Essential Gear For Day Hiking
Updated June 2024
Whether you’re a beginner hiker or a veteran, this comprehensive guide includes affordable, high-quality must-have hiking gear, from clothes to safety, and everything in between.
Someone once said, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” I don’t fully agree because, let’s face it, the weather really couldn’t care less about our hiking plans. There is, however, a kernel of truth to those words. After hundreds of miles hiking and backpacking, I can confirm that having the right gear is an absolute game-changer.
Below is a round-up of tried-and-true gear that keeps me well-prepared while hiking in the outdoors. From trips in the Pacific Northwest to treks in Nepal, these products have safely taken me all around the globe. If you are interested in longer hiking or camping trips, I recommend checking out my Must-Have Backpacking Gear.
The gear on this list fits the following criteria:
Affordable | Some big ticket items are splurge-worthy, but the bulk of my gear is budget-friendly or priced in the mid-range.
Quality | I seek products that are affordable without sacrificing quality. Personally, I’m willing to invest (reasonably) if it will last me.
Waterproof | Being in the PNW, I need to keep dry and warm while frolicking in the elements.
Lightweight | Every ounce counts when backpacking! I like to stay light by using gear that can be easily packed down.
Skip to what you need:
Backpacks & Bags
Organization
Clothes & Shoes
Hiking Equipment
Hygiene
Miscellaneous Accessories
Food & Water
Pssst: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you, I promise!) if you purchase through a link on my site.
Flash 22 daypack
Best for: day hikes | REI CO-Op: $60
The REI Flash 22 is lightweight and simple without losing any functionality. Inside, there is are several well-placed pockets and a separate pouch for a water reservoir with the hose snaking through the top middle. Even with a full water reservoir, snacks, jacket, notebook, and hefty camera, there is still room in the bag and it doesn’t feel bulky. On the exterior, there is a loop for hiking poles, and small hip and chest belts. Feels great, looks great. Sold.
Temptest 22 Pack
Best for: day hikes | Osprey: $160
This bag is pricier but, just like the greatest friends out there, it is high-quality and supportive. It has tons of pockets and organization, hiking loop holes, and a solid hip belt. If you are searching for a comfortable bag that is built to last, this is a great option.
Traverse 35L pack
Best For: Long Day hikes, Long-distance treks | REI Co-op: $159
For more room in the bag, I highly recommend the Traverse 35. This pack has a comfortable but supportive hip belt, is hydration compatible, has a compression top, and even includes a rain cover. This is my go-to pack for long-distance non-camping treks as well; I used it for both the Camino de Santiago and the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Organization Pouches
REI: $23
I actually use these in normal, everyday life as much as while out in nature. They are the perfect size to keep things organized without becoming endless Mary Poppins bags. I also appreciate that there are various closing methods: zipper, roll down, and cinch. I keep my toiletries in them, things I want to access quickly, and whatever else my heart desires.
medium containters
humangear: $12
These containers are perfect to keep small things together and I love that they are different colors to stay better organized. I use them to store medicine, safety pins, hair ties, bobby pins, bandaids… well, you get the idea. They are durable and stay closed; you simply squeeze it and the top comes off. (There has to be a euphemism in there.)
Atom Insulated hoodie
Arc’Teryx: $300
I was on the hunt for a warm, lightweight hooded puffy and I’m so happy that I settled on this Arc’Teryx jacket. Was it pricy? Yes. Has it been a dream? Also yes. It’s form-fitting enough to look nice but has enough room to layer under and still move around comfortably. It’s versatile, water resistant and super cozy.
Down Sweater Jacket
Patagonia: $279
For many years, this was my most-treasured go-to jacket for all things. Quick layer of warmth? Check. Something lightweight that can also pack down? Check. Great in the city and the mountains? Check, check. It’s not bulky, can be easily layered under, and is toasty warm (but not overly so).
Rainier Rain Jacket
REI Co-op: $100
If you are looking for a well-made and budget-friendly rain coat, then you’ve found your match. Compared to North Face jackets (which are lovely in their own right), I like that this one can fit layers underneath without it losing its shape and becoming bulky. The extended visor on the hood is also helpful to keep the rain at bay.
Aspire 3L Jacket
Outdoor Research: $225
This jacket is pricier but has lasted me for years and I foresee it lasting many more, even with the beatings I give it. It’s kept me dry and warm on rainy PNW hikes, through downpours in the city, and while climbing up Mt. Rainier. The hefty price tag is because it’s truly a quality jacket. Personally, I love the strength of the fabric (read: no tears) and the roomy hood actually shields rain—and it’s compatible with helmets!
