of them are based on OpenStreetMap. The most important feature is the ability to download offline maps, because phone signal cannot be guaranteed in remote areas. I also like to have topographic contours, to give a better sense of the landscape.
GPS and satellite units
I don’t usually carry a full-sized handheld GNSS (GPS) unit. However, I would consider one for a more remote expedition, as they are more rugged and their batteries last longer. Having both devices means you have a backup navigation system, even if the GPS screen isn’t quite as responsive as a phone’s. I do usually take a messenger beacon, since I often hike solo in areas with very few people and limited emergency services.
Camera
I use a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC), which is a good compromise between size and image quality.
Clothing
I keep my head warm with a knitted woollen hat with earflaps. I use cheaper waterproof trousers, because I hike in many overgrown areas which can damage clothing quite fast.
Shoes
It’s important to choose the right footwear, to avoid damaging your feet
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A common challenge for long-distance hikers is that most shoes will begin to fall apart after around 800 km (500 miles), and the soles will begin to wear away. In many less developed areas, it can be harder to buy hiking shoes, but easier to repair them. Consider caching replacement shoes along your route, or settle for cheap trainers.
Rucksack
Your rucksack should be big enough to carry the food and water you need for the longest stretches between resupplies.
Food preparation
I choose my stove based on what fuels are available locally. On the TCT and the Pamir Trail, medical alcohol was available at village pharmacies, so I used a tiny alcohol stove.
Insects
I usually have long sleeves and long trousers. For trips into areas with a lot of insects, I might also pack a midge veil, or even insect repellent.
Gear repair
I usually carry some kite fabric, a small roll of duct tape, a few buttons, Therm-A-Rest repair pads (with glue pads), and a few GearAid bag patches. I use tooth floss for stitching.
First aid
I usually carry hydration sachets, gauze rolls, a sewing needle, safety pins, painkiller (and anti-inflammatory) tablets, a whistle, antiseptic wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, butterfly closures, medical tape, anti-diarrhoeal tablets and anti-histamine tablets.
My tent, a key item in my gear list
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Choosing gear is very personal. When hiking the Transcausasian Trail, I met a young “fastpacker” with only 3 kg on his back, and an army veteran marching with a dog and a 100-litre backpack. I prefer the light-weight approach, for which I find Cam Honan’s website to be a useful reference. Here I’ve listed my ‘standard’ gear, for international summer hiking trips in the mountains. A lighter set-up is possible, but this is the gear I’ve used for the thru-hiking the TCT and the Pamir Trail, and it’s gotten me through major river crossings, appalling bushwhacks, and ascents of 5,000-metre peaks.