I’ve done a LOT of hiking and I can say that gear can really make or break a trek! I’ve learned to go for gear that I know and trust. Here are my ultimate favourites.
Hello hello friends!
I’m sure you’ve picked up on my love for hiking. There’s something about it that’s so simple, instinctive, and beautiful. It’s my go-to activity if I need a clear head or inspiration.
If you choose to do longer hikes, gear certainly can make a difference! These are my must haves for hiking (note: NOT backpacking, so tents/pads/sleeping bag recommendations won’t be included. Want a post on that? Let me know!).
Shoes: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
These shoes are my love and life. Seriously, they’re my favourite pair of shoes. I didn’t have a good pair before the Annapurna Circuit, and I had only one day of travel and one day of walking to break these guys in. They were fabulous- no blisters! They’ve continually kept my feet comfortable (even on SUPER long days), and my ankles supported. After my first pair wore out, I bought another pair! I love these and can’t imagine hiking in anything else.
Bag: Deuter Aircontact 40+10
Bags are really important! This bag is my baby (clearly I get very attached to my gear), and I’ve used this for short hikes, long treks, and general travel. It’s NEVER given me an ache (and I have lugged around LOADS in this), and it’s really supportive. Seriously one of the best purchases I’ve made.
Pants: Mammut Hiking Pants
I haven’t done a long trek without these. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and slightly water resistant. They were a fantastic purchase. My favourite thing about them is the STRETCH. They’re seriously so wonderful to move around in.
Socks: Smartwool
I truly believe wool socks are a hiking essential. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking in hot or cold temperatures. Wool socks will keep your feet dry, warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. BUY good socks. I’ve bought cheap wool socks, and my feet froze. Invest in these guys.
Want another list of active must haves? Let me know!
Shoes and bags are extremely personal items to choose and buy, so much depends on body shape and foot geometry. (Is there such a concept?) I experimented and suffered for years al over the world but especially in the Alps and Himalaya with poorly fitting shoes and bags. For example I have wide feet and fallen arches, so great looking shoes that are too narrow or have extremely lifted arch inserts were crippling. Bags need choosing for back length and shoulder width especially, get this wrong and you will be in agony after the first day. So, advice on shoes and bags? Go to shops with specialist fitters, get measured properly; there is no such thing as best shoe or best bag for all.
I completely agree! However, these shoes are well known for being generally a safe buy if you can’t get fitted. The backpack that I recommended is incredibly adjustable to ones body. You can lift or lower the frame and adjust nearly every part of the bag- it’s fabulous! Again, a good buy if you can’t go to a store- I completely agree, that’s the best thing you can do to be comfortable.
Really nicely written! Shoes and bag is really important and have to simply fit. Myself, I have Mammut backpack, adjustable and designed for women and it was love for the first try. What about your jacket/s? 🙂
I typically take a Uniqlo Fleece (super big and fluffy!) and a North Face Summit Series” down jacket that I bought in Nepal!
hey Thank you for sharing about your hiking!
Thank you for reading!