Hiking Gear Picks

Not sure what you need for gear? Want to know what our hiking gear picks are? No problem, here we will look at our top four hiking gear picks for each category. Having the right gear can make for a better and more enjoyable hike.

Backpacks

For day hikes I use just a basic day pack. My hiking gear pick is the L.L. Bean Adult’s Stowaway Day Pack, it comes in a variety of colors and is budget friendly! It will hold two bottles of water on the sides and has plenty of storage room for your day trip. It has an adjustable waist strap and the easy access pocket where I keep my map. The inside is large enough to hold my camera case and of course snacks!

Emergency Kit

One thing to never leave home without is an emergency kit. You never know when you might need it. With some many options available it can be hard to pick one. I keep just a basic kit with essentials. My kit contains a survival blanket, rescue whistle, compass ( I recommend you learn how to use one), signaling mirror, fire striker, waterproof tinder, some duct tape (duct tape fixes almost everything!) and a fishing kit. I have also added moleskin and a small pair of scissors to mine.The safety kit comes in a roll top dry pouch and the SOL Scout Survival Kit is also budget friendly. I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!! You can check out some offer other recommendations here!

Hydration

I personally would just like to drink water but sometimes you need a little extra something. Because you are burning up so much energy hiking you will likely need something more than water. I like to keep something small and easy with me like NUUN Instant Electrolyte Drink Mix. I can use add one to my bottle of water when I feel the need and keep on going.

Snack!!!!!!

This fat girls favorite thing!!!! Having good quality, healthy snacks in your pack is important. The only thing more important is water. Your snacks are going to help provide you energy and keep you going. I have tried many snacks and my absolute favorites are Clif Bars, I prefer the protein bars and the nut bars. My second hiking gear pick is the Honey Stinger Energy Waffles. These are fantastic for a quick snack to replenish your energy. These are all personal preference so try a bunch of different snacks until you find the ones that you love!

Trekking Poles or a Big Stick!

Trekking poles or a big stick can be your best friend on the trail. I prefer trekking poles over a stick because they collapse and I can strap them onto my pack when I am not using them. Like everything with hiking, you have options! The poles I use are no longer being made but you can check out some options here. My mom on the other hand loves her Big Stick! It is taller than the trekking poles and she can lean on it to take a break. It does not collapse and it is kinda heavy, but it’s all in your personal preference.

Water Bottle Hiking Gear Picks

1. Yeti Rambler Chug Bottle 26 oz.
   • Likes: When it comes to keeping your water cold, the Yeti Rambler Chug Bottle 26 oz is an ideal pick. This stainless steel bottle keeps liquids cold for up to 36 hours.  I’m particularly impressed by the insulation – it really does keep my water cold for long periods of time. It’s also quite durable and doesn’t dent easily even when dropped, or run over, yes, I have done that! It also fits perfectly in the side water bottle pocket of all my hiking packs! 
   • The look and feel of the bottle is quite nice too; its double wall insulation gives it a sleek finish that’s easy to grip. It also comes in a variety of color options for you. The leak-proof chug-style spout makes drinking easier and more convenient which is definitely a plus! 
   • Dislikes: The downside is that because it can only hold 26 ounces, it might not be enough if you’re looking for a larger capacity bottle. Another downside can be the weight of it. Empty it weighs in at 18.3 oz! 
   • Overall Thoughts: Overall, this hiking gear picks is one of my favorites for longer day hikes. I’d highly recommend the Yeti Rambler Chug Bottle to anyone looking for an insulated bottle that keeps water cold for hours on end! It’s a great choice if you need something durable.  Plus, its modern design makes it look great whether you’re at home or out on the trail. 
2. Yeti Rambler Bottle Chug 46 oz.  *Jodi’s Top Hiking Gear Picks*
   • Likes: Much like the smaller 26 oz Yeti Chug Bottle, this is also my go to for longer day hikes. With the amount of insulation this bottle will keep my water cold all day long. I end up using this to refill my small bottle through out the day. This bottle has come a long way since I first got mine. It now comes in a variety of color choices. My options when they came out were stainless and black! 
   • Dislikes: The major downside, if you want to call it that is that the Yeti Rambler 46oz will not fit in the side water bottle pocket of any backpack! This must be either clipped onto the outside or carried inside the backpack while hiking. 
   • The other downside is again, the weight. The Yeti Rambler 46 oz weighs in at 1.8 pounds! 
   • Overall Thoughts: I never leave for a hike without it. Even with the added weight, it is worth it. I am not a fan of warm or room temperature water so this is a great option if you want ice cold water all day while you hike. 
3. Camelbak Insulated Podium Chill 24 oz Bottle
   • Likes: The Camelbak Insulated Podium Chill 24 oz. water bottle is a great choice for any avid hiker looking to stay hydrated in the outdoors. Its unique design and features make it an invaluable addition to your hiking gear. 
   • To start, the insulation on this bottle keeps your water cold for hours, making it ideal for long hikes. It also has a high flow rate, so you don’t have to wait around while refilling. The spout cover prevents dirt and debris from getting into your mouth as you sip and helps keep it clean overall. 
   • Dislikes: On the negative side, I wish that the Camelbak Insulated Podium Chill water bottle had a larger capacity since I often need more than 24 ounces during long treks. Additionally, the spout cover can be a bit tricky to open and close.
   • Overall Thoughts: All in all, I think the Camelbak Insulated Podium Chill 24 oz. water bottle is a great choice for hikers looking to stay hydrated on the trail. The insulation keeps drinks at a constant temperature for hours and it has a high flow rate for quick refills. Although its capacity may not be suitable for longer hikes, overall this bottle is an excellent investment. 
4. Camelbak Fusion 3L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper. *Alex’s Top Hiking Gear Picks*
   • Likes: The Camelbak Fusion 3L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper is a great product for hikers looking to stay hydrated while out on the trail. We purchased one last spring and Alex has been using it for all our hikes since then.
   • One of the best features of this water bladder is its Tru Zip waterproof zipper. This provides extra protection against leakage, something that can’t be said about traditional zippers which often don’t keep water contained properly. The 3L capacity also gives plenty of space for enough water for any hike. Plus the material used, TPU thermoplastic polyurethane, ensures that it stands up to wear and tear from brushing against plants and trees in the wilderness. 
   • Another great feature of the Camelbak Fusion 3L Reservoir is its taste-free polypropylene Bite Valve. This allows for easy and efficient drinking without leaving an unpleasant plastic taste in your mouth afterwards. The valve also features a self-sealing system that prevents water from leaking out when it’s not being used. Not mention because it is a water bladder that fits and attaches inside most hiking backpacks, it is hands free drinking! 
   • Dislikes: The cons of this Camelbak reservoir is that you cannot keep track of how much you have drank easily. Which is great if you don’t need to like Alex. Me on the other hand, I tend to get dehydrated easily and therefor I have to keep track of my water consumption while hiking. While I loved idea of this water bladder in order to check my consumption I have to take off my pack, open it, empty it and see how much is left. 
   • Overall Thoughts: Overall, Alex was pleased with my purchase of the Camelbak Fusion 3L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper. It has allowed him to stay hydrated while hiking. He can also take photos while having a quick drink of water! Its additional features make it worth the investment. Highly recommend!