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When I’m out on the trail, every piece of gear I carry serves a purpose. From the boots that protect my feet to the essentials in my backpack, I have carefully curated my hiking setup to keep me prepared for whatever nature throws my way. Here’s a look at what is always in my hiking bag, along with some of my favorite footwear I rely on for every adventure.
Footwear: Boots & Sneakers
Danner Women’s Adrika Hiker 5″ Waterproof Hiking Boot
When it comes to all-day comfort and durability, the Danner Women’s Adrika Hiker 5″ Waterproof Hiking Boot is my top choice. These boots offer excellent support on rocky terrain, and their waterproof design keeps my feet dry, even when crossing streams or dealing with sudden rain showers. While some shoes require sizing up to account for thicker hiking socks, the Adrika Hiker Boot runs true to size with plenty of room! I have also noticed that after hiking in muddy terrain, these shoes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth for easy upkeep.
Shop the Danner Women’s Adrika Hiker 5″ Waterproof Hiking Boot here.
Danner 689428M Women’s Trail 2650 Campo 3″ Taupe Shoe
For lighter hikes or when I need something more breathable, I switch to the Danner Women’s Trail 2650 Campo shoes. These shoes provide great traction and are perfect for those warm-weather hikes where I still need stability but prefer something more lightweight. I typically wear these Danner shoes on shorter trails when the weather is too warm for my Adrika boots. I sometimes wear them while just walking around my neighborhood for a morning stroll. They are so versatile and extremely comfortable to add to your hiking and outdoor wardrobe.
Shop the Danner 689428M Women’s Trail 2650 Campo 3″ Shoe Taupe here.
What’s in My Bag
Osprey Tempest 20L Women’s Hiking Backpack
My Osprey Tempest 20L backpack is the backbone of my hiking gear. With a perfect fit and ample space for all my essentials, it keeps me organized on the go. This Opsprey backpack is large enough to fit my camera gear, snacks, water bottle, and other essentials (keep reading to see what else I pack), without being too heavy for various day hikes. The hip belt adds extra comfort, allowing me to distribute the weight evenly across my body, which is essential for any hike.
Shop the Osprey Tempest 20L Women’s Hiking Backpack here.
S’well 17oz Teakwood Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, and my S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle is always with me. And I am not being figurative when I say that- this bottle is with me all of the time. I have owned a few of the 17oz bottles over the past 10 years, one of which I took to work with me every day until it was so dented and scratched from use that I needed to purchase another. These bottles are legit! Not only does it keep my water cold for hours (and even longer if ice is added), but its sleek design also fits perfectly in the side pocket of my backpack. I highly recommend these bottles for your adventures.
Shop the S’well 17oz Teakwood Stainless Steel Water Bottle here.
CLIF BAR – Crunchy Peanut Butter
I always pack a snack, and CLIF Bars are my go-to for a quick energy boost. These bars are perfect to add to your hiking bag, but can also be taken anywhere on the go- I always carry one in my purse. The Crunchy Peanut Butter flavor is my favorite—it’s tasty and keeps me fueled up for those challenging sections of the trail.
Shop the CLIF BAR – Crunchy Peanut Butter 15 pack here.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier® – Strawberry
For those extra-long hikes or hot days, I mix Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier into my water. It’s a lifesaver for staying hydrated and avoiding that dreaded trail fatigue. I also keep a few pouches in my bag when traveling, and I have found that I am less jetlagged when drinking these. They are also great if you are a bit under the weather, need to stay hydrated, and want to maximize the water you are drinking.
Shop the Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier® – Strawberry Flavor here.
Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are a game-changer, especially on steep or uneven terrain. I use the Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles because they are lightweight yet sturdy, providing the stability I need on challenging hikes. When you no longer want to use them on the trail, you can easily attach them to your backpack and continue with your hike.
Shop the Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Trekking Poles here.
Lighting EVER LED Headlamp Rechargeable 2-Pack
I never hit the trail without a headlamp- especially on those early-morning sunrise or late-night sunset hikes. The Lighting EVER LED headlamp is rechargeable and bright enough to light up the path ahead, making it essential for early morning starts or late finishes.
Shop the Lighting EVER LED Headlamp Rechargeable 2-Pack here.
150 Piece Small First Aid Kit
Safety first! I carry a compact first aid kit in my pack, which has everything I might need for minor injuries. It’s small but comprehensive, giving me peace of mind on the trail. Although packing this first aid kit is essential for my hiking gear, I also pack this whenever I travel. You never know when you will need something from the kit when you are away from home.
Shop the 150 Piece Small First Aid Kit here.
A Note on Photography Gear
While I always carry my Canon R6 Mark II on hikes to capture the stunning landscapes, the details of what is in my camera bag are a topic for another post. If you’re interested in my photography setup, you can check out the blog post dedicated to my camera gear here.
This gear has been tested on countless trails, and I trust it to perform every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, these essentials will help you make
the most of your time in the great outdoors.
Do you have any favorite items in your hiking gear? Comment below!
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