The Best Hiking Gear for Seniors: What Is Actually Worth Buying
Hiking is one of the best ways to stay active after 60. It gets you outdoors, challenges your fitness, takes you to some incredible places and can be enjoyed at almost any level.
But you do not need a garage full of expensive equipment to start hiking.
The goal is to choose gear that makes walking more comfortable, helps you manage the conditions and gives you the equipment you may need if something goes wrong.
Below is our guide to the hiking gear we think is genuinely worth considering for older hikers in Australia.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Top Pick: Hiking Poles
If you are only going to add one piece of equipment to your hiking setup, a good pair of hiking poles is worth considering.
Poles can provide additional stability on uneven ground and can be particularly useful when tackling steep descents, loose surfaces, creek crossings and rocky sections.
They can also give you another point of contact with the ground when balance becomes more challenging.
What to look for
Choose poles with adjustable height, comfortable grips, secure wrist straps and a lightweight design.
Collapsible poles are particularly convenient because they can be stored in your backpack or car when you do not need them.
See our recommended hiking poles on Amazon:
1. Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes
Your footwear can make or break a hike.
The right choice depends largely on where you plan to walk.
Trail shoes can be a great option for maintained tracks and easier walks because they are generally lighter.
Hiking boots provide more coverage and may be preferable on rougher trails, particularly where rocks, mud and uneven surfaces are common.
For many recreational hikers, a lightweight hiking boot or supportive trail shoe provides a good balance between comfort and protection.
What to look for
Prioritise fit above everything else.
Look for enough room around your toes, good grip underneath the shoe and cushioning that feels comfortable for you.
If you regularly walk in wet conditions, water resistance may also be useful.
It is worth trying hiking footwear with the socks you actually intend to wear.
See our recommended hiking footwear on Amazon:
2. Personal Locator Beacon
If you regularly hike in remote areas, a Personal Locator Beacon can be an important addition to your safety equipment.
A PLB is designed for emergency situations where you need urgent assistance and other methods of communication may not be available.
This becomes particularly relevant on Australian trails where mobile reception can disappear surprisingly quickly.
A PLB should not replace good planning, navigation, appropriate clothing or telling someone where you are going. Think of it as another layer of protection when travelling into more isolated areas.
Australian beacon owners should also make sure their beacon meets Australian requirements and is correctly registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
See our recommended Personal Locator Beacon on Amazon:
3. Lightweight Daypack
For most day hikes, you do not need a huge backpack.
A comfortable daypack gives you enough room for water, food, sun protection, first aid supplies, additional clothing and emergency equipment without encouraging you to carry unnecessary weight.
Around 20 to 25 litres is often enough for a typical day walk, although your requirements will depend on the trail and conditions.
What to look for
Look for comfortable adjustable shoulder straps, useful pockets, good ventilation against your back and enough space for your essentials.
A hip or waist strap can also help stabilise the pack while walking.
If you prefer using a hydration bladder, make sure the backpack is compatible with one.
See our recommended lightweight daypack on Amazon:
4. Hydration Pack
Having enough water is essential on any hike, particularly in Australian conditions.
A hydration bladder sits inside your backpack and uses a drinking tube that runs over your shoulder.
The main advantage is convenience. You can drink regularly without stopping and taking your backpack off every time you want water.
That can be useful on longer walks where it is easy to forget to drink.
Before setting out, consider the distance, weather, difficulty of the trail and whether reliable drinking water is available along the route.
See our recommended hydration pack on Amazon:
5. Insulated Water Bottle
Not everyone likes hydration bladders.
A good water bottle is simpler, easier to clean and perfectly suitable for many shorter walks.
An insulated bottle also has the advantage of keeping your water cooler during warmer conditions.
Some hikers actually prefer carrying both a hydration bladder and a separate bottle on longer walks.
See our recommended hiking water bottle on Amazon:
6. Wide Brim Sun Hat
Sun protection deserves serious attention when hiking in Australia.
A good hiking hat should protect more than the top of your head. A wide brim provides additional coverage for your face, ears and neck.
What to look for
Look for a hat with a high UPF rating, a wide brim, breathable material and a comfortable fit.
A chin strap can also be surprisingly useful on exposed and windy trails.
Your hat should form part of broader sun protection that includes appropriate clothing, sunscreen, shade and sensible decisions about when you hike.
See our recommended hiking sun hat on Amazon:
7. Hiking Socks
Hiking socks are inexpensive compared with most hiking equipment, but they can make a noticeable difference to comfort.
Regular cotton socks can retain moisture and may become uncomfortable during longer walks.
Purpose made hiking socks are designed to manage moisture and provide cushioning around areas such as the heel and forefoot.
Merino wool and wool blends are popular because they can provide good temperature regulation while managing moisture.
What to look for
Look for comfortable cushioning, minimal irritating seams and a height that works with your chosen footwear.
Most importantly, test your socks and shoes together before attempting a long hike.
See our recommended hiking socks on Amazon:
8. Trekking Gloves
Gloves are not necessary for every Australian hike, but they can be useful in cooler conditions and at higher elevations.
They can also make using hiking poles more comfortable for some people.
A lightweight pair takes up very little room in your backpack, making gloves an easy addition when the forecast suggests colder conditions.
What to look for
Choose something lightweight, breathable and easy to pack.
Grip on the palms can be useful when using poles, while touchscreen compatible fingertips mean you do not have to constantly remove your gloves to use your phone.
