My Hiking Gear.
Hello Loves,
Hope you’re doing well. When it comes to hiking, you want to be prepared to make those long hikes more comfortable and focus on the beauty of nature, instead of dealing with pesky blisters on your feet or carrying heavy stuff. Here’s a list of what I use on our trips. Here we go!
1. DAY BOOTS
I love using Blundstone’s because they’re great for daily wear and they also work for hiking! I used them on a 16-mile hike and they didn’t give me blisters! You definitely have to break them in before you take them on a hike, but overall, I love them! They are Australian and the reason I got them was because on my first trip to Israel, I saw everyone wearing them. I was like, “What are those?” So, I decided to buy them after reading the reviews. They last foreveeeer! I’ve already had them for three years and they still look good. One thing I do recommend, if you decide to get a pair, is to buy the Kiwi Saddle Soap to clean them and then use leather oil to make them last longer. I use the Otter Wax Leather Oil, which provides a deep shine with the added benefit of conditioning, protecting, and revitalizing the leather. I also love that it darkens it, giving it a fresh new look. You can purchase both on Amazon. These are the shoes I wear most often. Oh, and did I mention they are water resistant? My socks never get wet when I step in puddles. One more thing, make sure you size up. Check them out:
Features
Rustic brown premium water-resistant leather
Brown elastic side
Leather lined
Durable TPU outsole
Cushioned midsole for comfort
SPS Max Comfort system for outstanding shock absorption
Removable footbed with XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone for shock absorption and comfort
Extra set of footbeds for custom fit
Lightweight and comfortable
3. HIKING BOOTS
Hiking boots are very important because your feet are what takes you places right? I have Lowa Hiking Boots because they are amazing! They are pricey, but they also last forever and they have awesome features! Quick story, coming from a lifestyle of budgeting, I did NOT have the money to purchase these. I went to an REI Garage Sale looking for inexpensive used hiking boots. This lady saw me trying on used Lowa’s but they were too small for my feet. She asked me what size I was and I told her 7 (I’m usually a size 6-6 1/2, but you have to size up for hiking boots). She handed me her Lowa’s and insisted that I try them on. Bashfully I tried them on and they FIT! I asked her how much she was selling them for and she said about $20! I was shocked! I didn’t have cash with me, so, living in the 21st century, I offered to Zelle or Venmo her. She looked at me and said, “Don’t worry about it, they’re yours.” I was incandescently happy and I couldn’t believe what had just happened. She gifted me a pair of hiking boots worth $240! I asked if I could hug her, and she gladly accepted my overwhelmingly excited hug. Anyway, all in all, these boots are great and they have helped me hike so many miles without a problem. I highly recommend them. If you really want these hiking boots but don’t have the money, I recommend going to an REI Garage Sale, or look for them on Poshmark, Ebay or Offerup. Check out its features:
Features
The Renegade's fit, comfort and versatility have set the standard for multifunction boots for over 20 years. With its accommodating Derby-cut styling, DuraPU® MONOWRAP® frame construction for stability, full-length stabilizer for underfoot support, sleek yet rugged nubuck uppers for durability, and a VIBRAM® Evo sole for sure-footed traction, it’s no wonder that the Renegade is our best-selling model. Durably waterproof/breathable.
