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From protective sunglasses to weather-resistant boots, this gear has you covered out on the trails
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Earlier this spring, on a hiking path in the middle of Los Angeles, we found ourselves sliding down a shortcut on the way to the main dirt route. It wasn’t a serious drop by any means — just enough of a rocky, uneven decline to elevate our heart rate — but it still reminded us of one major issue: We simply hadn’t prepared for the elements. Instead, we could’ve laced up in a pair of proper hiking boots we had back at our house rather than throw on our beat-up running sneakers.
Of course, finding the right hiking gear depends a lot on where you’re trekking and the time of year. The difference in terrain can make or break which hiking shoes or boots you go with, the apparel you decide to wear, and the accessories that could protect you from the elements.
At a Glance: Our Top Hiking Essentials
Ultimately, with a bit of preparation — and some online scrolling — your next hike is practically a walk in the park. Looking for new hiking gear? Below we picked a few of our top recommendations.
In This Article
- The Best Hiking Essentials
- How We Chose the Best Hiking Gear and Essentials
So where do you start with choosing which hiking gear is essential? “Appropriate clothing and gear for a hike will vary with region, season, terrain, and length of hike,” says Ingrid Johnson, a product information specialist at REI. “The best way to learn to optimize besides experience is by talking to an avid hiker in your area or the place where you will be traveling.” Johnson recommends the outdoors experts at REI, or reaching out to “ranger stations and other outdoors-oriented visitor information centers.”
As far as shorter hikes go, it’s still important to arrive at the trailhead fully prepared, from gearing up with simple medical supplies or lightweight layers. And that goes for even casual hikes, too.
“Even if you won’t be more than a mile or two from the parking lot, you are farther from help and from conveniences than in the city,” Johnson says. “Always have food and water, a light jacket (or one more layer than the weather calls for), a first aid kit, a pocket knife or small multitool, and a mylar emergency blanket.”
Continues Johnson: “While not necessary everywhere or for everyone, trekking poles are a wonderful tool for helping with balance and reducing fatigue if the terrain is rough or slippery or steeper than what your body is used to walking on every day. And a map. If you can’t get your hands on a paper one, take a photo of the sign at the trailhead or a screenshot of an online one before you lose reception as well as any written trail descriptions you can find.”
For longer hikes, however, you’ll want to make sure to pack some additional items. “Extra layers,” Johnson suggests, “including hat and gloves in case the weather turns or you get caught out longer than you expected to be because of a route-finding issue, an injury, or just not being able to tear yourself away from the peacefulness and incredible views.” Just don’t forget food and plenty of water, too.
As far as what hikers can leave at home, Johnson says to skip any “electronics not necessary to your safety or the peace of mind of loved ones. It is too easy to get distracted from being present in nature or to compromise the experience of other hikers around you.” And, of course, the gear expert leaves us with one last piece of advice when prepping for your upcoming hikes: “Take only photographs, leave only footprints, make wonderful memories, and have fun.”
The Best Hiking Gear and Hiking Essentials
With Johnson’s advice in mind, along with our own testing and hiking experience, here are a few hiking essentials to consider taking on your next trip to the trails this summer and beyond.
BEST EMERGENCY KIT
First Aid Kit
This kit comes with everything you need when the unexpected happens, from bandages and wipes, to a foil blanket. It’s portable enough to stash in your bag or large jacket pocket.
BEST HIKING BOOTS
Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Waterproof Hiking Boots
We’ve worn Danner’s boots everywhere from hikes through the Brazilian Amazon, cliff camping in Estes Park, to the Griffith Park hills in Los Angeles. Next on our shopping list we can’t wait to snag: The Danner Mountain 600s are waterproof and fit for hikes, no matter where you’re going.
BEST HIKING SHOES
Skechers GO RUN Trail Altitude 2.0
Prefer a low-top style? We’ve been wearing these Skechers hiking boots for months, and they’re some of the most comfortable trail shoes we’ve slipped into. The shoes are durable and waterproof, yet super lightweight. Skechers “Goga Mat” technology offers added support and comfort, with cushioning that’s reminiscent of yes, a yoga mat. The best part: the slick styling of these shoes make it easy to wear them off the trail as well.
