Over many years of hiking, I have tried out a lot of gear. Most of it is good, but there are real stand-outs for best picks. I started making this list a few years ago and have updated it as I’ve tried new gear. For disclosure, this post contains affiliate links. But I will never link anything that I don’t actually use.
I’ve come to favor tight leggings and trail shoes over bulkier pants and hiking boots. Even if you’re a boot or pricey pant loyalist, I highly recommend at least trying out trail shoes and leggings on an above-freezing temperature hike. There is also a lot of gear that you can’t really go wrong with—beanies, hats, gloves, etc. I didn’t bother to link any of those.
Favorite leggings: Solid colors seem to be the sturdiest, but all are fine if you’re not sliding down rocks on your butt. I wear these during cold, cool, warm, and even hot hikes and they serve me well. They will rip after some time if you’re repeatedly sliding down rocks, but no other parts of the leggings besides the butt have ever ripped. They are extremely durable for the price and extremely comfortable.
Insulated leggings: I wear these on colder hikes and haven’t had a chance to test them on tougher terrain, but so far they’ve served me well. If you’re hiking in well-below-freezing weather, you’ll need something warmer.
Resistance leggings: If you want to train harder or make your hikes harder, check out Sweetflexx. The resistance bands go over your knees and make it so that you have to use your muscles more to walk or climb. I use them now to make my home climbing on my Maxiclimber harder. I do not use these when actually hiking though, because they make it that much harder and hold me back. Also use senatorshoshana at checkout for 15% off.
Sun shirt: I buy these a size up because I often layer them over other clothing. They’re not too warm and offer decent protection from the sun and have thumb holes and hoodies. At altitude, sun is a big deal and these can save your skin in different temperatures.
Trail shoes: After trying a different Merrell model, I’ve become a big fan of the Antora 3. The shoes really cushion your arches and the curved bottom promotes movement. They wore out after about 8 weeks of intense hiking, but I would gladly buy them again. I’m currently trying out three other similar shoes from different brands.
Water shoes: It’s worth having a pair like this handy for water crossings or for use in Zion’s Narrows. These have served me well and held up.
Socks: These cushioned socks help prevent foot pain on hikes. They’re extremely comfortable and warm.
Jacket: I like a long rain and wind jacket with a hood for when storms hit on hikes. I recommend ordering at least one size up so you have extra room—this is probably going over a lot of layers. The cinched waist and broad bottom doesn’t get in the way of movement.
Gear
Bear spray: I’ve never had to use it, but once had to aim it at a bear 40 feet or so away from me, walking towards me. After talking in a low, loud voice, the bear walked away. I can’t recommend any particular brand. You can find it online, but you can’t fly with it. You don’t need it everywhere, but I was glad to have it in Glacier National Park and Grand Teton National Park. For anywhere else, just research to see if you need it. And note that sometimes buying is cheaper than renting.
Microspikes: These held up well, but you will have to sharpen now and then. Just be careful to avoid using them on dirt and rock—I was lazy a few times, leaving them on while walking over rocky gaps in snow, and that really wore them down.
Poles: These fold up to be quite small and are super durable. All poles I’ve used will lose their tips though, so it’s worth getting some replacement tips.
Water bottle with filter: It’s always important to hike with a water filter. Depending on the availability of water and how much you’ll need, you may want to bring a water filter pump. Lifestraw seems to have some newer models, too.
3L water bladder: I drink like a fish and need 3L. Some people may be fine with less water. I also much prefer this to a bottle, because I’m always sipping. Camelback is great—I tried a knockoff brand and it kept puncturing, somehow. I also highly recommend hiking with some flex seal tape to repair it if it punctures.
Water pump with filter: I bring this on every hike longer than 8 miles. Even for shorter hikes, it’s helpful if you don’t want to carry all your water with you. This one has held up well for me.
Athletic tape and knee protection: A few years ago, I kept straining my joints and tendons. I don’t use these as much anymore, but if you have sensitive knees or get muscle sprains, I recommend hiking with these.
Backpack: This has everything you need—including hooks on which to hang your hiking bladder. My one complaint is that the pouches on the waist strap are way too shallow. Everything else is perfect.
Lip balm: For a long time, my lips became extremely dry at elevation and this saved them. I still need the balm, but not as much. This is the only brand I’ll use though. To their credit, they have survived many accidental spins in the washing machined.
Bear bells: There is a lot of debate regarding their utility, but I have literally seen a bear hear my bell and run off. That alone makes me think they’re worth having.
CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen: This works well for my skin. Note that there are diminishing returns if you go much above SPF 30.
Blister patches: Your feet will thank you. These have come in handy so many times. You never know when a part of your shoe will start rubbing your foot wrong or a long hike gives you blisters. If your feet are prone to blisters, it’s worth having these handy.
Misc
Apps: See the post for more.
Garmin inReach mini 2 tracker: This allows you to text, check weather, create maps—all without cell service. It’s valuable for backpacking, solo hikes, and really any hikes with any level risk. You can also connect it to your phone to handle the typing, which is helpful. The subscription is a bit pricey though. I’m not in love with it, but it’s probably the best thing out there right now.
Solar massive charger: Solar chargers have become smaller and more powerful over the years. I have a heavier version of this that charged very quickly and I recently purchased this one because it’s more compact.
Mini charger: For short hikes when you might just want to get your phone up 60% or so.
Midi charger: For longer day or overnight hikes to restore your phone charge.