15 Hiking Gear Essentials From an Expert Hiker

From waterfall hikes through the Catskills region in upstate New York to exploring the stunning deserts of Joshua Tree National ParkI’ve already logged over 200 miles of hiking activities across 45 different trails this year alone. While therapeutic and mentally relaxing, hiking can still pose unique risks, so proper preparation is key to staying safe.

Whether you’re an expert hiker or heading out for the first time, it’s important to make sure you have all of the necessary clothing and equipment before hitting the trail. From sun protection to hydration essentialsthere are several important things to consider before your trek. With safety as a priority, here are the 15 non-negotiable hiking essentials I won’t leave home without.

5 Non-negotiables From an Expert Hiker

Kuhl Men’s Eclipser Hoodie

When choosing outfits for hiking, I opt for function over fashion. For years, I’ve been a fan of Kuhl’s engineering and technology to create the lightest-weight hiking and outdoor apparel, while maintaining a high level of quality. The Eclipser Hoodie is breathable and cooling, with 50+ UPF sun protection woven in. The level of detail is outstanding, with the garment seams strategically placed for ergonomics and comfort. The added hood is helpful for sun protection or as a partial neck gaiter that can be tucked with a sun hat.

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

Rugged yet comfortable, Merrell’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are perfect for hiking on trails and a wide variety of terrain. With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram’s TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience. Whether I’m hiking one mile or going for endurance over 10, these shoes have delivered all-day comfort and support. Upon the initial wear, right out of the box, outdoor enthusiasts will feel the comfort and quality without the usual ‘breaking-in’ period.

Dr. Scholl’s 24-hour Energy Multipurpose Insoles

While the default insoles in many hiking shoes are comfortable and provide flexibility, I recommend swapping them for memory foam and breathable insoles for extra comfort. Dr. Scholl’s 24-hour Energy Insoles have hundreds of foam beads that are bound by a flexible gel, which relieves the pressure and resistance from each step while hiking. Best of all, the memory foam and cloth layer add breathability and extra comfort by personalizing the insole to each person. Dr. Scholl’s also shares that the weight of the foot is more evenly distributed with the insoles, and at under $20, it’s an easy and efficient way to upgrade any pair of shoes.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

For many years, I thought hiking poles and sticks weren’t necessary, as I considered myself an experienced hiker. However, after encouragement from a friend about the benefits and safety enhancements that hiking poles can provide, I relented and packed them for my next trip. Trust me, your joints, feet, and legs will thank you for the weight that is distributed throughout because of the poles. The added stability while scaling or descending aids in comfort and safety.

This set from TrailBuddy features a variety of accessories, including clips, a storage bag, and different tips for various climates, such as snow or ice. The high-quality design features a cork grip that molds to the hiker’s hand and absorbs any moisture to keep the handles sturdy.

Teton Oasis Hydration Backpack

A key aspect of safe hiking is maintaining a healthy level of hydration throughout your trek. Teton’s Hydration Backpack combines a compact form factor with excellent functionality, as the backpack can hold two liters of water and has ample room for other belongings. Due to the unique ergonomic design, weight is evenly distributed, so it doesn’t bear heavy weight on the shoulders or lower back. The added front clip provides distribution, and with a total weight of just 2 pounds, you may barely notice you are wearing anything at all. During multi-mile hikes, I can fill the 2-liter water bladder and have extra space for multiple water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other personal belongings.

Kuhl Men’s Radikl Pants

Flexible, breathable, and designed for comfort, Kuhl’s Radikl Pants have quickly become my favorite travel pants overall. Designed from a quick-drying and breathable Enduro performance fabric, I’ve been constantly impressed by the resilience of these pants through a variety of climates and terrains. One of my favorite features is that when hiking at elevation, the pants have tremendous flexibility, which provides a broad range of motion.

Mophie Powerstation Plus Power Bank

While it’s important to unplug when hiking and exploring, staying connected can add peace of mind for emergencies. Mophie’s Powerstation Plus provides a long-lasting battery that’s sufficient for two full phone charges, which can be helpful in remote areas when power may not be available. With many devices now equipped with emergency satellite connectivity, even when cell service is unavailable, having the proper charge can make all the difference. One of my favorite things about the Mophie line of products is its cable durability. Mophie shares that its cables can withstand over 30,000 bends without breaking or snapping.

