Day Hiking
Hiking Clothes
We have you covered from head to toe when it comes to the best hiking clothes for women and men...
Hiking Gear
We researched the best hiking gear for you so you can spend more time on the trails...
Hiking Trails
Discover your next favorite hiking trail...
Hiking
Tips
Read about the latest hiking tips and tricks as well as our complete beginner's guide to hiking...
Are You A Beginner Hiker? Make Sure to Check Out Our Complete Guide to Getting Started...
Why Having the Right Hiking Clothes & Gear is Key
You can’t just go walk outside your door and start hiking. Hiking is a sport that just like any other activity requires proper gear, designed to withstand the outdoor elements.
Having the right gear can make or break a hiking expedition — and will definitely affect whether you fall in love with hiking or decide that it’s not the right kind of pursuit for you.
Proper hiking gear ensures you will have a comfortable day out on the trail and that you’ll be protected from the elements — in case you run into inclement weather.
For example, you’ll want a rain coat if you plan on hiking in wet conditions. For this same reason, you might also want to invest in a pair of waterproof hiking boots.
Hiking trails can be frozen, muddy, slippery and occasionally scattered with large rocks and boulders. There will often be puddles or shallow stream crossings.
Depending on where you’re hiking, you might need to be prepared for high gains and losses in elevation.
Consider your experience, level of preparation, and the kind of gear you will need before setting out on your first hiking trip.
Do you plan on hiking beginner, moderate, or strenuous trails?
Deciding on your ideal type of hiking pursuit is a good first step in picking out the hiking gear that will be appropriate for you.
Boots: Hiking boots are one of the most essential pieces of hiking gear.
Boots are the barrier between your body and the earth.
They will help you navigate steam crossings, trail obstacles, and ensure that your feet remain comfortable mile after mile.
They are generally stiffer than typical shoes, built tough enough to handle the rigors of the trail, and often waterproof.
Insulated boots are intended for winter conditions, ensuring your feet stay warm.
Hiking boots are generally ankle-high, offering plenty of support.
Shoes: For hikers who are looking for the same support and weatherproof characteristics offered by boots but in a lightweight form, hiking shoes are the perfect alternative.
Hiking shoes are cut below the ankle, similar to tennis shoes, but offer a lot more than tennis shoes in terms of weather resistance and durability.
Many hiking shoes are waterproof, like hiking boots, and offer plenty of support and durability, including toe caps and rugged outsoles.
They’re constructed from material meant to handle the elements and trail wear.
Whether you decide on a pair of boots or shoes make sure you invest in some essential hiking socks to ensure all day comfort.
Jackets: There are a variety of different types of hiking jackets including soft shell varieties, rain jackets, hard shells, and interchangeable (3 in 1 jackets) types.
Each jacket suits a different purpose. Soft shell jackets are designed for breathability when you’re on the move while hard shells provide for wind proofing and waterproofing.
Interchangeable jackets include a soft shell and a hard shell built into one, while rain jackets are designed specifically to be waterproof.
Pants: Hiking pants are designed to be abrasion resistant, provide for a level of weatherproofing, and offer mobility and flexibility for comfort when moving out on the trail.
Some options, like these women's convertible hiking pants, give you the flexibility to transition between long and short pants via a zipper or roll-up feature.
They are typically crafted with a small amount of spandex, providing for elasticity, which you’ll covet when you’re on the move.
Many hiking pants also offer sun protection.
Base layers: Comfortable base layers ensure optimum mobility and breathability.
Merino wool and synthetic base layers are the most common types of base layers, each with their own distinct advantages. Wool is great for odor resistance while synthetic layers are quicker drying.
Backpacks: Hiking backpacks are used for carrying essential gear, such as water, snacks, gadgets, and extra layers.
For day hiking, a small day pack will suffice while backpacking requires a much larger pack with room for overnight essentials including a tent and sleeping bag.
Gadgets: Hiking gadgets encompass a huge category of gear. In its most basic form, a hiking gadget is something used to enhance your experience out on the trail.
Hiking gadgets include compasses, a good GPS for hiking, types of lighting such as headlamps, water filtration devices, cameras, and video recorders.
Technology helps us function better in society — and outdoor technology is no exception.
Hiking gadgets can assist us in getting from Point A to Point B or enhance our experience out on the trail, such as providing us with memorable snapshots or even giving us a chance to rest our feet and take in the views relaxing in a comfortable hiking hammock.
Hiking Gear Brands
Although this list is not comprehensive, these are some of the major hiking gear brands, many of which will be highlighted throughout this site.
Some are specific to footwear or apparel while many offer a wide range of products.
Patagonia: Patagonia is known for its provision of high-quality outdoor gear, including sport-specific apparel ranging from skiing to hiking, climbing, and trail running.
