Best Hiking Gear (2025)
Our top picks for hiking gear that combine quality, value, and user satisfaction.
Outdoor Research Men's Crocodile Gaiters
The Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters are a legend among winter hikers: a 1000-denier nylon lower shell that shrugs off snow, mud, scree, and creek crossings while a lighter 70-denier upper lets the gaiter breathe. A full-length YKK zipper with a hook-and-loop storm flap makes them easy to pull on over boots, and the instep strap keeps them anchored on the trail. They've been a staple for snowshoeing, crampon work, and bushwhacking for decades — owners routinely report ten-plus years of hard service.
CamelBak Crux 2L Hydration Reservoir
The CamelBak Crux 2L reservoir is the go-to replacement bladder for day hikes, trail runs, and bike rides: a 70-ounce high-flow reservoir that delivers 20% more water per sip than the brand's older models. The ergonomic handle makes the wide-mouth cap easy to fill at trailhead taps or from a filter, and the on/off lever at the bite valve stops drips cold when the hose swings while you walk. The leak-resistant cap threads on reliably even when you're in a hurry, and the whole system is BPA-free with a hose long enough to route over either shoulder.
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats — 360° Grip on Snow & Ice, 1.4mm Steel Coils (Unisex)
Yaktrax Pro turns icy trails back into walkable trails. A 1.4mm stainless-steel coil system wraps the entire outsole for 360-degree grip on packed snow, sheet ice, and frozen mud, held on by an abrasion-resistant elastic band with an easy heel tab. Tested down to -41°F, they stretch over most hiking boots, running shoes, and winter work boots — and roll down to pocket size for spring-melt trailheads.
Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack, Black
The Osprey Daylite Commuter is a 13-liter everyday daypack that bridges the gap between a minimalist sling and a full hiking pack. It weighs just 1.14 pounds and features a large panel-loading main compartment for easy packing, dual side compression straps to stabilize the load, and two side bottle pockets. A multifunctional interior sleeve holds a hydration reservoir on the trail or a 14-inch laptop in town, making it a true crossover bag. The Daylite also attaches to compatible Osprey travel and backpacking packs as an add-on for extra storage on bigger trips. With a 4.7-star rating across 3,100+ reviews, it is a proven do-everything daypack.
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (Quick Lock)
The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock poles are the budget carbon-fiber standard: a three-section telescoping shaft that adjusts from 26 to 54 inches, secured by external lever locks that stay put mid-hike. Cork-style grips with EVA foam extensions, adjustable wrist straps, and tungsten carbide tips round out a pair that weighs around 15 ounces and packs into a zippered storage bag.
Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles (Pair)
The Black Diamond Trail Cork poles pair a durable three-section aluminum shaft with Black Diamond's FlickLock adjustability, so you get a locked-in length that never slips mid-stride. Natural cork grips wick sweat and mold to your hands over time, while carbide tips and rubber grips at the base handle dirt, rock, and variable terrain. At a 140 cm extended length (about 55 inches), they cover hikers from day-trippers to long-distance backpackers.
Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack, Black
The Osprey Daylite Plus is a 20-liter daypack that bridges everyday carry and short outdoor adventures. It pairs a padded laptop sleeve with a ventilated back panel, a hydration reservoir sleeve, and stretch-mesh side pockets that fit a water bottle. For day hikes, park trips, or plane days, it packs enough for a family outing without the bulk of a multi-day trekking pack.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20% Picaridin - Long-Lasting DEET-Free Protection from Mosquitoes, Fragrance-Free Pest Control For Ticks
A fragrance-free 20% picaridin aerosol repellent designed for a lightweight, non-sticky feel during hikes, campground setup, and summer evenings outside. It helps repel mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies without the heavy feel that makes many people skip reapplying bug spray.
Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag and Lunch Box | Insulated Travel Bag with Zipper | BPA-Free
A structured soft cooler for day trips, campsite lunches, and short road legs. The zippered insulated compartment keeps a lunch, snacks, and drinks grouped and cold for the drive to camp without dedicating half the car to a rigid hard cooler. Use it as a dedicated day-bag or a second cooler that separates grab-and-go food from the family ice chest. BPA-free and built to Stanley's road-trip durability standard.
Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp — Powerful, Rechargeable 625 Lumen Light with Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping
A compact 88 g rechargeable headlamp with a 625-lumen mixed or wide beam, red lighting, and Petzl’s USB-C CORE battery. It is a practical hands-free light for pitching camp, finding the restroom, reading in a tent, and keeping an emergency backup in a daypack.