Hello! Hiking and camping are true passions of mine. And to get the most enjoyment out of them, I take serious the equipment and gear that is required. I have taken the time to research and review all of the following for your benefit. I try to keep in mind both quality and budget when listing products. If you see something you like, please click on one of the links or images to continue to checkout. Every item purchased through this site allows us to get a small commission so that we can maintain the site and continue exploring new and exciting trails for your enjoyment. Cheers!
Hiking Boots
When I am looking for good hiking boots, 2 things are most important to me: durability and water resistance. Obviously, if you’re going to invest in a good pair of boots, you want them to last through plenty of hiking trips. Being able to keep water out will make all the difference throughout the day in keeping your feet feeling great. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Hiking Boots 
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Men: Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Hiking Boots – $130.00
- Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
- Waterproof?: Yes
- Weight: 2lbs. 4oz.
- Best Feature: Merrell M Select Fit.Eco+ blended-EVA, contoured footbeds with zonal arch and heel support
Women: Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Hiking Boots – $130.00
- Footwear Height: Over-the-ankle
- Waterproof?: Yes
- Weight: 2lbs.
- Best Feature: M-Select Dry membranes seal out water and let moisture escape so you stay dry when you’re on the move
Tents
To find the best tent you need to ask yourself what you’ll be using it for. Are you going to be going on a multi-day backpacking trip and in need of a lighter tent? Will you be traveling by car and more worried about a budget-friendly tent big enough for the whole family? I have listed several options below that are highly recommended for each scenario. Click on the links and start getting excited about your next camping adventure! More options and tent recommendations can be found here.
1-Person: REI Co-op Quarter Dome 1 Tent – $299.00
2-Person: Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent with Footprint – $199.00
4-Person: The North Face Talus 4 Tent with Footprint – $299.00
Family: The North Face Wawona 6 Tent – $399.00
Backpacks
If you’re going to go hiking, you’ll need a backpack to bring with you. What type of backpack you need will depend on the length and difficulty of your hike! I’ve included several great options for you to choose from below for every situation you may find yourself in!
Backpacking: Osprey Atmos AG 65 Pack – Men’s / Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack – Women’s
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- Capacity: 62 – 68 liters (Men) / 60 – 65 liters (Women)
- Weight: 4lbs. 8oz. – 4lbs. 10oz. (Men) / 4lbs. 4oz. – 4lbs. 7oz.
- Dimensions: 34 x 15 x 16 inches (Men) / 33 x 16 x 15 inces (Women)
Day Hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack – Men’s – $79.95
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- Capacity: 25 liters
- Weight: 2lbs.
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 13.25 x 7.5 inches
Hydration Packs: Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack – $79.95
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- Capacity: 22 Liters
- Weight: 1lb. 3.4oz.
- Dimensions: 20 x 10.5 x 7.25 inches
Sleeping Bags
Speaking from experience, you do not want to wait until you’re in your tent in the middle of the night and the temperature has dropped before 40 degrees before wishing you got a better sleeping bag. There are many different types so it is important to realize what you’ll be using it for. Are you going to be camping in Colorado in December? Camping in Arizona in the summer? Camping with a child? A partner? More options and sleeping bag recommendations can be found here!
Best Unisex: Marmot Trestles 0 Sleeping Bag – $119.19
- Temperature Rating (F): 1.9
- Packed Weight: 4lbs. 9.8oz.
- Best Feature: Heavy for backpacking but perfect for everything else. This will keep you super warm with plenty of space to move around. Unisex – perfect for all!
Best Double: REI Co-op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag – $159.00
- Temperature Rating (F): 30
- Packed Weight: 6lbs.
- Best Feature: Dual 2-way zippers let you unzip the foot sections separately for customized ventilation; you can also separate the top and bottom to use the bag as a quilt
Socks
A good pair of socks might be the most underrated hiking gear there is. You’re going to want some socks that provide great cushion, are long-lasting, and wicks away moisture while not making your feet too hot. Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks are made of merino wool and will last you for miles and miles on the trail. These are some seriously darn tough socks! Different color options come in mens and womens so pick you up a pair now!
Pants & Shirts
While you’re out of the trail you are going to want to come prepared with proper clothing that will keep you comfortable on your hikes. Everyone has their own style and preferences but there are certain options that you can’t avoid. Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of hiking pants or a new shirt, pick up something that keeps you dry and looks good.
Best Men Hiking Pants: prAna Stretch Zion Pants– $85.00
Best Women Hiking Pants: prAna Halle Pants– $85.00
Best Men Hiking Shirts: Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt – $48.00
Best Women Hiking Shirts: Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Shirt – $50.00
Mattresses, Pads & Hammocks
Best Sleeping Pad: Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated Sleeping Pad – $199.95
Air Sprung Cell technology has 2 layers of high-resolution cells in torso area for max comfort and insulation; 1 layer of medium-resolution cells at head/legs reduces weight
Other Gear
Pillow: NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow – $39.95
Hats
Both of the hats below are great outdoor options depending on your preference. The Dorfman Pacific is more of your classic-style hat that will never go out of style; crush able, so you can pack it up anywhere. The Outdoor Research hat is perfect for hot summer hikes or if you’re kayaking – UPF 50+ fabric shields you from the sun’s rays and keeps you dry!
Dorfman Pacific All-Season Crushable Hat
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
Water Purification: LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Filtration – 22 fl.oz.
I am a big fan of this water purification bottle. It doesn’t require any technical skill and it doesn’t take any time at all to use – I take it with me on all of my trips! All you have to do is fill up the bottle, replace the lid/straw with filter attached and you are good to go! Highly recommend because you never know when you’ll need it!
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles – Pair – $99.95
Headlamps: Petzl Tikka Headlamp – $29.95
Binos & Optics
Depending on what you’re in need of binoculars for, both options below present great, affordable options for your hiking/adventure needs!
Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 8 x 25 Binoculars – $79.95
Celestron Nature 10 x 25 Monocular – $39.95
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