I TREK HUNDREDS OF MILES EVERY YEAR, AND THESE ARE THE 15 SPRING HIKING GEAR ITEMS I'M ADDING TO MY COLLECTION
They're going to be worth every penny.
While many people started hiking during the pandemic, I’ve been hitting the trails ever since I was a toddler. Granted, back then I was in a backpack on my dad’s shoulders. He was basically my Uber for the great outdoors — until it was time to kick me out so my baby brother could get a lift. More than 30 years later, I’m still logging hundreds of miles annually. In the last 12 months alone I’ve hiked in Colorado, the Canary Islands, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, and Tuscany. However, these days, there are no free rides, and I’m responsible for tying my own laces, something that I still haven’t mastered (more on that below), and packing my own bag.
Fortunately, I’ve been working part-time as a product tester since 2014. Because I live in Montana and spend so much time outdoors as a travel writer, I specialize in hiking and camping gear. Not only do brands send me samples to test, but if I sign an NDA, I often get a first look at products before they’re released to the public. Do I ever get duds? You bet. But after 10 years in this business, I’m pretty good at dodging them.
My next hiking trip is to Orlando, Florida, where I'll be happy to bust the myth that treks require elevation gains, followed by two weeks in Australia; I’ll hike the Scenic Rim, mountainous remnants of an ancient volcano. Below are the 15 products that I plan on picking up and packing for these treks, and more importantly, highly recommend that you invest in for the upcoming hiking season. Finally, if you run into Bigfoot out on the trails, tell him that I want my Ray-Bans back; I lost them while trekking in Glacier National Park, and my gut says that he’s got ‘em.
Related: I’m a Lifelong Camper, and I Never Head Into the Woods Without These 14 Safety Products
Trekology Trekking Poles Collapsible Nordic Hiking Poles
$44
I used to think that using trekking poles was a sign of weakness. Then I took a trip to Antarctica, where they were required for hiking on the ice, and I realized just how much they help. What’s great about these specific poles is the fact they have cork grips, which absorb sweat. They also collapse down to just 15 inches, and despite being made with aircraft-grade aluminum, each pole only weighs 11.5 ounces. Unlike previous poles that I’ve owned, this set comes with a carrying case and four different tip styles for specific terrains. More than 70 percent of Amazon shoppers have given them a five-star rating, and they’re so popular that more than 3,000 sets were sold in the last month, according to the retailer.
“These poles made the journey of a lifetime possible for us,” wrote one reviewer, who got them for their wife to use on a trip to Europe. “I watched her navigate with them for two hours on the streets of Pompeii." The shopper continued, "The poles helped her balance as she picked her way across the randomly-sized cave stones the Romans used to pave their streets 2,000 years ago.”
Cherainti Leak-Proof Hydration Bladder
$15
I love my stainless steel Yeti Rambler, but when I need hands-free hydration, I hike with this top-selling (Amazon notes that more than 3,000 were bought in the last month) lightweight leak-proof bladder. It’s compatible with most backpacks that have hydration sleeves and hang loops, including my Cotopaxi Inca 26L. But unlike other hydration bladders, this one boasts an extra-large opening, which means that I can fit ice cubes in it, and it’s not awkward to clean. The mouthpiece is easy to use, water flows freely when you bite down, and it comes with a cover to keep dirt out.
Out of all of the 1,000-plus five-star reviews, I can relate to this one left by a shopper who bought theirs for conquering Mt. Rainier. “I won’t hike without it now,” they wrote. “It's so convenient to be able to take sips of water every time you take a minute to breathe on a hard hike.”
Slson Collapsible Pet Bowls
$7
My dog also gets thirsty, so we never hike without these convenient collapsible bowls. They have nearly 22,000 five-star ratings, and are ranked no. 2 on Amazon’s list of best-sellers in dog travel bowls. I love that they come with carabiners so I can clip them to the outside of my backpack or the end of my dog’s leash. Currently, they come in 14 different color combinations and two sizes. My leonberger weighs more than me, so I got the large versions, which cost $14. And because they’re made with silicone, these bowls are dishwasher-safe and extremely durable.
“We have had them for about two years and they have held up well over time,” one pet owner happily shared. “No cracking or splitting of the rubber.”
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
$95
While working on a 2024 gear guide for National Geographic, I tested these ultra-compact binoculars (i.e. ideal for hiking) that have been deemed the “best for beginners” by Travel + Leisure editors. I thought all optics had to be black, but boy was I wrong. I love that Nocs come in cool colors like Glacial Blue and Cyprus, and that they have ridges, which give them a unique look and make them easier to grip. Plus, thanks to the adjustable eye cups, I can wear them with my sunglasses or glasses, something that I can’t comfortably do with other models that I’ve looked at. They’re also so waterproof that they can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the lenses are fog-proof and feature an anti-scratch, anti-reflection coating.
