Best Hiking Gear 2020

Don’t waste your money on hiking gear that’s no good; I’ve already done that for you! Here’s my trail-tested best hiking gear list, last updated October 2020. I only recommend hiking gear that I’ve used over hundreds of miles. I don’t do any paid or sponsored reviews, and I don’t waste your time with gear that doesn’t make the cut. This is only the good stuff.

An easy way to say think you for my free guides to make sure you use the links on this page to buy your gear. I get a small commission that helps offset my website and gear costs. I depend on these commissions to keep the site running, so thank you in advance!

Quick List: Most-Used Gear

I’ll go into detail on all the gear that I’ve tested and use below, but if you want to just see what I use the most, here it is. Overall my philosophy is go minimal and light with the important systems (navigation & survival) backed up.

• La Sportiva Wildcats are my main footwear.
  Latest Price on Women’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
  Latest Price on Men’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
• The Osprey Talon daypack is what I use on day hikes and overnight backpacking trips.
  Latest Women’s Prices: REI | Amazon
  Latest Men’s Prices: REI | Amazon
• My wrist always has a Garmin Fenix 6 smart GPS watch ( REI | Amazon | My Review) with maps. For a more affordable alternative, try the Garmin Instinct.
• Clothes mainly from REI and Kuhl.
• An iPhone with Gaia GPS (HikingGuy reader discount here).
• Garmin GPSMAP 66i with InReach ( REI | Amazon | My Review ) to communicate in the backcountry and use as a navigation backup. With the GPS on my Fenix and smartphone, I’m considering switching back to the lighter InReach Mini (REI | Amazon | My Review) to save some weight.
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
• Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
• America the Beautiful Pass (aka the National Parks Pass)

Hiking Footwear

• For 3-season hiking in my hiking shoes or trail runners, I use Darn Tough hiking socks (REI | Amazon) which dry fast and protect my feet.
• In the winter I use a heavier darn tough sock with an Injinji sock liner (REI | Amazon) to keep my feet warm and dry.
• If it’s really wet outside I’ll wear an NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wet Socks (REI | Amazon). They’re also great to wear on cool nights when you’re camping.
• In the snow I’ll use taller gaiters like the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters (REI | Amazon). In the summer I’ve found that lower gaiters are more trouble then they’re worth, and I’ll just dump my shoes out if they get a pebble in them.
• If it’s icy or snowy I use Kahtoola MICROspikes (REI | Amazon). I’ll throw them in a small stuff sack in my pack just in case the trail conditions change.

Hiking Backpacks

• Hydration bladders are nice because you tend to drink more often. The downside is that you can’t see how much water you have left. And the combination of a bladder, tube, and bite valve have more points of failure. I use a bladder occasionally when it’s very hot. I like the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir (REI | Amazon) because it’s easy to fill, close, and has a quick release so you can take it out of the pack and refill without having to snake the hose out. Just don’t bite too hard or chew on the valve, which can break it (it’s a cheap replacement if you do).
• But otherwise I just go with two simple 1.5L Smartwater bottles. Why Smartwater? Well, they happen to fit perfectly onto a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System (REI | Amazon). Just screw the filter on the bottle and squeeze to drink. When you need to refill your water, just dip the Smartwater bottle into any water source (stream, puddle, whatever) and fill it up. You can get tricky with clean water bottles and dirty water bottles but why get complicated when you can keep it simple?
• You can use stuff sacks to keep things organized in the pack, or just go with gallon zip-lock bags.
• If you hike in the rain, forget the rain cover and just get a pack liner. You can use a trash compactor bag, or get something a little more durable like this pack liner from Osprey.

Hiking Navigation

Being able to navigate is probably the most important thing on your hike. I realize that not everyone will want (or need to) invest in a dedicated GPS unit, so I’ll recommend a few levels.

Navigation Resources

• Get free maps for your Garmin GPS
• Creating a course an sending it to your Garmin GPS
• Creating custom maps for your Garmin GPS
• How to check for wildfires on your hike
• How to check for snow on your hike

Backcountry Communications

I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer 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.

• A popular choice is is the affordable and lightweight Garmin InReach Mini (REI | Amazon | My Review).
• If you want a full-featured handheld GPS navigator with InReach, check out the GPSMAP 66i (REI | Amazon | My Review ). A more affordable option with navigation is the InReach Explorer (REI | Amazon | My Review ).
• For those wanting a touchscreen device or a camera, the Garmin Montana might be for you ( My Review )
• If you want a backcountry SOS device without a monthly subscription, check out the ACR ResQLink View (REI | Amazon | My Review ).

InReach Resources

• When to hit the SOS button
• Locating an InReach user

Hiking Clothing

I don’t like to have a lot of crap in my closet, so I just invest in a few key pieces of hiking clothing. In general I like clothing from REI and Kuhl. They fit well, are built for hikers, and wick/dry quickly.

