Staff Picks: Best Hiking Gear

Wanna go for a hike?

Cooler weather's closing in but that doesn't need to put an end to hiking season. We've put together a list of epic winter hiking essentials and staff picks. Whether you are a casual hiker, an every-weekender or a multi-day trekker, we have put together a list of the best hiking essentials you'll need for your trip to the trails. 

Best Daypack: Deuter Speed Lite 17L Hiking Daypack

 

Deuter Speed Lite 17L Hiking Daypack is the perfect pack for day hikes without skipping out on any of the additional features of larger packs. This pack features a supportive harness with a chest strap and a waist strap and the shoulder straps include hiking pole holders and additional pockets for snacks or first aid supplies. There is an internal compartment for a water bladder and the harness is designed to reduce load wobble for more comfort on the trails. Weighing in at only 390 grams!

Best Hiking Pack: Hyperlite 3400 Southwest 55L Hiking Backpack 

For bigger hikes or mult-day walks, it is hard to pass the Hyperlite 3400 Southwest 55L Hiking Backpack. Weighing only 979 grams, this pack is perfect for gram counters in any type of terrain. It's comfortable backpacking in dense, heavily wooded trails in the roughest of toughest climates. The 3400 Southwest is a flexible performer that can adapt and handle the way gear volumes change for weekend, section, or thru hikes. Ideal when resupply points are less frequent and/or for equipment flexibility is needed. When the extra volume is not in use, the 3400's top can roll down enough to make the overall size of the pack similar to the 2400, but that additional space can come in pretty handy when you need it. This pack family is made specifically for tough adventures that would rip most other ultralight-style packs to shreds.

 

Best Hiking Shoe: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

 

The Salomon X Ultra 4 is a staff favourite and for good reason. This hiking boot includes the comfort and flexibility of a trail runner but includes all of the technical features of a hiking boot. The All Terrain Contagrip provides grip on a variety of surfaces and the Gore-tex membrane means you will stay dry in wet conditions. These hiking boots are in it for the long haul with their PU-coated leather which is made to be super durable and last for many summits. 

Best Hiking Poles: Gabel VERTIGO Lite Tour FL Trekking Poles

 

 

The new kid on the block and quickly making a name for themselves is the hiking pole brand, Gabel. Their Vertigo Lite Tour FL Trekking Poles have all the comfortable features that make them great for big day hikes or even backcountry touring and everything in between. They are ultralight coming in at only 252g each and have a length capacity from 64-142cm. The telescopic design allows for easy adjustments on the go thanks to their Fast Lock mechanism and the anodized aluminum means they are strong and will hold up in a variety of conditions. 

 

Best Long Sleeve Top: Patagonia Self Guided Long Sleeve Shirt

 

Looking for a nice, lightweight layer with some sun protection? Well, the Patagonia Self Guided Hike Long Sleeve Shirt has got you covered. Literally. This shirt is no fuss - it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. The ripstop fabric won’t snag on any stray tree branches and the 50+ UPF sun protection will prevent any nasty sunburn on the trails.

Best Water Bottle: Hydropak Seeker Water Bottle 2L

 

In need of a new water bottle? The Hydropak Seeker Water Bottle 2L might be the ticket for you. It is ultra-durable, lightweight and packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. It is also leakproof so you can feel safe chucking this in your pack and not worry about any unwanted spills. 

 

SOL Heat Reflective Emergency Poncho

 

With the Survive Outdoors Longer Heat Reflective Poncho, you don't have to worry about getting caught in a downpour. Made with a high-performance, 90% heat reflective material, this waterproof rain poncho allows you to keep moving towards shelter while staying dry and warm.  A great lightweight addition to your backpacking gear, the Heat Reflective Poncho weighs in at only 82 grams and folds up small enough to fit in the side pocket of your backpack. The roomy design can cover you and your pack, making this hooded poncho the ideal ultralight rain gear. Throw this reusable poncho in your glove box for unexpected showers, add it to your emergency gear, or keep it next to your umbrella for warm, full-coverage protection wherever you go.

 

Best Socks: Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks

 

 

A sometimes overlooked but important piece of hiking gear is socks. I used to think that socks were all the same, but now I am a total convert for Smartwool hiking socks. The crew height makes them stay up and not slip down under your heel while hiking. You know, the feeling we all know and hate? These socks are made from Merino wool which means they are not only comfy but also have anti-bacterial properties and are less likely to become smelly - unlike some other socks. Trust me, your fellow hikers will thank you at camp or during the car ride home. 

Best Hat: The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat

 

We all remember Mum asking ‘Do you have a hat?’ before spending any time outside as kids and mums are always right. The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer hat provides excellent sun protection with the UPF 40+ rating and wide brim to protect your face, neck and ears. It is made from airy, lightweight recycled nylon so you won’t get the sweats from wearing it in the sun. What good’s a hat if you can’t wear it while it’s hot? 

Best First Aid Kit: AMK 0.7 Ultralight & Watertight Medical Kit - 237 grams

 

 

The piece of gear we hope not to use but always must have is a first aid kit and the AMK 0.7 Ultralight & Watertight Medical Kit is my go-to. Weighing in at only 237g, it includes all essentials for 2 people for trips from 1-4 days. It is all enclosed in a waterproof case so all supplies are kept in top condition for when you need them most. 

 

Best Head Lamp: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Lumen Headlamp

 

 

For multi-use camping, around the house, and outdoor adventures that require a simple light with both an all-purpose beam as well as night vision. This user has the need to run the lamp on alkaline batteries if caught away from a power source for a long backpacking trip. Weighing only 79 grams.

 

Are you ready to hit the trails? Visit us in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

About the contributor: 

   Jess Fiske is the Marketing Coordinator at Wild Earth. When she isn’t rollerblading in the streets of Coolangatta, you will find her either hiking in SEQ or strapping on her snowboard somewhere cold. Always planning her next adventure, Jess loves to get outdoors and travel off the beaten path. Follow her adventures on Instagram.