Hyperstretch fleece jacket
REI CO-OP: $100
This thing is my one true love (along with all the other things I’ve deemed my “true loves”). It is perfect for traveling, camping, hiking, backpacking, or just throwing on to take a walk or go to the store. Not only does it have a great shape and lots of discreet pockets, but it’s also very cozy. I’ve had mine for over five years and it’s still in great shape, including the inner fleece lining.
Echo Hoodie
outdoor research: $75
With its uber lightweight and moisture wicking material, I pack this hoodie on nearly every outdoor overnight all year round. It’s a fantastic base layer for winter hiking, cool nights at camp, or to keep the sun and bugs at bay. The hood is nice as well, though the pony tail opening admittedly weirds me out a bit.
Sahara convertible pants
REI Co-Op: $90
Zip-off pants? Yes, and hear me out. These convertible pants weaseled their way into my heart for their durability and comfort, as well as for being lightweight and water resistant. While trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, I ended up having to wear them for about 6 days straight during a streak of bad weather and they barely smelled at the end of the day(and trust me, that’s impressive because my body certainly did). And who doesn’t love having the option to change into shorts at a whim—or even just unzip a little and vent. I really love these and if zip-off pants is the hill I die on, then so be it.
Clementine 2.0 Shorts
Vouri: $58
Last year, I finally caved and bought a pair of Vouri shorts. Now, I have them in several colors. At first, I was deterred by the price, but they are well worth it. They are breathable and easy to move around in, which is ideal for hiking, and the fabric is so dang soft and silky. To be honest, the tiny pocket is pretty useless but other than that, they are perfect and I highly recommend. The men’s version is just as good, or so a man tells me.
Hiking Micro crew socks
Darn Tough: $26
Yes, these are $25 a pair, but trust me on this one, you want them. Greatness doesn’t come cheap, my friends. Darn Tough wool socks are just so darn good at their job. They last for years and consistently keep my feet dry, warm, and blister-free. Best of all, they are not smelly! And if they tip toe in that direction, I simply lay them in the sun and they are ready to go for the next day.
hurricane xlt2
Teva: $80
To complete your sultry camp look, nothing beats a good ol’ pair of Tevas. Reliable, comfy, and affordable, they hit the hiking gear trifecta. While the Hurricane’s are a tad pricier than the Universal’s, these offer more support and traction. There are one’s for the gents as well, don’t worry.
mountain 600 hiking boots
Danner: $220
I can honestly say that I have never had an issue with these boots, even when breaking them in. Maybe I’m lucky? Or maybe these boots are just that good? I’ve tried other brands in the past, like North Face and Keens, but they just don’t hit the same as my Danners. Unlike shoes with mesh, Danner’s suede keeps feet ultra dry; I can walk through streams and the water just wicks off, even still, years later. They are also sturdy without being too rigid and are surprisingly lightweight. Plus, I can barely get them dirty even if I try. Don’t ask me how, it’s sorcery. There is also the men’s version.
trail ergo cork Trekking Poles
Black Diamond: $170
I don’t care if I look like an old geezer tromping up and down the mountain, hiking poles are wonderful things and you can’t convince me otherwise. They save the knee joints by distributing weight, are helpful in propelling you forward when hiking up, and they help ensure you don’t fall going down. Not only do I hike faster with poles, but they make my body feel far more capable. I favor these, in particular, for their ergonomic cork handles, which are good for moderating sweat, are grippier, and more comfortable. The price tag is steep but the quality is high.
Icetrekkers Diamond Grip Traction
Yaktrax: $55
Spikes are essential for winter hiking. I’ve used my Yaktrax for years and love them for their durability and budget-friendly price. These ones have the diamond grip traction system, which is so helpful in snow and ice. Sure, there are cheaper spikes (and far more technical and expensive ones), but the diamond grip is the best value out there.
Liner Gloves 2.0
REI Co-Op: $27
As someone that doesn’t like bulky things, these liner gloves are a dream. I find that many gloves constrict my fingers, leaving them to feel like incapable robot hands, but not these. No, these gloves are comfortable and add a bit of warmth without feeling like your hands are stuck inside bricks.
Dash Headlamp 450
Biolite: $60
This headlamp is comfortable on the noggin and offers great light, which is really all one needs in a headlamp. But if you want to get fancy with it, this one tilts, is charged by USB and has a long-lasting battery life, and has multiple light settings (including red light). Gold stars all around.
Sahara Gaiters
REI: $50
When hiking in mud or snow, gaiters can truly make a difference. By keeping the icky stuff out of your shoes, your feet are in a constant bubble of warmth and dryness throughout your adventure, and who doesn’t want that?
Skeletool
Leatherman: $90
No matter how you slice it (hehe), a multi-tool is essential camping gear. Whether it’s a Swiss Army knife, Leatherman or other less fancy knife, it can really save your toosh, possibly even your life. I like the Leatherman Skeletool for its useful combination of tools—enough that I have what I need, but not so much that I’m lugging unneeded weight.