See our recommended trekking gloves on Amazon:
9. Blister Prevention
A small blister can turn an otherwise excellent walk into a miserable experience.
The best approach is dealing with friction before it becomes a major problem.
Make sure your hiking footwear is properly broken in before a long walk and pay attention when you first notice rubbing or discomfort.
Carrying blister treatment in your pack also means you can deal with a developing problem rather than walking on it for another few hours.
See our recommended blister prevention product on Amazon:
10. Knee Support
Some hikers find a knee support useful, particularly if they already use one during exercise or longer walks.
However, a brace should not be treated as a solution for unexplained or persistent knee pain.
If knee pain is affecting your ability to walk or hike, it is worth discussing it with an appropriate health professional rather than simply trying to push through it.
What to look for
Comfort matters.
A support that constantly slides down or becomes unbearably hot will probably end up in your backpack rather than on your knee.
Look for breathable material, comfortable compression and a design that stays in place while moving.
See our recommended knee support on Amazon:
11. Cooling Towel
A cooling towel is not essential equipment, but it can be a useful comfort item during warmer walks.
They are lightweight, take up very little room and can be wetted when you want some temporary relief from the heat.
That said, a cooling towel should never be relied upon to make unsafe hiking conditions safe.
On very hot days, changing your route, starting earlier, choosing a shorter walk or postponing the hike altogether may be the better decision.
See our recommended cooling towel on Amazon:
What Should You Wear Hiking?
You do not necessarily need specialised hiking clothing from head to toe.
Comfort and suitability for the conditions matter more.
For your first layer, choose clothing that manages moisture and dries relatively quickly.
In cooler conditions, carry an insulating layer such as a lightweight fleece.
A lightweight rain jacket can be valuable when conditions are changeable.
For your legs, comfortable lightweight pants or shorts that allow unrestricted movement are generally suitable.
Most importantly, check the forecast and trail conditions before leaving. Conditions can vary dramatically depending on where you are hiking in Australia.
What Else Should Be in Your Backpack?
The exact equipment you need depends on the walk.
For a simple local trail, your requirements may be relatively basic. A long or remote hike requires considerably more preparation.
Depending on the route, consider carrying navigation, sun protection, additional clothing, a torch or headlamp, first aid supplies, extra food, adequate water and some form of emergency shelter.
Remote walks may also warrant emergency communication equipment such as a PLB.
Do not rely entirely on your phone. Batteries fail and mobile coverage is not guaranteed.
Hiking Tips for Over 60s
Start with easier trails
You do not have to tackle a mountain to be a hiker.
Start with shorter, well marked walks and gradually increase the distance and difficulty as your fitness and confidence improve.
Tell someone where you are going
For longer or more isolated walks, tell someone your planned route and when you expect to return.
Check the conditions
Look at the weather forecast, trail information and any park alerts before leaving.
Conditions that were fine last week may be completely different today.
Start early
An earlier start can give you more daylight and may help you avoid the hottest part of the day during warmer months.
Take breaks
There is no prize for completing a trail without stopping.
Rest when you need to, drink regularly and take the opportunity to actually enjoy where you are.
Turn around when necessary
Changing your plans is sometimes the safest decision you can make.
Weather changes, fatigue, pain, navigation problems or simply taking longer than expected can all be legitimate reasons to head back.
Which Hiking Gear Should You Buy First?
You certainly do not need to buy everything in this guide before your first hike.
If you are building your hiking kit from scratch, start with the equipment that solves an actual need.
Good footwear should be near the top of the list.
Hiking poles are worth considering if you want additional stability, particularly on uneven or steep terrain.
Then add a comfortable backpack, hydration equipment and appropriate sun protection.
As you progress to longer or more remote walks, your navigation and emergency equipment become increasingly important.
The goal is not to own more hiking gear.
It is to own the right gear for the walks you actually do.
Our Recommended Hiking Gear
| Gear | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking poles | Stability and uneven terrain | https://link.amazon/B00qdoDK0 |
| Hiking footwear | Comfort, grip and protection | https://link.amazon/B0a61PjwX |
| Personal Locator Beacon | Remote hiking emergencies | https://link.amazon/B00isXsK7 |
| Lightweight daypack | Carrying day hike essentials | https://link.amazon/B0apRYmYX |
| Hydration pack | Convenient hydration on longer walks | https://link.amazon/B0fzsv34K |
| Water bottle | Simple everyday hydration | https://link.amazon/B0gAGJbuD |
| Sun hat | Sun protection | https://link.amazon/B0iTM8KKx |
| Hiking socks | Foot comfort | https://link.amazon/B09Yw03tq |
| Trekking gloves | Cooler conditions and grip | https://link.amazon/B06c70UyU |
| Blister prevention | Managing friction and hotspots | https://link.amazon/B0hztpodk |
| Knee support | Additional knee support | https://link.amazon/B06vC57No |
| Cooling towel | Comfort in warmer conditions | https://link.amazon/B0isnREvf |
The Bottom Line
Hiking after 60 does not require the latest equipment or the most expensive outdoor brands.
A comfortable pair of shoes, sensible preparation and a few carefully chosen pieces of gear can take you a long way.
Start with the walks you enjoy. Build your fitness gradually. Add equipment when you have a genuine reason for needing it.
And remember that the best hiking gear is ultimately the gear that helps you get outside, walk comfortably and enjoy the trail.
What is the one piece of hiking gear you never leave home without?
