Introduction
There’s a lot of hiking gear out there, and most of it is either meh or unnecessary. But after years of trailblazing through forests, sweating under desert suns, and navigating muddy messes, I’ve narrowed it down to the stuff that earns its place in my pack.
Here’s what I bring on every hike, whether I’m just hitting a local trail or disappearing into the backcountry for days. I’m not here to list specs. I’m here to share what actually works.
The Packs That Do the Heavy Lifting
For short day hikes: I rock the Osprey Daylite Cummuter. It’s compact but holds everything I need including the all-important hydration bladder. Bonus: it’s super comfy and doesn’t rub my shoulders raw.
For longer hikes: That’s when I bust out the Gregory Zulu 30. This beast hauls it all without making my shoulders start crying. I’ve shoved rain gear, food, clothing layers, and camera gear in there, and it still carries like a dream.
➡️ Shop Osprey Daylite Commuter
The Footwear That Keeps Me Moving
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots! My feet have taken me across canyons, snowfields, and sketchy rock scrambles. These are my go-to boots for gnarly terrain and long distances. Waterproof, breathable, and zero break-in time. I’ve worn these through rocky switchbacks and surprise creek crossings, and they’ve never let me down.
Keen Waterproof Sandals: For river crossings, beach trails, or just letting my feet breathe at basecamp. Surprisingly grippy and won’t get funky after a wet hike.
Also crucial: Darn Tough Vermont Wool Socks. They’re the gold standard. No blisters, no stink, no regrets.
➡️ Shop Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
➡️ Shop Keen Waterproof Sandals
➡️ Shop Darn Tough Vermont Wool Socks
Weather Beaters (AKA: Don’t Suffer Out There)
Patagonia Quandary Pants are a dream in cooler temps. Lightweight but tough enough for scrambles. When it heats up, I switch to the Quandary Shorts. Stretchy, breathable, and they dry fast if I take an unplanned dip.
Real Essentials Polyester Shirts keep me cool and wick away sweat like a champ. Cheap, effective, and I don’t care if they get wrecked.
Poshei Headbands are an absolute lifesaver. Keeps sweat out of my eyes and even adds sun protection in the desert.
SunBum SPF 50 is my holy grail sunscreen. No weird white cast, and it stays put even when I’m dripping sweat.
➡️ Shop Patagonia Quandary Pants
➡️ Shop Patagonia Quandary Shorts
➡️ Shop Real Essentials Polyester Shirts
Bugs, Brightness, and Trail Musts
Let’s talk essentials, the kind of stuff you forget once, and never again:
- Sawyer Picaridin Bug Spray: DEET-free, doesn’t smell like death, and keeps the bugs off.
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: Powerful, reliable, and saves your ass when you miscalculate daylight.
- Julbo Camino Sunglasses: Lightweight, polarized, and built to stay on your face even if you’re dripping sweat. Shoutout to my sister for gifting me my first pair. I’ll never buy anything else now.
And of course, Kahtoola Microspikes if there’s even a chance of ice or snow. These have saved me from some gnarly falls.
➡️ Shop Sawyer Picaridin Bug Spray
➡️ Shop Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
➡️ Shop Julbo Camino Sunglasses
Hydration: The No-Brainer That’s Easy to Mess Up
Dehydration hits fast on trail.
- Cherainti Hydration Bladder: Carries up to 3 liters of water and makes hydration easy.
- AllTrails Offline Maps: Not exactly gear, but a literal lifesaver. I always download before heading out, regardless if I think I’ll have cell service
➡️ Shop Cherainti Hydration Bladder
➡️ Shop AllTrails Offline Maps
The Little Extras That Feel Like Cheat Codes
Traditional Medicinals Lozenges: I swear these soothe my dry throat better than anything. I pop one mid-hike or when the altitude messes with me.
➡️ Shop Traditional Medicinals Lozenges
Final Thoughts (And Why This Stuff Matters)
I don’t carry extra weight unless it pulls its own. Everything on this list has been trail-tested and mud-approved.
If you’re serious about hiking or just want your first experience to be awesome, start with solid gear. It’ll change your whole relationship with the trail.
Still Want More?
For those who want to capture these breathtaking views and bring a piece of nature home, Unicorn Adventure offers high-quality nature photography prints. Check out my collection and find the perfect image to remind you of your hiking experience!