This is what I use on the trail:

• KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants – I mostly use them as shorts but I have the option for pants when it’s cooler or I want to protect my legs from brush.
• KUHL Response Shirt – It’s very lightweight and dries quickly.
• Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt – This long sleeve can easily roll-up into a short sleeve and is light and dry These run big FYI.
• KUHL Revel Quarter-Zip Fleece Top – It’s a great layering top for cool summits or early starts.
• REI Co-op Drypoint GTX Jacket – This rain shell is light and well-thought out for hikers.
• Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – A very lightweight puffer jacket that you can stuff in your pack and have for cool nights or cold summits.
• Arc’teryx Rho Lightweight Beanie – A light beanie that you can have in the pack and use to keep warm when temperatures drop.
• Lightweight Running Visors – For me the visor keeps the sweat out of my eyes, gives me shade to see, and lets the heat escape.
• REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants – I use these in rain and also chilly conditions with a long underwear bottom (see below).
• ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs – Quick drying, durable, and light weight.

Hiking Gear

• REI Membership 
  For $20 you get up to 10% on everything for life. It’s a no-brainer.
• America the Beautiful Pass (aka the National Parks Pass)
  It gets you free admission everywhere you need a pass in the USA outside of state and local parks (National Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation). Also works instead of an Adventure Pass. Worth its weight in gold. Buy through REI and they’ll donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
• Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
  I don’t always use trekking poles anymore, but when I do, I like these. They’re light and collapse to fit on my pack. If you want something ultra-light, go for Black Diamond Z Poles. They’re not as versatile but they feel like they are as light as air.
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
  After years of using a great pump system, I finally switched to the inexpensive Sawyer, which I’ve tested for months, works great, is simple, light, and versatile. Don’t get the Mini, which has some issues, the regular Sawyer Squeeze is the one you want.
• Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
  It’s a very bright yet lightweight headlamp that is rechargeable but also can take AAA batteries. I always carry a headlamp (and some extra AAAs) in case I get stuck out after dark.
• UL Backcountry Trowel
  I carry this lightweight and effective trowel and a small roll of single-ply toilet paper in case of “an emergency.” It’s light and makes life easier when you need it. Some people also carry a bidet that fits on your water bottle.
• Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray
  If I’m in bear country, or otherwise remote, I might bring some bear spray with me. It works on mountain lions and people as well.
• Anker Portable Charger
  It’s good to have if your GPS unit or smartphone dies. Don’t forget the cablse to connect.
• Ben’s InvisiNet Insect Head Net
  As silly as it looks, this head net has saved me from insanity many times.
• Probars
  When choosing foods for a hike, I usually try to cram the most slow-burning calories in the smallest package. ProBars are a great mix of nuts, seeds, and sugar, and are tasty.

Survival / Emergency Gear

I carry a few items in the bottom of my pack in case of an emergency. The idea is that you can make yourself comfortable in case you need to stay out after dark and wait for a rescue. Or if you need to signal a rescue without you InReach device.

• Swiss Army Spartan Knife
  I use this for other things occasionally but it’s just 2.8oz and offers a lot of utility.
• Whistles for LIFE Tri-Power Whistle
  If people are searching for you and you’re off the trail, you’re going to want to be making noise, and a small and cheap whistle is an easy way to do it. I ditch the keychain part. Some backpack chest straps have whistles built in now too.
• Small Simple Signal Mirror
  I’ve never used my lightweight signal mirror, but allegedly if there’s an air rescue, you can flash the mirror toward the aircraft and catch their eye.
• 2 Cheapo Bic Mini Lighters
  You gotta have fire. If both lighters fail, I have the magnifying mirror from my navigation kit.
• Basic Medical Kit
  I have a small roll of Leukotape for cuts or blisters. And then I combo that with a gauze pad, small Neosporin packets, and small alcohol wipe packages. Consider taking a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course.
• SOL Emergency Bivvy
  This is a lightweight sleeping sack that can help protect me from the elements and keep me warm. If you want extra warmth, simply stuff it with leaves or pine needles. This inexpensive model works well, is orange and easy to spot, and has reflective material on the inside to keep heat in.

Use your gear at home first on a simple walk and get used to it before you take it out on the trail. Unboxing and setting up at the trailhead is usually a recipe for bad times.

Camping Gear

I don’t do very long thu-hiking; my longest trips are usually 4-5 days. Here’s what works well for me.

