When you start out hiking, you use what you’ve got. You can throw on your athletic shoes and exercise gear, grab a water bottle, and hit the trail. Eventually, you’ll fall in love with the outdoors and want some better gear. That’s where I come in. I’ve listed my favorite gear and links to ongoing sales. Yes, I am an affiliate for these stores, but I genuinely enjoy their products and use them when hiking. If you don’t believe me, check out my Instagram to see me wearing the gear.
HIKING SHOES
I bought the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes a few years ago and fell in love with them. They’re great for new hikers because they fit more like a shoe than a boot.
MID HIKING SHOES
I use the Women’s Moab Speed 2 Leather Mid Waterproof when I need more ankle support. It has excellent grip and protects your feet from the elements.
TOPS
I love materials that breathe. A few brands I love for hot days are 90 Degree By Reflex Tank Tops, Asics Women’s Tops, and Spyder Women’s Tops.
PANTS
My go to pants are the Baleaf Women’s Waterproof Hiking Pants. They have multiple pockets, and are lightweight and dry incredibly quickly. I also enjoy brands like Kyodan Outdoor and Mondetta for lightweight options. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Amazon Basics also has Water Repellent Hiking Pants.
SPF TOPS
Sun protection is important, and with a history of skin cancer, making sure I’m covered is one of my top priorities. I bought this Lightbreeze Womens UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Workout Top a year ago and still love it. It’s lightweight and offers great coverage. It’s affordable and has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon (with ~3,500 reviews).
JACKET
Even in the summer, a lightweight jacket is a must. I recommend the Free Country Women’s Lightweight Jacket. It’s lightweight and acts as a rain jacket and windbreaker.
BACKPACK
I have a deep love for Fjällräven because of its focus on sustainability. I use the Kanken backpack for travel and daytrips. It’s durable and carries 16L. If you want something a bit sturdier, I recommend the Osprey Sirrus 24L Women’s Hiking Backpack. It has an internal hydration sleeve with hose port and it comes with a rain cover. It’s great because it’s adjustable and has mesh for breathable support.
CAMERA
I can’t imagine taking photos without my Canon EOS Rebel T7. I chose this camera because it’s good for nature photography without costing thousands. It’s a DSLR camera, and this kit comes with two lenses: EF18-55mm and EF75-300mm.
All of this gear is well worth the investment. Start with what is right for you, and build your equipment toolbox as you explore more.
Have gear that you love? Please share in the comments. I would love to know what brings you happiness on the trail.
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