UltraLight watertight medical kit
Adventure Medical Kits: $34
Lightweight, waterproof, and has the medical basics—which is me just repeating the title of this product. As with any kit, I take everything out and make sure I know what is inside, and add things that fit my specific activities as well.
Reusable antimicrobial Pee Cloth
Kula Cloth: $20
Yes, this is a pee cloth. No, it’s not gross. This is the brilliant alternative to using toilet paper or drip-drying an I stand by it. It can hang on the outside of your backpack, is easy to clean, and you can lay it out in the sun to dry. Sorry men, but your comments are not welcome here.
Nikwax Spray-On Water-Repellent Treatment (17 oz.)
REI Co-op: $23
Living in the Pacific Northwest makes for a damp existence. Before fall and winter hikes, I spray this glorious invention all over my gear for added protection (and because I can’t afford all things Gore-Tex). Some may prefer to wash it in their clothes but I find the spray-on version to offer better control of coverage. It is also more versatile in that you can use it on clothes, shoes, bags and more.
Black Diamond Carabiner
REI Co-op: $9
You love carabiners, I love carabiners, we all love carabiners. I keep 1-2 of these wonder workers on my backpack for whatever I may need them for. Can’t squeeze something in my bag? Clip it on the outside. Have a sweaty shirt you need to air out without stopping? Clip it to the backpack. The Black Diamond carabiner is my tried and true option.
Matador Pocket Blanket
Matador: $34
If you are searching for a warm fleece blanket, this is not it. If, however, you are looking for a pocket-sized blanket to take on-the-go, this is an exceptional choice. I feel like this blnket is my party trick; I pull this wallet-sized thing out of my bed and—boom—I have a blanket to sit on. I love that it comes with little stakes attached to the corners to help it not fly away. The downside is that it can be tough to stuff back in without a drawstring, but it’s lovely all the same.
Z-Seat
Therm-a-Rest: $33
When I don’t want to lug my camp chair, I bring along my Z-Seat. I also bring it on day hikes so I have something squishy to sit on while drinking in the views. Sure, it’s a luxury item, but it’s 2 oz. and folds into a thin rectangle that fits in the side pocket of my backpack.
Circle G’s polarized sunglasses
Goodr: $25
It’s hard to beat $25 for a pair of durable, good-looking, polarized sunglasses. So, yes, to answer your question, they are worth the hype. This style in particular is my favorite as I have a tiny face. 12/10 recommend.
Titanium Spork
Snow Peak: $9
There’s only so much that can be said about a spork, but I’ll give it my best shot. What I love about this one is that it’s simple and to-the-point, but it’s also a spork, so that’s par for the course. Titanium doesn’t burn like plastic sporks do which is why I like this one. Taller is also better when eating packaged dehydrated meals. You may as well just get two while you’re at, you know, in case one goes missing (I may or may not speak from experience).
Campwell 8L Folding Cooler
REI Co-op: $35
I use this to keep snacks and drinks cold for when I arrive back at my car after a day of hiking. Trust me, a cool drink after a long hike is a truly beautiful thing. Perhaps one day I will splurge on a Yeti cooler, but my 8L REI bag does the trick for now. It also flattens down for easy storage.
Hydraulics Reservoir - 2 Liters
Osprey: $48
This guy fits in a standard daypack or backpack, is easy to fill, and very secure. As a bonus, there is no plastic-y taste, which is basically all a water-drinker can hope for. Unless you drink water like it’s going out of style, the 2 liter is a good size, which you can refill after reaching camp.
Pro tip: if you hike in winter, the tube can freeze, so always bring a bottle just in case.
32 Oz. Water Bottle
Nalgene: $16
Ah yes, the good ol’ Nalgene. These reliable bottles are often seen lovingly plastered with stickers and used for years. I once lost mine (temporarily) and was distraught having lost my beloved sticker-ridden friend. As to its actual use, which is the point of this, I prefer the 32 oz. wide-mouth design but the smaller 16 oz. is also nice to have on hand.
Titanium Backpacking Mug
TOAKS: $40
Yes, it’s expensive for a tiny mug that you will be putting subpar coffee in. But hear me out. It’s ridiculously lightweight (4.7 oz), durable as hell, and honestly, that little pinky rest on the handle is enough to sell me on it. For something more affordable, I recommend the GSI Outdoor Infinity Mug — it worked great for me for years, though the fabric did fray. At $13 and 3.5 oz, it’s hard to complain about.
GU energy gel
GU: $2 (price varies)
I like to have a few GU Energy Gels tucked away in easily accessible pockets for a mid-stride boost. Of the gels, my personal favorites are Chocolate Outrage and Vanilla Bean, but I’m a simply kind of gal. As far as snacks go, chews and stroopwaffles are also great, though I find the latter to be less filling.
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