Why do you need good hiking equipment?
Good hiking equipment gives hikers a good peace of mind. So what’s the best hiking gear? We’ve listed out our Mountain Travel Sobek staff’s top hiking gear so you don’t have to dig yourself!
Overview
- Our top pick: Smartwool Socks
- Smartwool 1/4 Zip Merino 250 Sweater
- The North Face Vest
- Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
- Prana Stretch Zion Pants
- Juno 24L Day Pack
- Wallaroo Hat Co. Wide Brimmed Hat
- Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless DMC-GX85 Camera
- Osprey Talon 22 Day Pack
- Black Diamond Women’s Trail Trekking Poles
- Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
- Hennesy Camping Hammock
Our top pick: Smartwool Socks
Price: $22.00-$29.00
Combined with well-fitting hiking boots, these are my go-to socks for happy feet—even on steep 10-mile hikes! -Heather H., Director of Marketing from Mountain Travel Sobek
Why we like it:
- Smartwool socks are cushioned in all the right places and come in loads of fun colors
- They are made with merino wool, which is wicking and breathable
- Great for any long hikes
Our 10 Favorite Hiking Gear of All Time-Picked By Our Mountain Travel Sobek Staff
Category: Clothing gear
Smartwool 1/4 Zip Merino 250 Sweater
Price: $$
Challenge Level: Level 3 or Higher
Why we like it:
- They’re cozy for many different weather conditions from wet to cold and dry!
- Merino wool doesn’t shrink so you can put in the dryer (although I still hang to dry)
- These socks are fashionable yet highly functional so you can look good
Find on the Smartwool Shop.
The North Face Vest
Price: $$
Challenge Level: Level 2 to Level 4
Why we like it:
- It’s wind-repellent
- You can layer with this vest
- It’s waterproof
Find on The North Face Shop.
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Price: $$
Challenge Level: Any
Why we like it:
- These pants fit true to size
- Offers two-way stretch for maximum mobility
- Is quick dry and offers UPF of 50+
Find on Eddie Bauer Shop.
Prana Stretch Zion Pants
Price: $$$
Challenge Level: Any
Perfect for hikes, in water-filled caves, scrambling up boulders or walking out in town! -Mike A., Custom Trip Consultant from Mountain Travel Sobek
Why we like it:
- It’s breathable
- It’s stretchy
- Has quick-drying ability
Find on the PrAna Shop.
Gregory Juno 24L Pack
Price: $$$
Challenge Level: Any
- A comfortable fit with ventilation and a built-in hydration system
- Has lots of great pockets to stash your stuff
- Just the right size for a good day hike
Find on Gregory Packs Store.
Related reading: The Best Gear for Hiking in Patagonia
Wallaroo Hat Co. Wide Brimmed Hat
Price: $
Challenge Level: Any
Why we like it:
- Offers UPF of 50
- Has a 3” brim
- This hat has a multicolor, functional band
Find on The Wallaroo Hat Shop.
Category: Miscellaneous
Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless DMC-GX85 Camera
Price: $$$
Challenge Level: Any
While cell phones these days are taking amazing photos, sometimes a vista demands a nice camera! On your next trip, consider travelling with a Lumix 4k digital camera. -Mindy T., Custom Trip Consultant from Mountain Travel Sobek
Why we like it:
- Takes amazing “still” images and video footage
- Has interchangeable lenses
- Has easy to use controls
Find on Best Buy.
Osprey Talon 22 Day Pack
Price: $$
Challenge Level: Any
Why we like it:
- Is lightweight, breathable, and durable
- Stylish and good looking with fun color options
- Trekking pole and ice-axe loops work great when you want to put the poles up for scrambling
Find on the Osprey Shop.
Black Diamond Women’s Trail Trekking Poles
Price: $$$
Challenge Level: Any
Why we like it:
- Very lightweight and comfortable foam grip with straps
- Collapses to easily fit in your suitcase
- Very helpful on steep terrain and on downhills
Find on the Black Diamond Equipment Shop.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
Price: $$$
Challenge Level: Any
Why we like it:
- Is strong and durable
- Cork helps with sweaty hands
- Ergonomic
Find on the Black Diamond Shop.
Hennesy Camping Hammock
Price: $$
Challenge Level: Any
I have used these on 5 continents over the past 10 years. They are the absolute best! They fit into my backpack, weigh nothing and come with a built in mosquito net and rain tarp. A snakeskin-like cover works like a sheath for effortless set up and take down. They are designed so that you lie completely flat on a diagonal. I have several: one superlight for through-hiking; one I use in the deep Amazon and another with thermal inserts for cold weather. All you need are 2 trees or posts and you’re good to go. (You can also set-up on the ground as a tent… but where’s the fun in that?) I have been known to take mine when visiting relatives. If things get intense, I’m off to the backyard with a glass of wine and my Hammock under the stars! -Amber Laree, Trip Consultant from Mountain Travel Sobek
Why we like it:
- Fits easily into backpacks
- Comes with a built in mosquito net and rain tarp
- Effortless set up and take down
What is the Best Hiking Gear? Recap
Just like for us, having the right hiking gear can make all the difference. What’s your favorite hiking gear? Share your hiking stories and pics and tag #mtsobek or #mtsobek on Instagram for a chance to get featured on our feed!
We wish you many happy adventures, on the trail and off! For more on our hiking & trekking adventures, explore our popular destinations. Chat with a Mountain Travel Sobek trip consultant to book your next trip.