When my husband first introduced me to hiking, I hated it. It felt hard, I felt like I didn’t belong because I wasn’t an athlete, and I felt like I didn’t have what I needed to make it any better.
I wore what I found in my closet (jeans), carried the basics (heavy and barely thought out) and just figured it out as I went.
Over the years, my hikes have gotten longer, I’ve begun to challenge myself with more difficult terrain, including some 4000-footers in New Hampshire, and I’ve tried out loads of equipment along the way.
Some of those purchases have been worth every penny. The usefulness of others has fizzled out almost immediately and ended up in disappointment.
But there are a handful of items I reach for almost every time I head out – even on local trails. They might not be the fanciest or most expensive options, but they are perfect for me!
Here are five favorites that have earned their permanent place in my day-hiking routine.
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1 – Altra Lone Peak trail runners
I wear my Altra Lone Peak trail runners on every hike until the weather gets cold enough that my toes tell me to quit. I even wear a different style of Altras at the hospital!
I like to be able to feel the trail under my feet for stability. The Lone Peaks are a zero-drop design that gives me a solid connection to the ground, and the super grippy tread keep me stable on the rocky, root-filled trails of New England.
But one of the best features? The wide toe box.
I’ve had foot surgery twice and broken both of my feet multiple times, so I kind of like to baby my toes. I need them to be able to move freely, not be squished up and getting blisters between my toes.
Footwear is personal, but I haven’t gotten one blister since switching into these a year ago. But finding the right shoes for my feet made every hike so much more comfortable and enjoyable.
2 – Black Diamond trekking poles
If I had to choose the one piece of gear that has made the biggest difference in my hiking, it would probably be my trekking poles.
I use them on almost every hike.
The trails in the White Mountains are notorious for granite slabs, rocky climbs and root covered paths. Not to mention loose gravel, water crossings and plenty of places where losing your balance could cost you.
My poles have saved me from more falls than I can count.
My favorite pair is from Black Diamond. They are on the more expensive side, but there are a few features I appreciate a lot.
The cork handles don’t get slippery when my hands are sweaty, which is key on long summer hikes. There is even a second grip below the main handle, so when I’m climbing uphill, I can just move my hands down without stopping to adjust the height of the pole.
And when I do need to adjust the height, it’s a simple adjustment with something they call FlickLock. No tools required.
But here’s the thing: I keep a less expensive pair in my car, just in case.
And those are perfectly fine too.
You don’t need an expensive set of trekking poles to see the benefit from using them. Just having extra contact points with the ground can make a difference, particularly with steep descents or water crossings.
If you’re just getting started, I would rather see you try an affordable pair than skip them because the nicer ones cost too much.
This might not be the most exciting thing on this list, but I love my Osprey zipper pouches.
I like knowing where to find stuff in my pack.
I don’t want to waste my time stopping on trail to dig around, pulling everything out of a bag to find where the heck I stashed that thing I need.
These pouches keep everything organized, so I can reach for what I need without too much trouble.
I have one for a poop kit (IYKYK), another for trail snacks and a bigger one for the extras I don’t need on every hike, but carry with me just in case.
That last one includes things like my first aid supplies and an ankle brace (I don’t always trust mine and want to be prepared).
It’s a simple system, but it works for me.
Most of these items stay in my pack between hikes, so I’m not having to constantly think it through.
And when I need something, I know where to find it.
Sometimes the gear that makes hiking better isn’t something that helps you climb a mountain. It’s something that keeps you from having to empty your backpack halfway up one.
4 – Darn Tough socks
I have a lot of hiking socks, but I find myself always reaching for the Darn Tough ones.
I love the way they fit and feel on my feet. They are comfortable, they don’t slide down my foot and they have held up for YEARS over many miles.
In fact, I’ve never worn a hole through even my oldest pair.
But if I ever do, Darn Tough offers a lifetime guarantee that covers these holes from normal wear, which is pretty cool for something that gets used this much.
They are more expensive than socks you’ll pick up in a multipack, but I don’t mind paying a little more for something I wear multiple times every week.
I tend to wear the same hiking clothes over and over anyway.
And socks are no exception.
5 – Goodr sunglasses
Not every piece of gear needs to be complicated.
Sometimes you just want sunglasses that look good, don’t cost a fortune and stay on your face if you fall over.
That’s why I love Goodr sunglasses.
They are affordable, comfy and somehow manage to stay on even when I get myself in a bind on trail.
When I’m climbing uphill, staring down at my feet on a descent or just hanging around my garden, I don’t have to constantly push them back up like my other glasses.
Plus they come in fun colors!
I don’t need much more from my sunglasses.
Find what works for you
I didn’t buy all my gear at once.
I’ve spent years figuring out what I like and what makes my time on trail more enjoyable.
Because that’s the whole point.
Some things have been worth spending a little extra money on. Others have been simple purchases that made a surprisingly big difference.
And plenty of things I’ve tried along the way haven’t become favorites.
That’s part of the process of learning something new.
If you’re new to hiking, you don’t need to run out and buy everything someone recommends, including me. Start with what you have, learn what you need and add things as your hiking changes.
My gear looks different now than when I started, and I’m sure it will keep evolving.
But these five things? I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.
What is one piece of hiking gear you wouldn’t want to be without?
I’d love to hear what has earned a permanent place in your pack too!
And if you’re building your own day-hike setup, you can download my free Day-Hike Packing List for a starting point. It’s the list I use to make sure I’m prepared before heading out.
Looking for more?
I’ve rounded up more of the things I use and love on my Gear & Favorite Finds page.
And if you’re getting ready for colder weather, you might like What I Pack for Fall Hiking in New England for a look at how my gear changes with the seasons.
After I hurt my knee in September, I promised to buy some hiking poles when the new season starts. I definitely need some!