The 18 Best Pieces of Hiking Gear, According to Outdoor Editors

Mammut’s deceptively simple Runbold IV hiking pants are among the best we’ve ever worn. The lightweight, four-way stretch fabric and adjustable waistband are crazy comfortable and allow you to move freely on the trail. Four zippered pockets offer just enough storage for your essentials, and all keep everything close to the body thanks to a more streamlined, athletic fit than most.

At a minimum, a smartphone and satellite messenger are required packing for most hikers these days, so it’s always good to carry backup power for both. Nestout’s 10000mAh Power Bank is compact, relatively lightweight, and waterproof, making this middle-of-the-pack model the perfect solution for most hikers. Every model in the lineup provides USB-C and/or USB-A ports for keeping your most essential gadgets humming in the backcountry.

Hardcore hikers could argue the virtues of Merino versus synthetic until the sun goes supernova. For us, a blended construction of both is best. Smartwool’s new Active Mesh Short Sleeve T takes a mostly Merino wool design and adds just the right amount of Lyocell and polyester. The result is a near-perfect hiking shirt that’s lightweight, breathable, quick wicking, and odor-resistant.

The right insect repellent is key for spraying on both yourself and your gear. For the latter, we treat all of our outerwear (plus boots and socks) with this purpose-built solution from Sawyer. The permethrin-based product is safe for most fabrics and creates a durable, effective layer of skin-safe protection that fends off ticks, mosquitoes, and other bitey bugs while lasting over a month, even when machine-washed.

We’ll take a collapsible water bottle over a traditional Nalgene any day of the week. This 1-liter model is lightweight, inexpensive, and collapses down very small when empty. Plus, the capacity and built-in filter make this a no-brainer for using as your main water bottle or as a backup. With even a remotely drinkable water source along your route, you’re guaranteed clean, potable hydration almost indefinitely.

Outdoor Research’s Timberline Utility Short features a straightforward aesthetic designed to move seamlessly from street to trail. The Bluesign-approved synthetic blend fabric is lightweight, yet durable, making it a great fit for impromptu day hikes. At less than 10 ounces, it feels like wearing nothing at all, while offering solid UPF 50+ sun protection. A DWR finish helps it shed water like a champ. It’s all produced using eco-friendly materials, and OR throws in a lifetime guarantee, too, so it’ll probably outlast you. For a lined option, check out the brand’s Swift Lite Lined Short, a standout in this year’s Men’s Health Outdoor Awards.

True to their namesake, Darn Tough’s socks offer bulletproof durability that I haven’t found in any other sock brand. Their Hike Micro Crew is my go-to for every hike with seamless toe construction and a just-right stretch and cushioning that’s just as comfortable at mile 10 or 100. It’s designed with a “performance fit” that stays put without slipping or bunching, which translates to blissful blister-free hiking. It’s pricey compared to other brands, but I’ve had several pairs for years and they still look good as new. Plus, DT backs all of their products with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Even for hikers not regularly trekking out after dark, packing a headlamp just in case is wise. This basic model from Black Diamond is simple, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly. The compact, low-profile design practically disappears in any backpack, and it can run off of two different types of battery (either standard AAAs or BD’s own rechargeable 1500 lithium-ion cell).

Your smartphone might be the most expensive piece of gear in your hiking loadout, so why not protect it on the trail? OtterBox’s Sole Series Pack provides rugged protection via a rubberized shell and raised edges to shield your screen—all with a dash of modern style. A clever elastic rope on the back offers extra storage space for small essentials like lip balm or your driver’s license.

Packing a camp chair for a day hike or even longer backcountry excursions might seem an unnecessary luxury. But don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Crazy Creek’s ultra-portable Hex 2.0 folds and rolls for easy transport, but sets up in seconds at camp or vistas to provide the perfect place to pseudo-lounge after a long day on the trail.

When even a daypack is a little too much, a sling is just the trick. REI’s Trailmade Hydration Sling is purpose-built for carrying just enough water and your smallest essentials for a few hours on the trail. I love that it includes a HydraPak water bottle (which makes the already reasonable price feel like a steal), but is also hydration reservoir compatible. The interior is roomy enough for up to 4.5 liters’ worth of gear (think car keys, bug spray, trail maps, and the like), and a stretchy pocket on the padded shoulder strap is the perfect place to stash your smartphone.

Jetboil’s Trailcook 1.2L is another home run in the brand’s fantastic lineup of portable backcountry cook systems. The all-in-one setup includes everything you need for morning coffees, campfire dinners for two, and everything in between. It’s the perfect balance of weight and capacity for day hikes, overnights, and (with enough fuel) even longer treks.

You can’t rely on your smartphone in the backcountry. For couples or groups hiking together, dedicated off-grid-ready communication is essential. Rocky Talkie’s Mountain Radio is ridiculously small and clips to a backpack so it stays out of the way until you need it. It’s great for regular check-ins or keeping in contact if you’re ever separated from the group, especially in cell service dead zones. Plus, the four-day battery life is ideal for longer treks.

Peak Design’s entire line of cleverly designed backpacks is endlessly versatile. The entry-level 18-liter version of the brand’s fan-favorite Outdoor Backpack is perfectly suited for fast-moving, light-packing summit assaults and quick day hikes. The design transitions seamlessly from the office (or airport or train station) to the trail with a rugged-enough construction and streamlined aesthetic that provides everything you need and nothing you don’t in a hybrid daypack.

Nothing beats a zip-up fleece hoodie as an extra layer for maximum “toss in the backpack” versatility, and Marmot’s PrimaLoft Evolve Aerothermal Hoody has been my go-to for months now. The inside is as soft as a teddy bear, while the 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester shell helps block some wind and light rain. As the name implies, it’s bolstered with a good dose of PrimaLoft Evolve, making it ideal as an insulating layer in cold weather and a standalone outer layer the rest of the year. At just 10 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight and packs down small, too, meaning it’s perfect as a “just in case” layer.