The company is perhaps just as well-known for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Patagonia’s mission: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Merrell: Merrell is an American maker of high-performance hiking boots. Its product line includes lightweight trail-runners to heavy, insulated boots.
Merrell has expanded to include outdoor apparel but remain most renowned for making strides in the hiking boot industry.
Their secret to success? Combining American cowboy boot technology with the Italian boot manufacturing process.
KEEN: KEEN is a quality hiking boot manufacturer regarded for its original and versatile brand values.
The story began in 2003 when the company asked if a sandal could protect your toes — and launched its first successful product that has since transformed into an innovative collection.
KEEN is regarded for its astounding dedication to disaster relief and the creation of KEENFest, an outdoor festival that encourages industry members to get together.
Ahnu: This New Zealand shoe making company is small, but mighty.
Its small collection of products includes women’s waterproof hiking boots that are high quality and affordable.
Ahnu shoes can be purchased directly from the website or through one of the company’s prominent outdoor retailers.
Salomon: Salomon is a major outdoor shoe, equipment, and apparel brand committed to inspiring individuals to get outside and play more.
Its collection highlights hiking shoes, mountaineering boots, clothing, and a whole range of snow sport equipment, including skis and snowboards.
Salomon’s products are built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors and often feature Gore-Tex elements.
Columbia: This popular outdoor brand is based out of the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for apparel, shoes, and equipment and excels in all three categories.
The company’s 70 year history makes it a renowned and reliable presence in the outdoor realm.
Columbia began as “Columbia Hat Company” — and has since been transformed into one of the industry’s most trusted brands.
Danner: Danner is a superior boot making company regarded for its products’ handcrafted precision.
These boots are made tough to last — meant to withstand anything nature throws their way.
Some of Danner’s products are designed for law enforcement and the military — so you can be assured they take durability seriously.
Marmot: Marmot was founded as “Marmot Mountain Works” in Grand Junction, Colorado by two students who dreamed of designing their own mountaineering equipment.
The company designed over 100 puffy jackets for 20th Century Fox’s movie, The Eiger Sanction.
It is most renowned for apparel, sleeping bags, and tents.
The North Face: The North Face is named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain — and it makes mountain wear that lives up to its name.
Perhaps one of the most famous brands in outdoor equipment, the North Face has been in business for over 50 years.
The North Face lives up to its mantra ‘never stop exploring’ and sends athletes on far-flung expeditions all over the globe.
Camelbak: Camelbak is an outdoor equipment company based out of California best known for its hydration products.
The company began when bicycle enthusiast Michael Eidson was competing in the “Hotter’N Hell 100” and stayed hydrated by filling an IV bag with water and slipping it into a tube sock, which he wore in his cycling jersey.
Osprey: Osprey is one of the most renowned providers of backpacks for outdoor adventures.
From technical mountaineering packs, ski packs, rolling duffel bags, and everything in between, Osprey is dedicated to the comfort and durability of its products. Its Anti-Gravity suspension system has helped redefine pack carrying in the outdoors.
Teton Sports: Teton Sports is an outdoor equipment company dedicated to providing high quality products at a more affordable price than competing brands.
Its line includes tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and camp pads.
Venture Pal: Venture Pal is an affordable outdoor brand known for its backpacks and travel gear.
Although a newcomer to the industry, it makes some quality products that stand on their own in the backcountry.
MSR: Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is a technical outdoor equipment company best known for its production of cookware, tents, and water filtration products.
MSR was begun by one man dedicated to improving the safety of climbing equipment and now serves as one of the top names in the industry.
Therm-a-Rest: Therm-a-Rest is synonymous with backcountry sleeping equipment, primarily sleeping pads.
The company creates top-of-the-line mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags, and tents and is perhaps best known for its innovations in outdoor sleeping technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gear do I need for hiking?
What layers do I need for hiking?
Am I fit enough to go hiking?
What supplies should I bring on a day hike?
When will I be ready for an overnight trip?
What kind of hiking shoes or boots should I buy?
Are hiking poles necessary?
How do I stay safe while hiking?
What are some popular trail snacks?
Can I drink from streams or lakes?
Hiking can be enjoyed by people of all ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds.
It’s a fabulous solo activity but also a great way to spend time with friends or family. Getting people that are close to you into hiking can make for a healthier lifestyle, shared hobby, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The important thing is to get out there and have a positive experience so that you want to come back and do it again.
Hiking is one of the best ways to encourage people to appreciate the beauty of nature and help protect our world’s remaining natural resources and having the right hiking gear completes the experience.
It’s time to get off the couch and get hiking...
The trails are calling!