Upper: Nubuck Leather
Lining: GORE-TEX
Insole: ATC
Midsole: Double Injection DuraPU®
Outsole: VIBRAM® Evo
Stabilizer: ATC Hard
Weight: 440 g/Single Shoe
2. DAY BACKPACK
I like to use REI’s day backpacks because they are so light, they have many compartments and I love that they are so versatile. I recently purchased the REI Co-op, Ruckpack 18L Daybag, in the Canyon Ridge color because it was on sale, hubba hubba. I recommend one of these for your hikes so you can take a first aid kit, water, food, snacks and all your necessities for your adventures. Here are its features:
Features
Rugged, durable ripstop nylon withstands whatever the road throws your way
Lightly padded shoulder straps provide carrying comfort
Waistbelt removes when not in use
Full-zip design makes packing and unpacking easy
Hidden daisy chain on the front of the bag lets you lash gear when you need it, and conceals when you don't
Easy-access side panel keeps travel essentials convenient and well organized
Access port on the left side of the pack accommodates a hydration reservoir tube (reservoir not included)
Bottle holder keeps water handy while you're hiking
Compression straps keep the weight of the pack close to your back for stability
Trekking-pole attachments tuck out of the way when not in use
Sternum-strap buckle doubles as a survival whistle
Lockable zippers keep bag contents secure while traveling
3. FIRST AID KIT
Speaking about a first aid kit, I highly recommend this one from REI. It has everything you need and it even includes a wilderness booklet with instructions on what do to if you come across emergencies in the great outdoors. It’s always best to stay safe. :) Check out its features:
Features
Easy-care first-aid system organizes first-aid supplies into in injury-specific pockets to eliminate guesswork and ensure you use the right treatment quickly
External kit map shows you where the supplies are located, while reflective mountain logo on front of bag makes it easy to spot in the dark when every moment counts
See-through pockets protect items from dirt and moisture while allowing for quick and easy access; zippers hold items in when opening the kit or accessing it vertically
Pain and illness remedies include medication for allergic reactions, itches, pain and fever, and muscle inflammation
Hospital-quality, precision-tipped forceps allow you to remove the smallest of splinters and ticks
Antiseptic wipes and butterfly bandages clean and close small wounds
14 precut, shaped moleskin pieces make it easy to prevent and treat hot spots and blisters; alcohol pads remove oils from skin for better adherence of tape and moleskin
Wilderness medicine pamphlet authored by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. offers up-to-date information on wilderness and travel medicine in a in a foldout format
Super-durable nylon bag with darting provides extra space inside the kit for your own items.
Kit includes:
Cuts & Scrapes
5 - Easy Access Bandages®, 1" x 3" Fabric
5 - Easy Access Bandages®, Knuckle Fabric
3 - Antiseptic Wipe
2 - Alcohol Swab
1 - Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Instructions
1 - Quick Guide Wilderness First Aid
Instruments
1 - Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
1 - Safety Pin
1 - Register Your Kit Card
Medications
3 - After Bite® Sting & Bite Relief Wipe
4 - Ibuprofen (200 mg.), Tablets
4 - Acetaminophen (500 mg.), Tablets
4 - Aspirin (325 mg.), Tablets
2 - Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg.), Tablets
Wound Care / Burn / Blister
3 - Butterfly Closure Fabric Adhesive Bandage
2 - Sterile Gauze Dressing, 3" x 3"
2 - Sterile Gauze Dressing, 2" x 2"
1 - Conforming Gauze Bandage, 2"
1 - Tape, 1" x 2.5 Yards
4. TREKKING POLES
I don’t know about you, but sadly I got the not-so-great genes from my dad’s side …knee problems. I recently bought these Trekking Poles at REI. They were on the sale rack and I got them for $23. Not too shabby eh? It wasn’t until I was writing this blog that I realized that I had boughten kid’s trekking poles. My bad…lol. But thankfully, because I am 5’3, they work perfectly for me. Yay for being a shorty! I’ll definitely be using these on the downhills when I go hiking because I need to protect me knees. They also fit perfectly on my day backpack! Check out its features:
Features
POWERLOCK 2.1 external levered locking mechanism makes it easy to adjust poles for changing terrain and different users
Light, sturdy and corrosion-resistant aluminum shafts provide reliable support, mile after mile
Durable plastic handles have an easy-to-hold ergonomic shape; straps support the wrists
Strong stainless-steel tips with trekking disks are trail tough
Included trekking baskets provide flotation in soft soil and snow
Ensure levers are fully tightened and locked before each use; levers loosen in transport and over time, so they may need to be tightened to achieve proper locking tension