BEST HIKING BACKPACK
Huckberry x GORUCK GR1 Slick Backpack
This Huckberry backpack is durable enough to pack full of hiking gear but slick enough to tote to the office. Inspired by military rucksacks, the backpack is made from a durable and water-resistant Cordura material — the same material used in army uniforms and luggage. The rip-proof and weatherproof construction will hold up to any excursion with ease, while multiple pockets and compartments keep your stuff safely stashed away. What we like: a “bombproof laptop compartment” holds up to a 17-inch computer and is padded to protect your device in case of accidental dings or drops.
Made in the USA, this is a Huckberry-exclusive collaboration with GORUCK.
BEST HIKING CAP
Nike Dri-FIT Fly Unstructured Swoosh Cap
Keep the sun and elements out of your eyes with this Nike cap, which features a stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric that will keep you dry and comfortable all day long. Nike’s Dri-FIT technology keeps moisture off your face by letting it quickly evaporate; the lightweight material, meantime, keeps things airy and breathable. Choose from multiple colors and sizes online.
BEST TREKKING POLES
Yukon Charlie’s Adjustable Trekking Poles
As Johnson mentioned, trekking poles can help keep your balance out on your next hike. These under-$50 poles made by Yukon Charlie’s are solid options, complete with wrist grips and adjustable designs.
BEST WATER BOTTLE
Nalgene Monochrome BPA-Free Reusable Water Bottle
It goes without saying, but you’ll always want to stay hydrated out on a hiking trail. A reusable water bottle that can easily clip to your hiking backpack or belt loop is a great way to make sure you always have some H20 by your side. We love using our BPA-free Nalgene water bottle, which is easy to clean, plus easy to carry with us on the trail.
MOST STYLISH HIKING SHOES
On Men’s Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoes
You don’t always have to rely on hiking boots for your day out on the trails. These hiking kicks from the pros at On will do the trick, providing the traction you need for any terrain. Bonus: They can tackle wet conditions, too.
BEST HIKING JACKET
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
As Johnson suggests, make sure you take a lightweight jacket, even on shorter hikes, to stay prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. We love Patagonia’s jackets for their comfort, style, packability, and lightweight design.
BEST HIKING SHORTS
Patagonia Men’s 5” Baggies Shorts
We love wearing these Patagonia shorts on warm-weather, casual hikes. We’ve worn them everywhere from in the Pacific for a quick dip to a stream in Ojai after a sweaty hike. They dry quickly, look cool, and feel comfortable all day long. Put simply, they’re an essential piece of gear for any situation.
BEST RAIN BOOTS
Crocs Classic Boot
You haven’t seen Crocs like this before. These lightweight, “weatherproof” boots boast a comfortable design and cover your ankles, ideal for hikes in overgrown or wet areas.
BEST SUNGLASSES
Goodr Bosley’s Basset Hound Dreams Sunglasses
If you’re heading out on a daytime hike, or trying to see the views on the top of the hill at sunset, you’ll need a quality pair of durable shades. Enter this trail-ready, lightweight pair from Goodr, which features UV-blocking lenses and a grippy construction for when you’re sweating on the way up.
BEST ALL-TERRAIN SHOES
Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoes
Whether you’re looking for serious grip on the trails or shopping for breathable, comfortable sneakers on your next route, the Merrell Moab Speed 2s deliver. They’re a solid option if you’re not looking for a pair of heavy-duty boots, and prefer a more casual hiking shoe. Bonus: They look pretty badass.
BEST HEADLAMP
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
A headlamp comes in handy for everything from emergency kits to hikes alike, and something Johnson points out as an essential, especially for longer hikes. “If you misjudge turnaround time and get benighted out there, a headlamp will make all the difference to being able to get back to your car as well as to being able to use any of the safety gear you have carried.” For under $20, you can score a solid, reliable Black Diamond lamp on REI.
How We Chose Our Hiking Essentials
After consulting experts like Johnson, top user reviews, and our own product testing after several hikes over the years, we picked our top hiking essential recommendations. We also chose our list of hiking essentials based on whether they could hold up to both short or long hikes, and a variety of weather and environmental conditions, from wet areas to dry, uneven terrain.
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