15 Hiking Gear Essentials an Avid Hiker Swears By

My husband and I both enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, whether it be hiking, mountain climbing, or camping. Last year we made it to seven national monuments across the U.S.  This year, our goal was to visit and hike 14 national parks. So far, we’ve made it to 10 – Olympic, Grand Teton, Zion, Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mount Rainier, and Redwood National Parks. 

These are phenomenal places that offer a wide range of activities along with impressive landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Our favorite part of visiting a national park is exploring all that Mother Nature has to offer. So we’ve had a lot of practice on knowing what hiking essentials we need to pack, whether you’re out for a short or longer jaunt. Here are 15 of the most useful necessities as you plan your own adventure. 

Rainier Women’s Rain Jacket

This windproof and water-repellent jacket does the job protecting you from the elements. The adjustable hood keeps the rain and sun out of your eyes. Two zippered hand pockets and two internal pockets provide ample storage space. The fact that this jacket folds down and packs easily makes it a must-have when hiking. 

Cliganic Natural DEET-free Mosquito Repellent Stickers

These essential oil-infused patches save you the discomfort of mosquitos and other pesky insects. The pack comes with 90 easy-to-peel DEET-free stickers that stay on and last for hours. The all-natural blend of citronella and peppermint are suitable for both kids and adults.

Arca Gear Hydro Carrier 

Stay hydrated with Arca Gear’s portable 32 ounce Hydro insulated water bottle sling and carrier. The thick nylon material safeguards your bottle from damage and ensures your beverages stay either warm or cool. There’s a zippered, water-resistant pocket to stash your cash and credit cards safely, while still allowing you quick access. The padded shoulder strap offers all-day comfort, whether you wear it over your shoulder or as a cross-body. Plus, the company’s lifetime warranty makes this a hard purchase to resist. 

Soothfeel Women’s UPF 50+ Lightweight Long Sleeve Hoodie Jacket

Dressing in layers when hiking is a good idea. To avoid crowds, I always set out early when visiting a national park or monument. That being said, the weather can totally change from morning to afternoon, especially if you’re at a high elevation. I wore Soothfeel’s long sleeve hoodie on all of my treks and I’m so glad I did. Available in 22 fun colors, it’s lightweight and breathable, and offers UPF 50+ protection. Because of the sleek fit, It’s super comfortable when maneuvering through steep trails and narrow pathways. I found the two zippered side pockets beneficial for storing my phone and a small SPF stick. But if you’re looking to splurge, Patagonia’s R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody ($179) is another one of my faves for adventuring.

Gregory Maya 25 Pack 

Start any hiking adventure with a reliable backpack like Gregory’s Maya 25 pack, which is lightweight, but can also carry up to 25 pounds. If you’ve read my insider tips on how to pack efficiently, you’ll know I swear by Gregory products because of their durability. The Maya is made of heavy-duty nylon to withstand inclement weather and rugged terrain as you adventure. My favorite part about this bag is the padded shoulder harness which offers superior comfort. Another winning feature is the hipbelt, which not only adds stability, but also provides a zippered pocket so you can easily access snacks and other necessities. 

Scarpa Ribelle Run GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Trail Shoes

I’m a huge fan of these Gore-tex sneakers from Scarpa. When I was trail running in Grand Teton National Park earlier this year, I was met with a sudden torrential downpour. If I hadn’t been sporting these waterproof trail runners, my feet would have gotten soaked. They’re also breathable, making them an excellent choice when moving in hot weather. The no-slip rubber outsole provides reliable traction so you can move confidently on all types of terrain. Plus, they’re super lightweight, making them a breeze to pack.

REI Co-Op Women’s Trailmade Pants

Comfort is so important when I’m hiking, so it’s no wonder I’m a huge fan of these adorable REI trail pants, which are made of lightweight nylon spandex for durability and comfort. Water-repellent and snag-resistant, they offer breathability for all weather conditions, along with two side pockets and a zippered thigh pocket for storing snacks. The articulated knees offer free-range of motion, making them a good choice for all your outdoor endeavors. For those looking for an elasticized waistband, the Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Trail Pants are also a great option because they’re super comfortable and also offer several zippered pockets.

General Medi Mini First Aid Kit

Even if you’re going out for a short hike, you should consider bringing a first-aid kit just to be on the safe side. That’s why I am a huge fan of this small kit, which includes 110 useful items in case you get into a pickle: an emergency foil blanket, scissors, bandages, gloves, and much more. Best of all, it’s compact and weighs just over 5 ounces.

Penetrex Soothing Joint & Muscle Pain Relief Cream

This 2-ounce bottle for joint and muscle relief is a lifesaver. Fast-acting menthol and arnica help soothe muscles after a day of movement, while hemp provides hydration for your skin. Rub it anywhere you’re feeling aches and pains. The non-greasy formula isn’t sticky and won’t leave any residue on your clothes or belongings. 

Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Quarter Socks

These soft and cozy socks offer extra reinforcement at the heels, toes, and Achilles, allowing for all-day comfort. Made in the USA and composed of a merino wool blend, they’re available in three colors, and sizes S to XL. 

Carve Designs Lucie Compression Short

Carve Designs not only makes some of the most flattering bathing suits, but the women-owned company designs functional clothing meant for the outdoor enthusiast, too. The Lucie Compression short, made of recycled swim fabric, hugs in all the right places. It’s great for hiking, biking, and is even made for swimming. I like the wide waistband, which stays put and doesn’t roll down. The hidden pocket inside the waistband is a great place for holding cash and keys. If you’re looking for something with less compression, the Banff short is a great option. Made from coconut husks and recycled bottles, it offers UPF 50 protection and is quick-drying. I like pairing either bottom with the Larisa Hemp Tank, which is flattering and fits like a dream.

Nano Series 310 Ultra Resistant Polycarbonate Waterproof Protective Case

I use Nanuk’s Nano protective cases whenever I travel. They’re great for safekeeping batteries, chargers, and medication. Water-resistant and airtight, the polycarbonate shell protects your items from being crushed or damaged during transport. They’re also lightweight and compact which make them the perfect travel case. The detachable belt can act as a fanny pack so you can remain hands-free while navigating challenging hikes.

Garmin eTrex SE GPS Handheld Navigator

This small, handheld navigation system by Garmin offers navigation support while you’re on your journey. Rest easy with this high-resolution, easy-to-use device, which offers up to 168 hours of battery life. With a readable screen even in direct sun, you can pair it with Garmin’s app to get real-time weather, access to Geocaching, and additional smart notifications, such as texts and emails. Best of all, it’s water-resistant, so you can hike with confidence regardless of the weather. 

PackTowl Personal Ultralight Microfiber Camping and Travel Towel

I found this lightweight microfiber towel super useful during my trips. During last year’s summer trip to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument when temperatures reached the 100s daily, it was great for managing my sweat. The Polygiene silver-ion odor control feature allows for multiple uses in-between washes, which is great for road trips. Compact and machine washable, it’s available in four sizes and 12 colors. 

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles – Pair

Trekking poles are not only great for uphill climbing, they’re also helpful when it comes to uneven ground, offering stability. This pair by Black Diamond saw me through many challenging hikes at Olympic National Park as well as both Acadia National Park and the Grand Canyon. They’re lightweight and sturdy with comfortable cork grips that feel secure even when you sweat. The shafts are made of high-quality 7000-series aluminum for durability and the FlickLock allows for easy adjustments and smooth transitions. Sold as a pair, they come in two sizes — S/M and M/L — and are available in two colorways. 

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