One of the questions I get asked the most (besides how I travel so much) is what type of hiking boots I use. And while I usually recommend going to an REI to try on different pairs before buying anything (because everyone’s foot is different), I still get a lot of questions on my gear. So here are my favorite items to wear hiking, from short day hikes to multi day backpacking trips:
Hiking Boots: Merrell
I used to wear Teva boots for years that I LOVED, but they were discontinued. I’ve been using these pair of Merrells for two years and they are my new favorite.
Backpacking Backpack: Osprey Eja
I refuse to believe that there is a better backpack for women. This is one of the lightest options I could find. It’s definitely not the largest option if you need to carry a lot of belongings, but I’ve done up to 5 days with this pack.
Hiking Socks: Darn Tough
When I first started hiking a lot, the first thing I learned is how important socks were. A good pair of socks could be the difference between a good experience and a very painful one. A nice pair of wool socks really can protect your feet from the nastiest blisters. Plus, they come in the coolest prints.
Water purifier: SteriPEN
I definitely didn’t start hiking with the steriPEN, but once you use it it’s hard to go back to the old fashion way of pumping water. The SteriPEN is just so damn convenient.
Daypack: Osprey Sirrus
When it comes to backpack, it’s hard to believe that any company can do it better than Osprey. I use the Sirrus day pack for my smaller hikes, but you can choose from an array of sizes to fit your adventure.
Lightweight Down Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater
The first time I bought a lightweight down jacket, I was traveling to Canada in September and let’s just say I bought the cheapest one I could find. I froze. Your lightweight down definitely isn’t the item to skimp on, so that’s why I go with Patagonia.
Raincoat: Anything Gore-tex
Raincoats are one of those things I swore never worked. They would work, but not when the rain was pelting me endlessly for hours. If you’re going to buy a raincoat, finding something with gor tex is your best option.
Hiking Sandals: Teva Hurricanes
The first time I went to Havasu Falls, I didn’t pack a pair of hiking sandals and I will never make this mistake again. For Havasu, hiking sandals are necessary for the stream crossings. But to be honest, I don’t go backpacking without my Teva’s anymore. They are so nice to have just in case you do get blisters from your boots. They are also perfect for vacations where I’m going to hike and don’t have space for my boots (like Costa Rica or Puerto Rico). The Hurricanes have the best traction.
Base Layers: Merino Wool
If you are planning on hiking in the cold (hello Mt. Whitney), merino wool base layers are a must. They keep you extremely warm and dry while hiking in these conditions. There are a lot of companies that sell merino wool base layers, I usually buy Smart Wool.
Sleeping pad: Sea to Summit
I’m a light sleeper and this is the first sleeping pad that allowed me to actually sleep in the backcountry. It’s light to hike with and I can actually sleep on my side at night without my arm falling asleep or making tons of noise.
Sleeping Bag: Marmot Angelfire
Once you start backpacking, you really realize how much a quality sleeping bag matters. I found out right away that I needed a lightweight option, and a mummy bag option for those cold nights. This sleeping bag is for 25 degrees F, because you probably won’t find me camping in colder weather than that.
Do you have more questions about outdoor gear or have any options that you like better? Leave a comment below!