Darn Tough Hiker Merino Wool Crew Socks

Whether hot or cold, the proper cushioned sock can help regulate temperature in shoes and keep your feet extra comfortable. With over 10,000 positive reviews at Amazon, Darn Tough Socks feature high-quality materials and exceptional cushioning for all-day comfort on the trails. Each pair is a mix of wool, nylon, and spandex, which flex and stretch to provide breathability and structure. The company also guarantees its products for life, including pesky holes or tears.

Energizer LED Headlamp Pro 2-pack

Whether in the early morning, twilight hours, or evening, hiking with reduced sunlight can pose risks and challenges. I’ll always hike with a headlamp for peace of mind that I’ll have an illuminated environment, and Energizer’s LED Headlamp Pro is perfect for nearly every situation. With features such as being both water-resistant and shatterproof, this compact headlamp is extremely durable and ready for a challenge. This item includes a two-pack of headlamps, as well as batteries for each. The button activates seven different modes, from white, red, and green, to provide strong directional lighting in your color of choice.

Yeti Daytrip Insulated Lunch Bag

After a long day in the sun and on the trails, there’s nothing like an ice-cold beverage. Yeti’s Daytrip Lunch Bag has plenty of storage for snacks and bottled or canned beverages, to provide a refreshing option at the end of a hot hike. I’ll always stock this with a Muscle Milk Protein Shakealong with a cold water that I will add electrolytes to. Best of all, the lunch bag features Yeti’s proprietary ColdCell Flex Insulation, which can keep items ice-cold for hours. For longer hikes or those looking to splurge, I recommend the Yeti Roadie 15 Hard Coolerwhich features advanced insulation and extra room for more items.

Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

When spending time outdoors, the weather can change in an instant. Dramatic swings in temperature from hot to cold, especially in the evening, can cause discomfort and potential bodily harm. Carhartt’s Cuffed Beanie is an excellent and convenient way to plan for the elements by having a warm cap stowed in your pack. I’ll always pack the beanie when hiking in high-elevation environments, as the winds can whip up quickly and cause cooler air to sweep in. The compact style and neutral colors are perfect for a variety of hikes, and Carhartt’s quality makes this a dependable purchase.

Nike Men’s Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-tex Trail-running Shoes

Not every hike requires a heavy hiking boot, and Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5 provides the durability and stability of a hiking shoe in a running shoe form. Designed for moderate and “less technical” terrain, and engineered for both trail running and hiking, this trail runner features a Gore-Tex material that’s waterproof and durable.

Nike reveals that the foam midsole activates 13 percent energy return and provides a tremendous amount of bounce and cushioning for stability and comfort. These are perfect for packing in my suitcase and spring right back to life when they’re unpacked. The Pegasus Trail 5 may also be my favorite pair of ‘airport hiking’ shoes, meaning they can be great for the long travel days of navigating concourse changes and the endless walking in the terminal.

Einskey UPF 50+ Wide-brim Sun Hat

Having the proper sun protection when hiking starts at the head. I’ll always pack a sun hat with built-in UV protection for sunny days and unexpected times the sun shines brightly. Not only does the hat provide extreme sun coverage, but it also keeps me remarkably cool by diffusing heat away, and the venting system in the brim effectively pushes heat out by promoting airflow. Best of all, the wide brim provides a tremendous amount of surface area protection, including parts of the neck. One of my favorite features is that the hat conveniently folds down flat and into a third, making it easy to stow in a backpack.

Knockaround Paso Robles Polarized Sunglasses

Sunglasses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price points. When I first discovered Knockaround sunglasses and saw the high quality and modest price, I quickly scooped up several pairs for hiking and my travel pack. Whether hiking through bright sunlight, overcast skies, or snowy conditions where the sun glare is reflected, Knockaround does an excellent job of reducing the haze and glare. The brand’s Paso Robles line is perfect for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, due to the unique impact-resistant lenses and full UV400 sunlight protection. The brand also offers a wide variety of styles and color schemes, which makes selecting a personalized pair easier than ever before.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch SPF 70 Sunscreen 3-pack

Sun protection is extremely important when hiking, and while sun hats and clothing provide cover, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical for skin safety. Neutrogena’s Dry-touch Sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection benefits in a compact size. While sold in a set of three, each bottle is 3.0 ounces, which makes it compliant with TSA restrictions on liquids. This specific Neutrogena sunscreen is both water-resistant and non-greasy, making it the ultimate choice for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking to swimming.

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