We have compiled a selection of our most beloved hiking gear ever. These are the companies we rely on for top-notch quality, whether it’s for venturing into the wilderness, going on weekend camping excursions, or simply taking a stroll with your dog in the local area. Each item on the list is something we have personally tested and had exceptional experiences with. From high-end to more affordable options, these are the outdoor products we prefer, have confidence in, and suggest to our loved ones whenever they want to explore the great outdoors.
Brands We Recommend
Patagonia
Our love for Patagonia comes from two reasons. Firstly, they produce top-quality gear for various activities such as backpacking and fly fishing. Secondly, they are highly committed to environmental conservation, as evidenced by their consistent donation of 1% of their annual profits to grassroots environmental nonprofits since 1985. Some of our preferred Patagonia items include the comfortable Synchilla fleece, versatile Baggies swim trunks, and reliable Torrentshell rain jackets.
Mountain Hardwear
While Mountain Hardwear is commonly recognized for their tough mountaineering equipment such as Phantom sleeping bags and Trango tents, they are also highly regarded as one of the most ingenious outdoor clothing brands available in the market today. Their Ghostwhisperer line of exceptionally lightweight down jackets is considered one of the finest in the industry. Additionally, we appreciate their Polartec fleece, durable climbing pants, and comfortable sun hoodies.
REI Co-op
Our preferred brand for affordable outdoor gear is REI Co-op. They excel in offering durable, technical, and well-designed products, making them a budget-friendly choice for high-quality clothing. Whether you are new to performance apparel or on a tighter budget, REI Co-op is a great option for basics like hiking socks, base layers, and outerwear. We specifically recommend their Gore-Tex rainwear, Sahara hiking clothes, and Hyperaxis fleece.
The North Face
The North Face, known for their iconic zippered fleece and fashionable puffer jackets, is a renowned outdoor brand with a strong reputation. It has been providing gear for extreme mountaineering expeditions for a significant amount of time. Additionally, the brand excels in producing top-notch ski apparel, trail running shoes, and luggage.
Darn Tough
Darn Tough is unique among the outdoor brands mentioned because they exclusively offer one product: high-quality merino wool socks. We highly recommend Darn Tough socks for all outdoor activities such as hiking and trail running. The brand is also notable for their exceptional lifetime guarantee – should you ever wear out a pair, they will replace it at no cost.
Accessories You Should Get
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Having tested all of the exciting new satellite communicators on the market, I can confidently say that the Garmin inReach stands out as the best option, capable of saving your life. The Mini 2 version is both durable and compact, while also offering an impressive battery life.
Osprey Stratos / Sirrus
With an increasing number of exceptional backpacks available, the Stratos and Sirrus remain the top choices for hikers when considering factors such as weight, comfort, and price. However, if you prefer a lightweight and minimalist backpack, you may want to consider the Zpacks Sub-Nero 30L, which I occasionally utilize.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
When I am not always using trekking poles, I do prefer using them. I find the cork grips to be very effective when I am sweating, and they are made of lightweight carbon fiber which remains functional even after being repeatedly used and mistreated. On occasions when I desire a lighter option, I opt for the folding Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z.
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp
The NU25 is a simple and ultralight headlamp that can be easily recharged using USB-C. Unlike most headlamps, it is not overbuilt with complicated button combinations that are easy to forget when needed in the dark. It provides everything you need without any unnecessary features.
Smartwater Bottle + Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
After using a hydration bladder for a long time, I have completely transitioned to using Smartwater bottles. These bottles are uncomplicated, lightweight, sturdy, and conveniently available at any gas station in the USA. The Sawyer Squeeze attaches easily to the top of the Smartwater bottle, enabling me to fill it with untreated water and effortlessly release filtered water directly into my mouth by squeezing. Although I consume more water with a hydration bladder, my preferred choice when using one is the Osprey 3L.
Smartphone Navigation
When weather conditions are favorable, I primarily rely on a smartphone for navigation. AllTrails, an excellent app for beginners, offers great functionality. For advanced users, Gaia GPS premium provides a wide array of map layers. OnX falls somewhere in the middle. However, when faced with wet or extreme conditions, the smartphone touchscreen becomes unreliable. In such situations, my go-to device is the Garmin GPSMAP 67, which exclusively uses buttons for operation.
Garmin Epix Pro 51mm
Despite their high price, I utilize these watches constantly for various purposes, such as monitoring my sleep, engaging in workouts, measuring my heart rate, and tracking my hikes. They come with preloaded hiking maps which come in handy for navigating trails, serving as a backup to my smartphone’s navigation system. The Epix Pro specifically boasts an excellent battery life, a screen comparable to that of an Apple Watch Ultra, and is capable of functioning effectively in tough environments by relying solely on the buttons.
Lightweight USB Battery Charger
One advantage of having USB devices such as my phone, GPS, camera, and headlamp is that I only require a single battery pack to recharge them. Recent advancements in technology have made these devices more compact and lighter than before. As an iPhone user, I utilize the Anker 622, which is Magsafe and easily attaches to my phone. Additionally, it enables me to charge USB-C devices using a compact cord. For extended journeys, I opt for the Nitecore NB10000, which is slightly larger in size but still lightweight.
Paper Maps
Electronic navigation is highly reliable nowadays, but it relies on power and the durability of your device. To be prepared, it is advisable to carry a paper map as a backup. Additionally, paper maps are useful when making decisions on a larger scale, as they provide a comprehensive view of the landscape. Consequently, arranging a paper map and comprehending the entirety of the surroundings surpasses the experience of scrolling on a screen. To protect the map, it is recommended to keep it in a Ziploc bag and complement it with a dependable compass.
