“It’s the journey, not the destination.”
Never is this more true, than with hiking. Although the “destinations” of our hikes find us in all kinds of breathtaking places like mountaintops and waterfalls, for those of us truly infected with the bug, the trail itself is a love affair. Whether it’s a 45 minute jaunt around a nearby reservoir, a life-changing week spent hiking the Dolomites, or a 3 month thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, or even it’s not an inconvenience or a thing to be rushed, but an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors on our terms, at our pace.
The Best Hiking Gear For You
Trusty hiking gear is what allows us to take full advantage of this opportunity. While there will eternally be blisters and sore muscles, good equipment keeps us safe and comfortable, to power our exploration.
At Gear Lobo, we know there are countless gizmos and trinkets that you could amass, but here are few of the most foundational pieces of hiking gear:
Hiking Backpacks
To many folks, whether or not you have a backpack on is the chief difference between “hiking” and simply just “walking.” Even though delineations like that are just semantics, the fact remains that a hiking backpack is a mainstay of folks on the trail.
Hikers keep all kinds of things in their backpacks: water, trail snacks, first aid supplies, maps and navigation equipment, extra clothing and more.
One of the biggest questions to answer is whether or not you need a frame backpack. If you don’t need a frame, than a backpack similar to what you used for school is a great option. Several manufacturers make really durable versions of these. Unlike your school backpack however, you can also find backpacks made of ballistic nylon, with ultra supportive harnesses, reinforced zipper pulls, quick release buckles and more. You can also find knapsacks, and assault style packs on the market.
Frame backpacks offer greater carrying capacity with superior support. The frame give added rigidity to the load that you are carrying, and does a better job of more evenly dispersing the weight.
External frame backpacks usually offer the greatest carrying capacity, and are what you think of when you picture the classic “Boy Scout” style pack. Just like the name suggests, internal frame backpacks have an aluminum or molded plastic frame on the inside of the pack.
See Our Recommended Hiking Backpacks Here
Hiking Pants
A solid pair of hiking pants will keep you comfortable in virtually all weather. They protect you from the scrapes of brush and brambles, from the bites of insects and critters, and from the sun’s rays.
It’s important that hiking pants are lightweight and permit all kinds of movement (I know, Captain Obvious!). A runner up requirement for many of us is that our hiking pants be waterproof (or at least water resistant). Thanks to the marvels of modern textiles, it is possible to get pants that are all this and more.
See Our Recommended Hiking Pants Here
Hiking Boots
Many people have a pair of hiking boots sitting in the closet somewhere. And hey, if they’re working well for you, awesome! On the other hand, if you are in the market for a new pair, there are plenty of fantastic options.
If there were a single north star we could point you to in the search for new hiking boots, it would be “don’t try to be cool.” This is one time when you need to ruthlessly forget about premium brand names and all the buzz from marketing and well-meaning friends. To be completely honest, it’s impossible to ever fully rid ourselves of all that stuff, but at least push it to the far corner of your mind.
Hiking boots need to fit well, be lightweight, and hold up to the abuse of the trail. In short–COMFORTABLE. Your feet are more inextricably tied to your overall happiness in the outdoors, than anything else.
The price of hiking boots can vary drastically, from $30 – $300 (or even more!). We also recommend getting really good socks, and at least checking out hiking sandals.
See Our Recommended Hiking Boots Here
Hiking Shoes
Maybe you aren’t wanting a full-on hiking bootfor certain adventures. In these cases, hiking shoes are an excellent alternative. Hiking shoes offer a great level of support, without being as heavy or hot.
As you would imagine, they sit nicely in between a hiking boot and a hiking sandal.
Our list of recommended hiking shoes gives our straightforward advice for men’s shoes, women’s shoes, kids’ shoes and more. Take a look and enjoy the trail!
See Our Recommended Hiking Shoes Here
Hydration Packs
It seems crazy to think about it, but hydration packs have really only come into being within the last 2 decades (obviously there were iterations that some people had before that). But in that time they have revolutionized the time we spend in the outdoors.
Far from being just a product to sell, hydration packs have done a lot to keep people safe in all activities–running, cycling, skiing, and yes, hiking. By virtue of the simple fact that water is more readily accessible, we drink more more frequently and in greater amounts.
Hydration packs come with all shapes and sizes of bladders. Make sure you have one that you like before you hit the trail.
If interested, we put together a brief list of our favorite hydration packs (as well as a few pointers) that you can check out.
See Our Recommended Hydration Packs Here
Headlamps
In the last decade, headlamps have become increasingly popular, because they give users that all-important ability to keep both hands free.
At times, headlamps are used for an “on-purpose” night hike, although there are dozens of unplanned times when a headlamp comes in handy as well. Setting up camp at 9:30 at night? No problem. Car break down after dark? Easy.
Even if you do have free hands, there are plenty of places on our planet when you would prefer to have your hands inside your pockets (or mittens) during the winter months.
See Our Recommended Headlamps Here
Hiking Shirts
Not to be overlooked, a proper hiking shirt that’s lightweight and thoughtfully designed, can make a world of difference on the trail.
The best hiking shirts are well-ventilated, and made of material that will quickly and easily wick moisture away from your body. Solid hiking shirts are also rated to have UPF protection from the sun (usually 50+ for the best).
In short, you want to be cool, comfortable, and protected from the sun. And…. no rubbing or chaffing (shirts that get sweaty and bunch will put you through this far too much).
See Our Recommended Hydration Hiking Shirts Here
Hiking Sandals
Depending on the weather, vegetation and ground conditions, hiking sandals may actually be a more comfortable way to go than boots.
Sandals are better for warmer weather and wading through water. With a sturdy pair of Chacos or Keens, you can hike and wade all day. Your feet will dry quickly, and love the fresh air.
On the flip side, they aren’t as good at protecting your feet from insects, brush, irritants like poison ivy. Also, if you will be camping, your hiking sandals don’t give you quite the same level of protection around campground tools like axes, hatchets, hammers, and knives.
At the end of the day though, sandals are just plain comfortable! Why not free your feet to be that much closer to nature?
See Our Recommended Hiking Sandals Here
Hiking Socks
One of the most important things about hiking socks is to make sure that you have several different pairs with you. Why? Because at night, the socks you’ve been hiking in all day will be sweaty and cold. Conversely, if you have a new, fresh pair, you will be able to give your feet a treat by slipping into them.
When the sun is out or you have decent air flow, you can wash your socks, and recycle them again for another wearing. If you always have a few pairs of socks with you though, you never have to put your feet through the misery of being soggy and cold.
Hiking socks typically are some combination of 3 things: wool, cotton, and synthetics. Wool feels awesome, and has really good warming properties, but the retention is really crappy (one of the reasons many of us prefer wool for “evening socks” even if not trail socks). Cotton is extremely comfortable with boots but can also become stiff over time. Synthetics wick well and have other benefits, as well as drawbacks.
The best way to get really good hiking socks is to buy a few different pairs. After a couple wears, you will be able to tell which ones you like the best. Go back and buy a few more pairs of these.
See Our Recommended Hiking Socks Here
Liner Socks
Not to be overlooked, liner socks can make a huge difference in how comfortable your feet are while you are hiking.
Not only do they help to keep your feet warmer in cold weather, but they can also help a lot with wicking away perspiration from your feet. Because they are made to hug your feet with a perfect fit, they also help to prevent “bunching” in fabric.
Less moisture and less bunching means less friction, which means fewer blisters, which equals happily ever after. Seriously, if you don’t already have some for your hikes, you should pick up a couple pairs.
See Our Recommended Sock Liners Here
