Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities to do no matter the season, especially if you live near trails and rolling hills. While you don't need to be an athlete or mountaineer to hike, there is a certain level of preparedness to make your adventure stress-free and more enjoyable.
Whether you are a long-time backpacker or trail runner, having the right outdoor essentials is important to get you through the woods. Shop TODAY talked to some expert hikers to prep you with a checklist of necessities to help you gain elevation with confidence. From choosing the perfect pair of hiking shoes to packing the right gear pre-expedition, here are several useful tips to help you conquer that summit without having a hiking degree.
What to bring | Hiking gear to shop | What to wear | Hiking clothing and accessories | How to shop for hiking shoes | Post-hike essentials to shop | Meet the experts
What to bring for hiking
There are several essentials you need when it comes to trekking and traveling uphill. Aside from having the right clothing and shoes, you also need to anticipate the weather conditions and environment for the day.
Mountain performance coach Jason Antin abides by 10 categories for packing before stepping into the wild — the right clothing, water, shelter system, nutrition, first aid kit, sun protection, external battery, multitool (such as a knife), illumination and navigation.
“You definitely want to stay hydrated and bring the right amount of water with you and, in some instances, a way to purify water," says Antin. "For me, I look at how long the day might take and if there are opportunities to get water such as streams and waterfalls.”
Additionally, Antin suggests keeping at least a two-person blanket in your travel backpack as an extra tool for insulation. If you're hiking for hours, Hikerkind co-founders Chelsea Rizzo and Allison Levy recommend bringing a bathroom kit (particularly toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes and hand sanitizer), bug spray and a fire starter such as a lighter.
Hiking gear and accessories to shop
No Rinse Bathing Wipes
Refresh during the hike with these bathing wipes. The pack comes with eight thick, pre-moistened towels enriched with aloe vera for ultimate comfort.
"I just completed a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp where we had no shower facilities. I used 1-2 body wipes each morning to refresh and wipe down my entire body before getting dressed. I never felt dirty," shared one reviewer.
Cliganics Mosquito Repellent Band
While the national parks have a saying that goes "leave it how you found it," the same can be said of your skin while hiking. Protecting it with sunscreen and bug spray should be the bare minimum, if not something you reapply every couple of hours.
These bug bands eliminate the need to apply bug spray, and can be easily slipped on your wrists and ankles. They last over 200 hours, according to a reviewer who claims that these bands genuinely work.
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Formula Skin Protectant
For a chafe-free hiking experience, opt for this skin protectant from Body Glide. The formula can be applied on your thighs, neck, feet and anywhere your skin experiences chafing. The great thing is that this anti-chafe formula is water- and sweat-resistant for those extra humid stretches.
Nalgene Water Bottle
Lightweight, easy to clip onto any pack and able to keep water cold or other drinks warm for a period of time, we know Nalgene isn't often included in the water bottle craze conversation, but it's a reliable, clean option.
BPA-free and easy to use and store away, it's available in 22 different shades, from pops of color to neutral tones.
Chomps Variety Trial Pack
With no sugar and nine grams of protein, you'll be well fueled on your trek with these beef and turkey sticks. Choose for a six- or eight-pack that includes flavors like jalapeño, salt and pepper venison, pepperoni and Italian style.
Kind Minis
If you happen to forget your lunch, these bars will keep you energized throughout your hike. These easy bites are packed with nutrients and enough calories to keep you full for longer treks.
Yeti Rambler Coffee Mug
Your coffee will remain nice and warm for those early morning hikes in this Yeti mug that comes with a handle and a lid so your coffee won't spill. Plus, the handle makes it easy to fasten onto your hiking backpack with a carabiner when you're done.
Retrospec Aluminum Hiking Poles
Shop TODAY senior social media editor Kate McCarthy loves these poles not only because they're lightweight and inexpensive, but because they're versatile and "perfect for people who are just getting started who don't want to invest too much," she said.
Included in this pack is eight different attachments, which work wonders when going skiing and these are sitting in your backseat.
Sleeping Pad for Camping
If you need a nap during your hike, take a rest in the wilderness with this sleeping pad. The inflatable mat is made of waterproof material and features thermal insulation for temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
One Amazon reviewer rated this pad five stars for its durable feature. "I was overly impressed with the size, thickness, ease to blow up/deflate and small size to fit on a bike, backpack or motorcycle. I blew it up in Colorado, slept on it for 3 nights with no loss of air at any time."
Aeropress Portable Coffee Maker
Whether you need a little pick-me-up in the middle of a 14'er or you're aching for a caffeine break once you reach the top of the peak, reach for this portable coffee maker. Enjoying your coffee couldn't be easier, as this set also includes a mug with a lid, so you can truly take it on-the-go.
Reviewers love this because it "packs down nicely" and "cleans easily."
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
If your hike leads you to an amazing destination that also happens to include two trees, take a minute to set up camp and enjoy the view with this hammock. Available in both single or double, depending on if you want space to share with a friend, this one comes with everything you need, including straps, a carrying case and two carabiners.
Away The Packable Backpack
Pack all your hiking essentials in this ultra-lightweight and collapsible backpack from Away. This carry-all baggage combines recyclable materials and a water-resistant fabric you can bring to all your adventures. The backpack also features lightly padded shoulder straps to easily carry on while climbing a hill.
BeFree Water Filter
Never run out of water with this water filter featuring a three-pound reservoir. The collapsible bag is easy to pack and store for easy filtering.
Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
For unexpected cold weather, snuggle into this recycled blanket. The puffy piece is made with synthetic fabric and a quilting pattern that will keep you warm. Also, it's easy to pack and store in your small backpack.
"It is much more comfortable and allows me to move freely without feeling trapped/zipped in. I’ve used it in as low as 40-degrees weather comfortably," said one customer.
What to wear for hiking
Summer weather can be humid, sticky and sweltering, but one thing expert hikers agree on is avoiding one type of fabric when hiking: cotton. "We tend to stay away from cotton because it absorbs and holds water. Basically, it holds it in the fiber and if you're going to a higher elevation, it can make you colder," shares Rizzo.
Instead, you'll want moisture-wicking fabrics and weather-proof materials that will keep help you withstand abrupt changes with the forecast. "Also, you want recycled synthetic materials with antimicrobial properties that will extend the functionality and build your endurance and sports activities with these treatments," adds Rizzo.
One of the best materials for hiking is merino wool or merino-blend because they're known to be breathable. As for the outfitting when preparing to go on a hike, Levy recommends donning a base and mid layers and keeping an outer layer in your backpack for when it gets chilly outside. While some people opt for leggings when hiking, Levy and Rizzo prefer trousers and shorts because they're more comfortable and less constricting.
Hiking clothes to shop
Patagonia 5" Baggies Shorts
Available in numerous sizes, lengths and colors, these nylon shorts from Patagonia were finished off with a water repellent, making them perfect for humid, wet climates.
An elastic waistband helps give these shorts a relaxed feel and fit, so you won't feel restricted when hiking.
Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker
Misty mornings are no match for this windbreaker from Cotopaxi that's available in 10 of the brand's distinct colorways. Elastic binding at the hood, cuff and wrists help to keep water out and your clothes and skin underneath dry, while a kangaroo-like pocket offers ample amounts of space for essentials.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Feel lightweight while protecting your skin with this UPF 50+ fabric that shields against UV rays. The shirt also has antimicrobial treatment, a three-panel hood and thumbholes to hold the shirt in place.
Kühl Weekndr Tight
If you prefer a tighter fit, these lightweight pants are water-resistant, durable and form-fitting for a comfortable hike. The pants combine a mix of TUFFLITE, nylon, polyester and spandex with 186 GSM (a thicker fabric) for optimal endurance.
Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pant
Available in eight different colors, choose to stand out on your hike in pants that are as relaxed as one can get while climbing. Made with nylon, these pants prove to be durable and versatile. Reviewers of all heights dub these as "the best pants ever," as they come in a cropped length, meaning you won't be tripping over excess fabric.
Parks Project Pile Fleece Sweater
This fleece sweatshirt not only looks like some of the trails you'd be hiking, it also gives back to national parks in an attempt to leave them in better conditions.
In this multicolored option, Acadia National Park is depicted. It's made out of recycled polyester, meaning it will provide warmth, yet remain breathable while hiking.
Forloh SolAir Lightweight Pants
These pants feel more elevated than your traditional trousers. Aside from featuring a classic design, the lightweight pair is designed for warm weather and all your outdoor activities like camping, climbing and hiking.
How to choose hiking shoes
Choosing the right shoes and fit for hiking will determine your performance. According to Antin, a pair of trail runners and sneakers are great for most conditions.
"The only circumstances you're going to need a hiking boot is if you need warmth for your feet, you need them to be waterproof and the last component is that it needs to be compatible with some sort of traction," Antin says.
"One of the things I advise is that the ankles are in good shape because the trails will certainly require to use muscles that you may not be using," he adds.
Cascade Trail Women's Water Resistant Hiking Sneaker
Looking for a water-resistant sneaker? This pair has a quick-dry upper, anti-odor lining and MultiGrip outsole to keep your feet protected through unexpected puddles.
Hoka GTX Hiking Boots
Hoka just doesn't sell running shoes! Their hiking shoes prove to be just as high-quality and durable as their sneakers, thanks to its lightweight design and construction.
"Feels like a shoe, wanders like a boot," claims the brand, of this boot that weighs only 12 ounces. Rubber lugs will keep you moving without fear of getting debris lodged inside, while mesh sides keep feet dry in case of puddles.
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot
Shop TODAY commerce editor Julie Ricevuto swears by these boots because she feels "super supported while hiking all kinds of trails, from desert-type routes to wooded areas."
With a mesh upper and interior lining, your feet won't feel trapped by the material, and instead be given room to breathe. This waterproof pair is available in five colors and two different widths, depending on if you have wide or narrow feet.
Post-hike essentials to shop
Uno Wilderness Edition
Wind down after dinner with a game of Uno Wilderness that features the same cards we've become used to, but with photos of trails, geysers and the night sky on them.
"Leave Only Footprints," by Conor Knighton
After his engagement ended, Knighton vowed to do the unimaginable: visit every national park in the span of a year. Nonetheless, he did it and wrote about it so you can relish in the beautiful hikes and lessons learned while you're on a hiking hiatus.
High Density Foam Roller
If your legs feel a little like gelatin once you've reached the bottom, treat them to some TLC with this foam roller. It has a variety of ridges and dents, perfect for utilizing different muscle groups and parts of your body. For one without ridges, this inexpensive roller from Target is an option as well.
Meet the experts
- Jason Antin is a Colorado-based trainer and certified coach specializing in mountaineering and the co-founder of Beat Monday.
- Chelsea Rizzo is a co-founder of the women's outdoor apparel brand Hikerkind and expert hiker.
- Allison Levy is a co-founder of Hikerkind and former stylist who worked in the fashion industry for 10 years.