• REI Quarter Dome Tent
  I take the tent components out of the bag and put them in my backpack individually, and it packs down to nothing. No big tent back in my pack. It’s almost half the weight of similar tents, easy to set up, relatively inexpensive, and durable.
• Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent
  When I’m backpacking in an area with trees I’ll sometimes use a hammock, and this one is great. Everything is light and fits together in a single bag. It even has a bug net built in (and removable).
• REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30
  I switched to a quilt last year and there’s no looking back. You need to pair it with a good sleeping pad, but it’s not only a little lighter, but sleeps more like a real bed.
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
  This inflatable pad is slightly more expensive than most but it’s worth it. It’s very comfortable and about as light as you can get.
• Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
  I used to be a tough guy and just put clothes in a stuff sack for a pillow, but I’ve mellowed out in my old age. This pillow is worth the few extra ounces. My quality of sleep is much better.
• Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Compact Plus Sleeping Bag Liner
  A liner is another peice of gear that I adopted lately. It means I don’t have to wash my quilt and adds extra warmth. In the summer I just use this without anything else and it’s great.
• Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System
  This is my second JetBoil since 2006. The Mini is even lighter and smaller than the original, but works exactly the same otherwise. Highly recommend this stove.
• Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long
  I keep it simple. I boil water then dump it in the freeze-dried food bag, let soak, and then eat out of there with this long spork.
• Food Storage
  If I’m storing food I just use a stuff sack or plastic supermarket bag. If there are regulations about using bear canisters, I rent one from REI. Otherwise I just hang my food bag downwind in a tree using 2mm arborist cord (50 feet is good).
• Titanium Mug
  I get a lightweight one with handles that fold out so you can hold it when there’s hot liquid in there. I’m a coffee junkie and my favorite camping coffee that’s easy to prepare and get is the Starbucks VIA packets.
• OOFos Sandals
  Don’t forget to pack comfy sandals for when your hike is over. These are light and very comfy. Beats walking on sticks and rocks barefoot in the middle of the night when you have to pee.

Winter Hiking Gear

• Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew Top
• Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms
• Darn Tough Mountaineering Socks
• Black Diamond Mittens
• Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves (allows you to use touch screens)

Post Hike Recovery

• Trigger Point Performance GRID X Foam Roller
  It looks hokey but rolling you back and legs on this thing does wonders.
• OluKai Shoes 
  They’re a really comfortable way to pamper my feet after a long hike.
• Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball Massage Ball 
  It’s basically a dog toy but just spending a minute or two rolling your feet on this little ball makes them feel great.
• NUUN Active Tabs Hydration Tablets 
  Pop one in a big water bottle to make sure all your electrolytes and minerals are topped up. There’s no sugar or crap, just the stuff you need.

Car Camping / Basecamp Setup

If I’m doing some car camping or setting up a little basecamp, this is what I use. It’s generally too heavy to lug into the backcountry, but is nice and comfortable for a car campsite.

• REI Co-op Grand Hut 6 Tent
  This tent is huge. My family can all sleep and walk around in it with no problem. It’s easy to setup, takes a beating, and has options to store gear outside in a vestibule.
• Yeti Cooler
  Yea they’re expensive but they work better than other coolers and last forever.
• REI Co-op Camp Stowaway Low Chair
  This is a simple and very comfortable chair that lets me recline and relax. Has worked well over time.
• REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
  Don’t laugh at me, but I use a cot in the big tent. Why? It feels like a bed and I sleep better. This one is an evolution of older REI cots and is very comfortable. I even use it for house guests.
• Small Table
  If you don’t have a picnic bench, having a small table or two to cook on helps. I just have a cheapo that I got at Walmart. You don’t need to go fancy here.

Photo Gear

• Joby Flexible Tripod
  The Joby bends and flexes so you can use it on uneven surfaces or attach it to a tree or branch. It works with your smartphone too. Include a cheap Bluetooth shutter button for your phone camera, and you have a good photo setup.
• GoPro MAX Camera
  I use this to shoot some great 360 and HD footage of my hikes. Waterproof and rugged with easy GoPro software.
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

Planning Tools and Software

• Garmin Basecamp with Free OpenStreetMaps
  Great for planning routes and sending to my device.
• GaiaGPS
  I use the website to plan sometimes, and always keep a backup GPX on my device. There are other options in the app store, but I like the GaiaGPS app because I can save maps offline.  HikingGuy readers get 20-40% off a premium membership with this link
• CalTopo
  A great pro-level mapping site that also lets you overlay weather and wildfire maps. You can print trail maps here, and I often do.
• GPSVisualizer
  Another map and GPX tool site that has a variety of functions.
• Paper Maps and Guide Books
  There’s a variety that I use and they change based on where I’m hiking.

Related Guides

Gifts For Hikers – 2020

Garmin GPSMAP 66i Review & Guide

Garmin Fenix 6 In-Depth Review

In-Depth Garmin inReach Mini Review

ACR ResQLink View PLB Review (ACR PLB or Garmin InReach?)

Hiking For Beginners: 11 Essential Tips

The Modern Hiking Essentials

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