Ultimate Hiking Gear

Do you love hiking? We sure do. From hiking in the desert in Jordan to hiking in the mountains in Alberta, Canada, we’ve tested out some of the best hikes in the world. But it’s important to have the right hiking gear to make the experience comfortable and fun. Some hiking gear is just too good to pass up! This is our favorite hiking gear.

Ultimate Hiking Gear

Sherpa Resham 3-Layer Jacket

Via feedthehabit.com

Built to deflect wind and rain, the Resham Jacket is one streamlined, high-performance piece of hiking gear. The fabric is an ultra-light, 3-layer polyurethane laminate that’s both waterproof and breathable. Every seam is sealed for durable water repellency. And when you need to ventilate your core on the ascent, unzip the front hand pockets – they’re lined in mesh. The collar is extra tall for maximum face coverage, and the hood adjusts around the face via interior front pulls; volume control is done via a device at the back of the head ($199;http://www.sherpaadventuregear.com).

*Sherpa Adventure Gear manufacturers 80% of their products in Nepal with a local workforce to support the local economy. They also employ actual Sherpas as brand ambassadors who use and test the products in the Himalayas. In short, the great Sherpas of Nepal are directly-benefited by the success of Sherpa AG. With a flagship store in Katmandu, Sherpa AG promotes the use of their products to all climbers and locals alike — offering jobs and opportunities for Sherpas and their families.

Oboz Women’s Mystic Low

With stability and comfort built into a sleek, women’s-specific platform, the Mystic Low BDRY is a lightweight, waterproof day-hiker perfect for a stroll around town or a day of hiking with the family. Excellent traction is achieved through the treaded rubber sole. The Mystic Low BDRY hiking shoe is primed and ready for your off-road adventures ($125;http://www.obozfootwear.com). 

*Oboz Footwear is owned and operated by a small group of passionate industry veterans and life-long outdoor enthusiasts.  They define themselves by where they live and recreate. Their home base, Bozeman, Montana sits on the northern edge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem–18 million acres of some of the wildest land in North America. It is here, in the Northern Rocky Mountains, that Oboz is found. They’ve adopted the phrase “True to the Trail” as their guiding principle.

“You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.” – Terri Guillemets

~ For other great quotes about hiking, check out 60 Of The Best & Inspiring Quotes About Hiking. It will inspire you to hit the trail.

Garmin InReach Mini

Via /backpackinglight.com/garmin-inreach-mini-review

I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. The Garmin InReach lets you send text messages to communicate with family and friends in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices offers weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality. For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach.

Gregory Z 30 Backpack, Daypack

Many so-called daypacks are little more than book bags, but Gregory’s Z30 is a day-plus pack with a can-do attitude. The Cross-Flo DTS suspension uses crossed aluminum stays to stabilize loads north of 30 pounds and a mesh trapeze to help air circulate behind your back. The 30-liter top loader easily handles gear for a day’s summit push or, if you’re a minimalist, a summer overnight. The only downside? With all that space and the ultra-capable suspension, you’ll likely take more than you need ($129; www.gregorypacks.com).

Gerber Steady Tripod Multi-Tool

In the constant march forward to make multi-tools even more, well, multi-tooled, Gerber has a neat new implement and it’s the perfect addition to your hiking gear. The Gerber Steadycombines the utility of a multi-tool and the functionality of a camera tripod. It comes equipped with an adjustable cell phone and screw-in camera mount and two fold-able legs that serve as a tripod. The rest of the tool is all Gerber ingenuity The Gerber Steady has a fine edge blade, a serrated blade, three screwdrivers, a bottle opener, pliers and wire cutters. Steady on down the trail ($82; http://www.gerbergear.com/).

Hit the trail Jack, but make sure you come back for more hiking gear!