5. OSPREY BACKPACKING PACK
It took me about 2 years to get my first backpacking pack because I was a student and money was scarce. I am so glad I saved up for it because it was needed on my first 4 day backpacking trip to Havasu Falls. It was lightweight, it fit my body perfectly and I had no issues with it. I just had to do a better job with packing because I definitely overpacked. Anyway, I highly recommend Osprey for backpacks! Here are its features:
Features
Lightweight suspended-mesh panel extends from the upper torso through the lumbar area to wrap your back in breathable comfort
Heat-moldable hipbelt and harness provide outstanding fit and comfort for heavy loads and long miles; they are interchangeable to provide a custom fit
Use the removable top lid as a functional daypack, or leave it at home to reduce weight
Large J-zip access to the main compartment on the front panel makes loading and unloading easy
Dual upper side compression straps; lower inside-out compression straps; dual front compression straps
Dual-access stretch-mesh side pockets; zippered hipbelt pockets; large stretch-mesh pocket on the front panel
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment; dual ice-tool loops with bungee tie-offs; removable sleeping pad straps
Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
Internal hydration sleeve (hydration reservoir sold separately)
6. HYDRAPAK
Honestly, it doesn’t matter which hydrapak you use, it is waaaay easier for water to be accessible on long hikes. I love the Osprey one that came with my backpacking pack! It’s good to use a water bottle as well, but I prefer this for hiking. :) They sell similar ones at REI. Check out its features:
Features
Shape-Shift™ baffle locks for a slim profile and increased stabilization; baffle unlocks for full volume capacity
Slide-Seal™ top opens wide for easy filling and closes tight for a leakproof seal
Dual FlexGrips make it simple to fill, carry and access the reservoir in your pack
Flexible, non-kinking 36 in. HydraFlex drink tube provides a steady flow rate
High-flow Blaster™ bite valve self-seals after each sip and features a twist on/off bar to prevent leaks when not in use
Plug-N-Play™ connect system lets you disconnect drink tube (an auto-shutoff valve prevents leaking) and remove the reservoir from your pack for convenient refills
Made from abrasion-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane with radio frequency welded seams for superior durability and elasticity
Can be frozen, and also filled with hot water up to 140°F
Fully reversible for easy cleaning and drying; top-shelf dishwasher safe
BPA- and PVC-free
7. LEGGINGS
I love being comfortable when I’m outdoors. Soooo, even though Lululemon is on the pricier side, they are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I’ve had one pair for more than 3 years and I still wear them. I do recommend air drying them after washing them with the cold water setting. I have the Align™ Pant 25” but prefer the 28”. Honestly, they are the most comfy leggings I have ever owned and I am not going back! Check them ouuuut!
Features
So buttery-soft, it feels weightless
Sweat-wicking
Four-way stretch
Breathable
Added Lycra® fibre for stretch and shape retention
Waistband lies flat and won't dig in
Hidden waistband pocket
8. CAMERA BACKPACK
I was in search for a cute backpack where I can store my camera gear and this one worked out for me perfectly. I purchased it on Amazon and it was able to withstand a lot of weight and water. I love that it’s waterproof and has compartments. It’s also my carry-on travel backpack and I also take it on hiking trails. Plus, they have great customer service. :) Check out its features:
Features
Unique Design - Endurax vintage camera backpack made with waterproof & durable waxed canvas and genuine leather trim, gives it a very stylish and distressed looking that can never fall behind trend.
Dual Compartment - Top-loading for necessary like clothes and food etc. Drawstring bag design and adjustable strap can release for extra capacity. Lower compartment fit the whole photography gears.
Versatile Camera Bag - Included dividers are flexible and removable, by taking out all dividers and flipping up the layer between upper & lower parts can convert this waterproof camera backpack to daily use camera laptop backpack or travel backpack. Airplane carry-on compatible bag.
Easy Organize - Large capacity with multiple storage pockets made this DSLR backpack easy to organize, interior contains a padded compartment for 15.6 inch laptop, two side pockets for water bottle and tripod. Store all your necessities and be your travel assistant.
Buy With Confidence - Endurax leather backpack for camera with study zipper and hardware, built with durability and resiliency for rugged use. You will get 30 Days free of return, 1 year warranty, prompt and satisfying customer service.