Gear is essential for comfort on the trail or traveling around. I have a few staples that I live in during the summer and some that I add when the weather changes. I love this gear for different reasons and feel no reason to have more than one of anything because, really, when you are hiking, you don’t need an outfit change! Many hikers use their gear over and over and replace it when it’s damaged or when the weatherproofing wears off.
Reminder that all gear is based on my personal preferences.
What I’m Wearing
REI Co-op Active Pursuits Tank Top
- I wear this tank top all summer and especially on long hikes or backpacking trips. It’s a muscle tank, so there’s room on the sides for a less fitted feel -there’s nothing worse when your clothes feel clingy after a warm run or long hike. It’s also one of my layers for under a sun hoody or a thermal.
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hooded Shirt
- Sun hoodies are the best invention. I never thought anything of them until my husband decided to buy one and then I was hooked! They are breathable, lightweight, and block the sun in all the right places! I rarely need to wear sunscreen. This hoody has a pull hood, so it covers a large portion of your face. Just add sunglasses and that’s it! It’s also a great layer when for chilly mornings when you don’t quite need a jacket, but don’t feel like you can rock a short sleeve just yet.
Mountain Hardwear Down Puffer Hoody (Unsure of Exact Name/ I bought it on backcountry.com)
- This was not in my everyday rotation until we moved to Oregon. I used it only for backpacking. It’s lightweight enough that it scrunches into a ball, and you can shove it anywhere in your pack. Now I use it for everything- a layer for going out, a layer for running, and my hiking jacket. It has a hood, which is a must, and interior pockets.
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer
- Another must-have for me. This base layer looks stylish on top and keeps you warm and cozy. I bring this as one of my warm layers on backpacking trips, but I have also used it as a light sweater at the beach. I put my REI tank top underneath and I am good to go.
REI Fleece Zip Up (REI.com- no link)
- I’ve owned my fleece for 9 years now and it’s still my favorite “winter” jacket. It may not look thick enough, but it’s amazing for every occasion and works perfectly paired with my puffer and my rain jacket. I have other winter coats, but I opt to wear something like this with layers instead of a larger coat. It’s also my favorite campsite jacket!
PrAna Transform High-Waist Leggings
- My favorite pair of leggings- I have had these for at least three years and wear them frequently. They make a great bottom for running or hiking and I have used them as a layer in colder weather under hiking pants. They are also perfect for wearing out and about with a sweater if that’s your thing.
Athleta Wander Straight Pants (no longer available, but you still can get similar pants at Athleta.gap.com)
- These are great all-around pants. They are a little pricey (luckily, they were gifted to me! -tall sizes for the win), but so worth it! The black fabric and stylish zippers make this pant great for walking around town or hitting the trail- and I have done both! These were the pants I took on our three weeks Europe vacation in 2019 and I still use them today as a hiking pant. The fabric is also quick-dry, so I use it as a “snow pant” with a layer underneath.
REI Rain Jacket (not the same, but similar)
- I surprisingly don’t wear this too often, but it is always in my pack. This is an inexpensive, highly rated rain jacket. I sized up, so it’s roomy enough to wear over larger layers and my backpack, if needed. Rain jackets are essential in the outdoors, so I highly recommend getting one!
Hat or Beanie
- We all have our favorite hats or beanies- I think this one is self-explanatory. Hats are perfect for blocking sun exposure (a sun hoody can also do that!) and beanies keep you head warm. My favorites are:
Hot Chilly’s Base Layers (Top and Bottoms)
- These are rated pretty high as far as base layers go- I got them at a going out of business sale from a local outdoor store. They are warm and definitely do the job! I use them as PJ bottoms on backpacking trips so minimize clothes and under hiking pants during the winter.
Altra Trail or Running Shoes
- There was a hype around Altras from long-distance backpackers, so I bought a cheap pair on Amazon several years ago. The shoe I bought was lightweight and crushed it on the trail. The sole was a little thin, so I upgraded last summer to a trail shoe, the Superior 5, and a running shoe, the Rivera 2. I use the running shoe a lot more right now, but the trail shoe is just as comfortable! Both are lightweight, breathable, and have a larger toe box for people with bigger feet (yes, that’s me!)
Eddie Bauer Trail Pants from Costco (no link)
- If you have a Costco membership, check out their Eddie Bauer collection. I have gone in there once a month for a year and there is always some sort of trail pant or hiking shirt. I bought these over a year ago, but I just saw them in the store again last week! They are pull on and lightweight, almost like a wind breaker material. I tested them out on a 30-mile backpacking trip last year because it was over 90 degrees and I loved wearing them. I also wore them to lounge around the house when I didn’t want to wear shorts or leggings. My one caution is that the fabric is pretty thin, so I was worried about tears when we were bush-whacking on the trail.
What I’m Carrying
iPhone 11–Green
- Old faithful- I have had this phone for two years and it still takes amazing pictures with a decent battery life. After I bought this, I started using my DSLR a lot less because of it’s size and picture quality. Paired with a Casely case, this phone has survived the number of times I’ve dropped it each week.
Peak Design Camera Clip
- Every photographer, youtuber, backpacker with a camera that I’ve seen has this clip. After 100 plus miles on the trail, it’s a magic solution for accessibility. There are two parts- one you clip to your backpack and the other you screw into your camera. It’s easy to use and makes it so your hands can be free to carry trekking poles, water, etc. You also don’t have the problem of your camera hanging out your neck and swinging in different directions (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!)
A Camera (the mirrorless is coming!)
- For six years, I toted around a Nikon DSLR. Recently, I noticed that carrying it around was a bit of a burden. My reasons for having a camera also changed a bit. I sold it on eBay, debating if I would get another one. With only a month or so without it, I read reviews and went into Best Buy several times to look at new cameras. I chose a small, inexpensive, light-weight mirrorless Canon. It’s in the mail!
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
- This was a birthday gift this past December and I love it! I’ve always had a daypack of some sort, but this one is everything I’ve wanted! It’s big enough to carry a laptop in for work and a picnic for hiking. Yet small enough to be comfortable. I’ve always bought backpacks with awkward pockets where I made it work, but I don’t need to do that with this one.
Water Bottle
- Who doesn’t carry a water bottle? (if you don’t, you should!) Nalgene bottles from REI are my favorite. I would collect them all if I could. They are the perfect size to carry to work or for a day hike. I add Nuun tablets when I feel like I need something extra in my water.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle
- On short day hikes, I don’t carry a filter, but during all other outdoor activities I definitely do. Having access to water is an important component in the outdoors! This water filter is great because you can use it as a water bottle without the extra bulk or fold it up when it’s not in use. I’ve been on three or four backpacking trips with this, and I use it paired with a Smart Bottle since it only carries so much water.
Garmin inReach MINI
- Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Double yes. This is a compact satellite communicator. Some people may think it’s not worth it, but as someone who hikes, bikes, kayaks by myself, I like to have it for peace of mind. It’s also great for the backcountry outings where you never know when you may need it.
What’s your everyday essential? Throw some links down below!
If you’re interested in my favorite gear of 2021, click here.
~*~*~*~*~
Hike on. 🙂 -C
The BLT Guidebook 
Leave a comment