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The crunch of leaves underfoot, coupled with the glorious scenery of hills and trees, are the sights and sounds of our favorite way to spend an afternoon. Hiking is our favorite outdoor pastime, and this passion is shared by millions of people each year. The simplicity and accessibility of hiking are what draw us to the trail, and the views and time in nature keep bringing us back. Here is a comprehensive list of our top hiking gear picks. These great pieces of gear will allow you to focus on the adventure. Happy trails!
Lever Gear
A classic saying states that, “if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail”, and it is quite relevant for hiking and outdoor adventures. Having the proper footwear, clothes, and gear is crucial to a fun and successful hike. However, since you are contending with the wild unpredictable nature of the outdoors, it is best to have tools for every possible scenario. This ready-for-anything mindset is what inspired the creators of Lever Gear, who are leaders in the EDC(everyday carry) industry. Our favorite item of theirs is the toolcard pro, which is also our top hiking gear picks in the category of tools. The Toolcard Pro is a minimal money clip that discreetly hides 40 different tools in its construction. From a bottle opener to a screwdriver head, this versatile piece of gear means you are ready for anything on and off the trail.
Outdoor Element
Upgrade your camping gear with Outdoor Element, and brave the winter cold with their awesome products. While they make a wide range of quality camping tools, their most popular is the Firebiner. The utility of a normal carabiner is upgraded by multifunction additions such as a bottle opener, screwdriver bit and blade. However, the secret weapon is a special part that creates sparks. Billy Joel didn’t start the fire, you did, using your Outdoor Element Firebiner. Better call Billy and let him know that this is one piece of camping gear you don’t want to live without.
Forsake Footwear
The most important gear needed for hiking is footwear. No matter the trail or the weather, trek confidently with boots and shoes from Forsake Footwear. They have designed every shoe with hiking in mind, and you can see the proof in each model. Waterproof leather uppers, supportive midsoles, and grippy Vibram soles all are standard for Forsake Footwear shoes and boots. When it comes to preparing for a hike, our top hiking gear pick for footwear is an easy choice. Try Forsake Footwear and your feet will thank you!
VECTO Water Container
Cnoc, in Old Irish, means hill or elevated place. Surely, your hiking adventures will take you over many such features, and the gear from cnoc will aid you along the way. A sustainable manufacturer of high quality goods, this company is a no brainer for our top hiking gear picks. Our favorite piece of gear from them is their VECTO water containers. These collapsible bladders are made from long-lasting material, and feature a wide opening on one end, and a threaded cap on the other. The large opening is meant to make filling it up a cinch, and when it is empty, it easily fits in your pack. The VECTO water container also is designed to be used as a purification system, for long hikes with water sources along the way. Simply open up the container, fill it with water from a stream or river, and then thread on their proprietary filter. Stay hydrated and ready for any scenario with this innovative water container from Cnoc.
Roman Trail Outfitters
Ancient Roman soldiers had to travel many hundreds of miles, all made possible by their world class roads. These highways were the cutting edge for the time, and were created by their supreme engineering skills. The same attention to craftsmanship and design can be found in the brand Roman Trail Outfitters, which is why they are on our list of top hiking gear picks. From merino wool shirts to headlamps, Roman Trail Outfitters will equip you with the essentials to make your camping excursion successful and memorable.
Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are the secret to turning a tough hike into a piece of cake. They provide stability, help you power uphill, and add extra security and cushion when descending. The poles from Hiker Hunger are made of 100% carbon fiber, and weigh in at an astounding 7 ounces each! This minimal yet ultra-sturdy construction keeps your arms from fatiguing. In addition, the poles come with a set of interchangeable tips that are suited for specific types of terrain. Go the extra mile with these amazing poles, and you will see why they are our top hiking gear pick for trekking poles.
Flying Squirrel Outfitters
Whether you are enjoying a trailside nape, or celebrating the completion of a long hike, do it in comfort with a hammock from Flying Squirrel Outfitters. Their high quality hammocks come in a variety of colors and sizes that fit your fancy. Flying Squirrel makes all their products in Thailand, where they hand sew every bag and hammock, promoting fair and safe working opportunities for women. We added their amazing hammocks to our list of top hiking gear picks, and you should add it to your next shopping list.
Voormi Apparel
Hiking during the fall and spring guarantees unrivaled views and scenery. Leaves change color, mountains begin to be shrouded in snow, and rivers freeze over. While the temperatures drop, don’t let that keep you indoors. Don woolen apparel from Voormi and safely explore during these amazing seasons. Voormi creates clothing for all outdoor activities, and will keep you dry, warm, and on the trail no matter what. When it comes to durable, sustainable clothing, Voormi is our tip hiking gear pick.
Caffeine Infused Chocolate
Have you ever been on the trail and suddenly felt like you’ve hit an invisible wall? “Bonking” or hitting the wall is a common occurrence for hikers and runners, and is attributed to lack of nutrients and energy. You can avoid this on your hikes by properly refueling as you go. Our favorite way to do so is with snacks from Joe Chocolate Co. Responsibly sourced chocolate is delicately infused with coffee to provide extra caffeine. Not only do the snacks give us much needed fuel, they add a pep to our step! We put their chocolate snacks on our list of top hiking gear picks, and will always have a bag or two in our packs.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Is it possible to have camping gear that is featherlight, yet durable? Could something that weighs almost nothing be able to withstand the elements for years of outdoor use? Hyperlite says “yes” to these questions, with their trademark tents and bags as proof. Cutting edge design is seen in every corner of their gear, and true to their name, each product is impossibly light. Their Daybreak backpack is our top hiking gear pick. It is rugged, waterproof, loaded with places to stash gear, and weighs only 20 oz.
Author: Mswigart
