I’ve done everything from short weekend hikes in Vermont to a full 5-day trek through the Dolomites — but until recently, planning gear always felt like a combination of guesswork, overpacking, and last-minute stress.
That changed when I stumbled upon HikingGear.forum, a community-driven site packed with tools, calculators, and printable resources made specifically for hikers. I used it to plan my recent trip through the Julian Alps, and it turned out to be the lightest, best-prepared, and honestly, most comfortable hike I’ve done.
The Calculator That Changed My Pack
First, I used their Backpack Weight Calculator — and wow. It breaks down your base weight, consumables, and worn gear. Instead of tossing in “just in case” items, I saw exactly where my weight was going and what I could cut. Swapping a stainless pot for titanium, ditching a bulky fleece for a lightweight puffy — it all added up.
I went from a 32 lb pack to just under 24 lbs.
Printable Checklists = Zero Regrets
I also downloaded one of their printable checklists (they have beginner, ultralight, and even women-specific versions). It was clean, easy to follow, and helped me remember the little stuff — like lip balm with SPF and a backup water treatment tab.
Best part? It actually felt curated by real hikers, not just SEO-churned content.
Infographics That Make It Fun
Before I left, I printed out one of their infographics: “5 Gear Mistakes Hikers Always Regret.” I stuck it on my fridge. I smiled every time I looked at it, but guess what? I avoided every single mistake.
- Didn’t overpack
- Didn’t forget rain gear
- Tested my tent beforehand
Why I’ll Keep Using It
What I love about HikingGear.forum is that it’s not trying to sell me $500 tents or get me to click affiliate links. It’s a community, and everything they build — from the weight calculator to the gear selection guides — feels like it was made by people who actually hike.
If you’re planning a hike, especially your first long one, do yourself a favor and check them out. My knees, shoulders, and sanity are thankful I did.
Explore their free tools and resources here → https://hikinggear.forum