The Best Hiking Gear (2023): Backpacks, Tents, and More

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

Puffy jackets can be worn as mid-layers instead of fleece. More often, though, they comprise the outermost layer of your clothing system. Size up so your down jacket can fit over a base layer, mid-layer, and rain jacket. Puffies are very warm but fragile. 

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

REI’s sub-$100 Rainier jacket uses high-quality laminate waterproofing to protect you from getting soaked. It’s well made and has a weatherproof center zip, along with pit zips for improved ventilation. It’s a great and well-priced option for casual day hikes. Read our Best Rain Jackets guide for more recommendations.

You won’t have any fun on a hike—of any length—if you have bloody blisters on your feet. You may need to experiment to find out which shoes and socks you like best. Be sure to check out our Best Trail-Running Shoes, Best Barefoot Shoes, and Best High-Tech Socks guides for more.

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

For moderate temperatures we prefer low-top, non-Gore-Tex mesh trail shoes, like these from Salomon. They’ll dry out much more quickly when wet than Gore-Tex-lined shoes, and speaking from experience they’re warm enough when moving, even in 45-degree temperatures. We also like the comparable Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator (women’s sizing, men’s sizing) for $67.

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

Where I will recommend Gore-Tex-lined boots is on snowy and icy trails. Constant contact with snow will soak through shoes that lack water resistance. Renegades have been around forever, and they’re durable and comfortable, although a bit heavy at roughly 3 pounds per pair. The mid-height helps keep snow from spilling in over the top of the boot too.

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

For those looking to speed over the hills and bound down trails, these were our favorite trail running shoes. Thanks to their wide toe box, low 5-mm heel drop, and sturdy rubber toe protection, they beat out lighter competitors. For running 3-5 miles a day, they’re our top pick.

Men’s Sizing, Women’s Sizing

We don’t recommend everyone go for thick leather hiking boots for most adventures, but if it’s really cold, you want your feet to stay warm, and you don’t mind trekking with a bit of extra weight, these are a great option. They work best as lifestyle shoes that you can take directly from the trail to the bar with just a quick rinse. They’re also great for wandering around town between trips to the trail, since they’re so classic and stylish.

If your feet run hot, you’ll want synthetic socks, which dry out faster than wool. This pair by Wrightsock are synthetic and have two layers to avoid blisters. Anyone can wear these, but Wrightsock also makes a version in women’s sizing ($14) that’s more tapered and slim-fitting.

From experience mountain climbing on glaciers and strenuous hiking in deep snow, I strongly believe a thin sock like the Wrightsocks above is still the best bet for keeping your feet from overheating. However, for slow-paced day hikes and low-intensity camping, you may be better off with a thicker sock to retain warmth, since you won’t be burning as many calories. Darn Toughs have a lifetime warranty(!) and are ultra-comfortable. No itchy wool here.

You probably don’t need gaiters, but if you’re walking through dusty environments, you’ll welcome them. They prevent crud from entering the tops of your shoes.

You may still run into some icy terrain in April. These traction devices slip over your hiking shoes so that the stainless-steel spikes on the bottom dig in, giving you more traction. The elastomer material is flexible enough to fit a variety of shoes. Just squeeze them on when needed and toss them in your pack when you’re past the icy part of the trail. They shouldn’t be a substitute for common sense; if the terrain is too icy to cross, come back when it’s warmer.

Don’t forget about your head and hands. Once you’ve swaddled yourself in warm top layers, bottom layers, and shoes, make sure to keep your vulnerable noggin and paws warm with these gloves and hats.

Forget tying a bandana around your neck. The Buff is easier to use. A tubular piece of thin polyester, you slip it over your head, and you can wear it in several ways. Leave it loose to keep the sun from scorching your neck, yank it up over your nose and mouth on chilly days for warmth, or pull it up over your head completely like a balaclava. It’s versatile enough that I bring one everywhere I go, from off-road motorcycle rides to winter mountain climbs to sweltering summer hikes.

Merino wool is the good stuff, silky smooth and not at all itchy. These 100-percent merino gloves are good for chilly-but-not-sub-freezing days, and they’re also touchscreen compatible so you don’t have to wrestle off a glove to use your phone.

Depending on the weather, you may need a sun hat or beanie to protect your noggin. I like a wool beanie to guard my neck against…