20 Best Hiking Gear Checklist

These hiking poles are versatile and have the stable Z-Pole design to hold up everyday-use by hikers, trail runners or backpackers. The EVA Foam cushioned grips provide a comfortable hold. Slidelock technology quickly locks the poles into place.

The foldable shaft makes these poles easy to pack away, store, or carry on treks. You’ll feel cool and comfortable thanks to the sweat-wicking properties these poles provide.  

The price varies a little based on the size you choose. These will benefit you greatly on mountain hikes or rigorous trails. While they are an investment, we believe they are worthwhile. 

Use this pack on long hikes or for running. The air mesh adjustable harness provides a snug yet comfortable fit. This pack can hold up to 1.5L of water while remaining lightweight on the back. The extra pockets are great for phone, keys, maps, and wallets. 

You can conveniently hydrate yourself without having to stop thanks to the water tube. 

This pack is selling for $65.00 on Amazon right now. Once you buy it, you’ll never want to bring a water bottle on a trek with you again. This pack is durable, lightweight, and long-lasting. 

These binoculars are small in size, measuring at 7 x 6 x 3 inches. They are 100% waterproof and are O-ring sealed for guaranteed for-free performance. The non-slip rubber armor provides a firm grip while also absorbing shock.

There is a large center knob for easy adjustments and longer eye relief.

These binoculars initially sold for $150, but are now on sale for only $96! Set at an unbeatable value that will provide you a closer look on your trails.

This is the perfect flashlight for backpacking, hiking, biking, camping, or climbing. The headlamp flashlight provides 160 lumens of light with two switches and five different settings. The settings are high beam, low beam, white strobe, red beam, and red flashing. The bulb lasts up to 100,000 hours, and this headlamp includes three triple-A batteries!

The strap is easily adjustdable to fit you best. The headlamp is super lightweight and stays in place. The band provides long-lasting comfort and enables you to use the flashlight hands-free.

Each headlamp is individually tested, so you can rest assured you’re getting a quality flashlight. At only $12.97, we think this item is a steal. 

If you’re not happy with the headlamp, (which we don’t think will happen) you have 90 days to receive a full refund. 

The Squirt PS4 only weighs 2 ounces and comes with a key ring, so it’s always readily available. You only need one hand to operate this tool which comes in handy when backpacking or hiking. Use this mini-tool for anything from snipping a fishing line to opening a bottle of beer after a long hike. 

The Squirt PS4 comes with nine tools! You get a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, scissors, a bottle opener, and a file. 

Leatherman comes with a 25-year limited warranty. If your mini tool ever needs repairs, you can send it in, and Leatherman will repair it for you. It’s only $34.95, and we think it’s a must-have when on the trail.

Available in an array of colors on REI’s website, these down jackets have insanely warm insulating properties. The sizes range from small to extra large. 

The nylon shell fabric on this jacket is water repellent and provides extreme wind resistance. You can pack this jacket up into its pocket, which is great for storage while hiking or traveling. It’s very lightweight, yet keeps you fully insulated and dry. 

Right now on REI’s website, you can score this jacket for only $48.83. Savings much? This jacket initially sells for $99.50. REI is a top-notch company when it comes to outdoor and hiking gear. 

This little “stove” attachment will make it easy for you to cook or boil while out in nature. It’s designed to screw into any fuel canister, turning it into an instant stove—complete with a solid base for the cookpot. With no need to prime or pressurize, it’s a beautiful piece of camping equipment to have on hand.

It can boil a liter of water in 3 ½ minutes, or you can use the glove-friendly handle to turn the fire to a low simmer. The tri-sectional wind shield will stop the wind from blowing out your flame. It’s a highly efficient piece of gear that’s lightweight enough to carry with you wherever you go.

The “stove” will run you $35, which can be a bit pricey considering you’ll still have to buy the fuel canisters. However, it’s the perfect way to “rough it” while still having a few modern conveniences.

Don’t expect to find any visual distortion with these glasses – the optical quality is quite superb. These glasses help frame your face perfectly and provide just the right amount of protection for your eyes. The design is extremely lightweight yet highly durable.

Use these glasses for hiking, running, or any physical activity – they will stay in place.

Oakley is a trusted brand when it comes to glasses. What you’re paying for here is high quality that will last. 

Not only does this hat protect your face from the sun, but it allows your head to breathe. This hat is perfect for hiking or walking through any terrain in the sun. The 3-inch folding clamshell brim and the 6-inch neck cape provide the ultimate protection and comfort for any hike. 

This hat wicks away sweat and is water resistant and stain resistant. The crown provides much-needed ventilation for those long walks, while the handy sunglass lock helps keep your glasses in place all day long. This hat is unisex, and you can adjust the size to whatever best suits you. 

REI is one of the top companies when it comes to quality outdoor gear. You can buy this hat in confidence, knowing you’re getting a high quality, durable product that will help protect you from the sun and keep you going on all of your adventures to come. 

This is an Explorer Surface Mount. It’s got an easy to read direct reading dial and a quick push-button for easy removal of the compass module. You can choose from two different designs on Amazon, and there is an impressive internal green night illumination. There are built-in compensators so the compass can easily adjust to any deviation, and this compass has high-temperature composite construction. 