According to one REI shopper, who bought the binoculars for an upcoming Alaskan cruise and has been using them on treks around Colorado and Utah, "They're great quality, feel really durable, and they're still compact enough to not take up too much room in my hiking pack." They also added, "You can also take zoomed pics through the lens with your phone."
Baleaf Women's Hiking Pants
$30
I used to only hike in shorts. But after trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, where my legs were susceptible to stinging nettles and fire ants (among other horrors), I became a big fan of hiking pants. This best-selling pair by Baleaf has racked up more than 9,100 five-star ratings at Amazon, and they’re not only waterproof, but their polyester spandex blend is water-resistant and quick-drying. It also offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun, and like my favorite Lululemon leggings, they offer four-way stretch. Despite being so affordable, these pants are packed with features like four zippered pockets, an adjustable drawstring waist, and even tapered legs with bungee cords so you can wear them as capris.
“They were super comfortable, regardless of how cold (as low as 2 degrees Fahrenheit) or how hot (75 degrees Fahrenheit) [it was],” wrote a traveler, who purchased theirs for a three-week backpacking trip in New Zealand. And despite hiking 100 miles, they never experienced any chafing.
Pike Trail Pocket Blanket
$25
I love hiking to the ice caves in Montana’s Snowy Mountains. However, every time I summit, I regret not bringing a blanket to sit on, especially when the ground is wet. This year, I’m going to come prepared and pack this waterproof Pike Trail blanket. Unlike my Rumpl Puffy, this little guy is pocket-sized and weighs just 6.9 ounces (the Rumpl weighs 2 pounds.) Unfolded, it’s an impressive 56 inches by 60 inches, and it’s easy to stake down thanks to loops and corner pockets, which I can stuff with rocks or sand. Because this blanket is made with extra strong, ripstop nylon, it won't suffer any punctures from sticks or rocks. I also like that the stuff sack has a carabiner attached so I can clip it to the outside of my pack.
But, don’t just take it from me. One shopper noted that "this was probably one of the most useful pieces of equipment on our three-day backpacking trip. After trekking through miles of mud, and no open grassy spot in sight, we threw this down over some brush and tall grass to sit, rest and eat lunch right off the trail." They also noted that it's "highly durable, lightweight and waterproof. Also, it's great to sit outside of the tent door to put hiking shoes and wet clothes."
Keen Women’s Targhee 2 Mid-Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
$73
Recently, I finally retired the Merrell hiking boots that I’ve been rocking since 2008. I’m still a Merrell fan, but I replaced them with this popular pair from Keen for their rounded toe boxes (I inherited my dad’s wide feet). I haven’t put many miles on them yet, but I feel good knowing that they have nearly 4,000 five-star ratings. Plus my mom, who has plantar fasciitis, sings their praises every time she wears hers. I’m most excited about the all-terrain rubber traction and the fact each boot weighs just 14 ounces (i.e. they won't be too heavy to pack).
One shopper even brought theirs on a trip to Central Europe and wrote, “They are very comfortable for hiking straight up a cliff to a castle, and came up a bit higher around my ankle, so when I stepped in puddles, the water did not splash into the shoes.”
Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail-Running Shoes
$116
George W. Bush was president when the first Salomon Speedcrosses debuted. Today, the brand sells more than 1 million pairs annually (that’s just in Europe), and has a celebrity fanbase that includes Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kendall Jenner. These shoes are great for trail running and hikes where you want something really lightweight. Personally, I love them because they boast Salomon’s signature Quicklace System. Almost every time that I’ve tripped while hiking (and it happens at least once a year) has been on my own shoelaces. Unlike previous iterations, the Speedcross 5s have taller profiles for more ankle support and bigger lugs on the outsoles for extra grip.
“They worked supremely well with zero break-in needed,” said a traveler, who got theirs for a trip to Iceland. “I had no problems, whether walking downhill on loose gravel or through slippery rocky paths near waterfalls. I appreciated the ease [with] which they slipped on/off too.”
Osprey Women's Aura AG 65 Pack
$340
After testing dozens of backpack brands, I’ve come to the conclusion that Osprey is the Apple of backpacks. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get what you pay for in terms of usability and durability. The Aura AG 65 originally caught my eye because it has so many exterior pockets — eight to be exact — that provide easy access to my essentials. I hate having to stop and dig through my pack’s main compartment every time that I need sunscreen, snacks, etc. In particular, the two zippered hip-belt pockets, where I stash my phone and lip balm, are total game-changers. This pack also stands out because it has a women’s specific fit (the Atmos AG is the men’s version), and almost every feature is adjustable so you can mold it to your body and what you’re wearing that day.
Like other packs that I’ve tested, it comes with a rain cover, trekking pole attachments, and a separate sleeping bag compartment. But unlike other packs, it has a safety whistle on the sternum strap. It’s a small detail, but it could save a life. They earned a stamp of approval from a traveler, who successfully lived out of their Aura AG 65 on a week-long backpacking trip in Yosemite: “On the trail, it was hands-down the most comfortable pack I’ve ever worn."
REI Co-op Women's Traverse 32 Pack
$159
Of course, not every hike calls for 65 liters of space. For shorter hikes, I want to try this 32-liter backpack, which is described as a “well-organized workhorse" on the REI site. Like the Osprey pack, it has an internal frame, a rain cover, and exterior pockets (six). But, it has a zipper on the side for easy access to the main compartment, meaning that it opens more like a duffel bag, so you don’t have to dig to the bottom of the bag to find what you’re looking for. I also like that the water bottle pockets are slanted, which makes it easier to get a larger bottle like a HydroFlask out. That said, this pack has a hydration port and tube routing if you want to use a bladder with it.
“It ticks all the boxes on my ‘must have list’ and has introduced me to a few new ‘must-haves,’ like the side zipper,” wrote a Boulder-based hiker. Another shopper, who wore theirs while hiking to Everest Base Camp, found that they “love how it distributes weight to the hips.”
Kühl Women's Freeflex Cargo Short
$40
It’s no secret that Kühl makes some of the world’s warmest jackets (I’m a big fan of its Ukon Down Parka), but after reading TL's list of 2024’s Best Hiking Shorts for Women, I decided that I have to try the brand’s regular apparel, too. With their oversized side pockets and rear pockets — all snap closure — the Kühl Cargo Shorts are well-deserving of their "Best Pockets" title. The lightweight polyester that they're made with is moisture-wicking and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. And there’s an internal drawcord, so you can adjust the waistband. The only thing that I’d change about these shorts is their 10-inch inseam (I like my shorts shorter), but shoppers seem to love it.
“I've been wearing them multiple days a week,” one REI shopper said. “They're roomy and comfortable without being baggy. The fabric is soft and dries quickly. They never feel hot or sticky, even in the humidity.”
Patagonia Women's Storm Racer Jacket
$299
Patagonia just announced its Fall 2024 line, and for hiking, I’m most excited about this new ultralight rain jacket. At 6.3 ounces, it weighs half as much as Patagonia’s best-selling Boulder Fork Rain Jacket, which I tested for National Geographic earlier this year. While there are a lot of travel-friendly rain jackets out there, this one is not only packable (it stuffs into its chest pocket), but it’s also designed for performance. Why is that important? I sweat a lot when I hike, so I need breathable layers made for movement. And unlike most affordable rain jackets, which are made with cheaper materials under questionable circumstances, the Storm Racer is made of a 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
$24
I didn’t start getting hiking-specific socks until I was an adult, but trust me: they’re worth it. Unlike regular socks that you can buy for $3 a pair, these Smartwool socks are packed with features that your feet will appreciate, whether you’re hiking 2 miles or 10 miles. They have built-in cushioning, so they’re extra comfy and prevent blisters, and reinforced durability zones that make it nearly impossible to tear holes in the heels. I also love the seamless toe design and the fact that these socks are made with sustainably-sourced merino wool. The fabric is ultra moisture-wicking (humid conditions can lead to fungus and athlete’s foot) and naturally antimicrobial. That’s why Smartwool socks earned a spot in TL's roundup of the 14 Best Hiking Socks of 2024.
The brand always usually appears on lists of podiatrist-approved socks. As for consumers, 93 percent of REI shoppers would buy them again. They're “the best socks,” according to a shopper who wears them on all-day hikes.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
$38
If I’m just going out for a mile or two, I carry my water bottle in my hand and my wallet, keys, and phone in my beloved Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. From the steamy jungles of Thailand to the saguaro tree-lined deserts of Tucson, this little legend has served me well in some pretty extreme environments. Like all of Lululemon’s best-selling belt bags, it’s versatile and can be worn crossbody style for hands-free convenience. It’s also made with water-repellent fabric, so I never panic if I get caught in a storm. Plus, the main pocket is big enough to hold my phone, wallet, snacks, and sunscreen, and the zippered back pocket is perfect for a credit card, my car keys, and other valuables.
While it’s been known to sell out, the original Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is currently available in 14 colors. More importantly, it has 18,600 five-star ratings. One shopper, who bought theirs for a hike in Acadia National Park, was impressed by how much it could hold. In one word, they described it as “perfect.”
Lululemon Fleece + Ripstop Hiking Pullover
$80
In 2022, Christmas came in July when Lululemon debuted its first-ever hiking collection (something that I pushed for while I worked for the brand as a store educator). One of my favorite pieces is this cozy pullover. For starters, I love that it’s made out of repurposed waste. Who knew that plastic bottles could be transformed into super-soft polar fleece? I also appreciate the large kangaroo pocket, which keeps my hands warm and features a hidden sleeve for my iPhone. I stash other small valuables in the zippered chest pocket. While this top is slightly cropped, my midriff never gets cold because there’s a shock cord at the waist that keeps drafts out.
“The perfect hiking companion,” proclaimed one shopper, who described it as “particularly chic” and loved its texture, functionality, and style.
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