This compass is easy to install and will help you navigate through unknown territories and keep you on track — ideal for a car or boat.

Selling on Amazon right now for only $53.24, this Explorer Surface Mount comes with a 5-year warranty. The company Ritchie Navigation is known for its quality compasses. 

The included mini magnifying glass is useful for looking at maps while hiking or backpacking. The compass is small enough that it fits in your hand but isn’t too small that you’re unable to read it. 

This compass also includes inch, 1/10 mile, 1:24,000 and 1:62,500 direct reading scales. 

This compass costs less than $20, and if there are any issues, users have reported that the customer service team is excellent and extremely responsive. 

Small, awesome, easy to use and carry water filter. This personal, award-winning device has been used by millions around the globe. It removes bacteria and parasites, filters up to 1000 liters, and stores perfectly anywhere.

This is the water filter that will keep him well-hydrated on his hikes, camping trips, or fishing trips. All he has to do is insert one end of the filter into the water and suck it like a straw. The filter will eliminate 99.99% of bacteria—meeting the EPA standards for water filtration.

Despite the effort required to suck water, it has a good flow rate and can filter up to 1,000 liters of water. There are no batteries or filters to change out. It’s an amazing invention, one that can save his life in an emergency situation!

At $20, this is the cheapest life-saver you can buy! He’ll have clean, potable water anywhere he goes, and without the need to boil or purify it. It’s a beautiful addition to his camping gear!

Klean Kanteen uses a cutting edge chemical assessment method called GreenScreen For SaferChemicals. The non-profit Clean Production Action developed this method.

You’ll never get a metallic taste with this water bottle, and it’s incredibly durable – ready to accompany you on any outdoor excursion. 

Klean Kanteen is a family owned business. All of their products are designed to replace a single-use alternative. The prices vary depending on the size and design you purchase. This company has been praised for its quality so you can buy in confidence. 

These boots have excellent grip and support. You’ll want these for long distance hikes or to get through difficult terrains. These boots are super fashionable and are also great for everyday use. The Gore-Tex technology prepares you for the rain, while the  TPU cradle footbed, EVA midsole, and Vibram rubber sole keep you comfortable and ready to tackle your trip.

North Face produces quality boots. There’s no way around it. Their customer service is superb, and these boots are going to get you through your trails, no matter the terrain.

This is a must have for your hiking adventure or camping trip. When the weather goes south, or a rainstorm begins, you’ll be glad you have this with you. The jacket is packable and fits in its own pocket. This jacket is Gore-Tex; it’s high-quality material that is entirely waterproof. 

TorsoFlo technology provides excellent ventilation, the hem-to-bicep zippers allow for temperature regulation, and the fully adjustable hood can help seal out the weather. This jacket has a looser fit, can be worn casually, and the entire jacket weighs less than 1lb. There is a front zipper pocket to keep your valuables safe as well.

The company Outdoor Research has been based out of Seattle since 1981. They rely on real-life outdoor testing on all of their products, so you know what you’re getting is the real deal. You’re buying from a company known for their durable and high functioning outdoor gear – so you know you’re in good hands.

All of these socks are made in Northfield, Vermont, locally and under one roof. The socks have a high density knit, meaning more stitches per inch. They are cushioned and ultra comfortable, and will keep your feet warm and ready for any trek. These socks also have ribbed support, which means no slipping or bunching up, and (maybe most importantly) no blisters. 

These socks come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can have complete faith in what you’re buying. The company Darn Tough is family owned. They have been knitting socks for almost 40 years, and state that if you can outwear their socks, they will replace them free of charge. Talk about good value. 

These are great to pack with you on your hiking/backpacking adventure. They are built to withstand the weather and ideal for harsh conditions. You never know what you’ll encounter on an excursion, so it’s a good idea to bring these along. The matches are windproof, waterproof, submersible, and come in a durable case. The included striker is replaceable and easy to remove if it becomes worn or wet. 

We definitely believe these to be a worthwhile investment. These matches are under $8, and trust us, once you’re on the trail, you’ll be happy to have them. 

This shirt is great for any outdoor activity. The breathable material allows you to build up a sweat yet still move comfortably throughout the day. The flatlock stitch enhances the comfort of this shirt, and the reflective elements are perfect for visibility.

For only $20.95 on Amazon, you’re buying a quality shirt that you can wear under layers or on its own. Asics is a trusted brand known for its athletic gear. 

This soft-sided first aid kit contains 205 essential first aid supplies including; first aid guide, accident report form, vinyl gloves, sunblock, lip ointment, blister prevention, insect sting relief pads, assorted bandages, gauze dressings, antiseptics, ointments including burn relief, and more.

This kit is meant for minor injuries and aches. The supplies are easy to find and access within the clear-pocket pages. The orange color makes this kit easy to find in your backpack during emergencies!

Anyone looking to camp, hike, or backpack should bring a first aid kit along. On the slight chance that something does go awry, you want to be prepared. This kit is selling for only $19.05 on Amazon, and we believe it is a must-have on your ultimate hiking gear checklist.