As a family of adventurers, we understand the importance of reliable outdoor gear that won't break the bank. After trying out numerous brands and products, we have finally discovered our favorite go-to's. Here are some of our top picks to ensure a successful and enjoyable adventure. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
The Importance of Investing in Durable and Cost-Effective Hiking Gear
When it comes to hiking gear, durability is key. It's critical to invest in high-quality equipment that can endure harsh conditions and stand the test of time. Our family always prioritizes quality, ensuring that our gear is dependable and long-lasting. We strive to select equipment that can be utilized in all seasons, meaning it must be sturdy, breathable during the summer, weather-resistant during rainy days, and well-insulated during the winter months.
Where Do We Shop for Hiking Gear?
Amazon
We shop on Amazon for most of our products as they offer top-tier hiking and camping gear. With affordable prices and access to a good amount of reviews, it's easy to find the perfect fit for your needs. It's important to note that not all reviews are trustworthy, but thanks to Amazon's return policy, we can shop with confidence. Check out our Amazon Storefront to see our latest hiking gear recommendations.
Decathlon is another personal favorite of ours due to its exceptional hiking and camping gear, which boasts unbeatable prices and superior quality. Having been a loyal customer since their Singapore store debut in 2016, I continued to use their products even after moving to the US.
A List of Hiking Essentials from Head to Toe
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors while getting some exercise and fresh air. However, it's important to be prepared with the right gear and essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the hiking essentials that we used on our hikes, from head to toe:
1. Hat
Hiking on a sunny day can be quite challenging, but wearing a hat can be helpful to protect your face and head from harmful UV rays. Opt for a lightweight and breathable one that keeps your head cool and comfortable even when you sweat.
Also, don't forget to carry a Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 15 to protect your lips. Often, people forget to take care of their lips while hiking. This lip balm is fantastic! The tinted formula gives a beautiful glow, while also providing protection for your lips during hikes or other outdoor activities.
2. Sunglasses
One of the best features of these sunglasses is their lightweight design, which ensures that they won't leave a mark on your face even after hours of hiking. Plus, its rubber tips keep it securely in place. We even brought it along for our hang gliding adventure and it remained firmly in place. We've finally found the ultimate sunglasses for all seasons!
These sunglasses provide the necessary style, comfort, and eye protection, ensuring optimal stability throughout any outdoor activity. Don't hesitate to invest in a pair for your next adventure!
Reef Repair Sunscreen: Protect Yourself and the Environment While Hitting the Trails
3. Sunscreen
Don't forget to apply sunscreen before you head out to the trails, especially with the heat becoming more intense nowadays. This sunscreen is also safe for coral reefs, allowing you to wear it at the beach or swim in the lake after a hike. It's essential to use eco-friendly sunscreen to keep yourself and the environment safe.
Wear a Dri-Fit Shirt: Always Moisture-wicking Top is a Must!
4. Hiking Top
For a comfortable hike, it's essential to wear a lightweight, breathable top made of moisture-wicking material. This fabric will keep you cool and dry while trekking on the trail, unlike cotton which can leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Even during winter hikes, it's crucial to wear moisture-wicking materials. Avoid cotton as it absorbs sweat, doesn't dry easily, and leaves you feeling colder.
Women's Hiking Pants: Wear Long Pants for Maximum Protection
5. Hiking Pants
For Women
Long pants are highly recommended for hiking, as they can help protect you from scratches, insect bites, and other outdoor hazards. If you prefer lightweight and breathable fabric, you might enjoy the "All-time Favorite Hiking Pants." I love how these pants are designed with drawstrings around the ankles to keep pesky bugs away, and zipper pockets to avoid losing anything while on the hike. Don't let discomfort or lost items ruin your next adventure - gear up with these pants.
For Men
If you're looking for a cooler alternative to long pants, consider investing in a pair of convertible hiking pants, also look for pants made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking material with plenty of pockets. My husband swears by his and refuses to try any other pants until these become unusable. They have a zipper that can convert them into shorts, plenty of pockets, and give him a sense of security when taking the bushy path less traveled. These pants are just right - not too hot, not too cold.
6. Hiking Socks
Investing in hiking socks became important to us as we started hiking more frequently and noticed our shoes beginning to smell. Hiking socks offer many benefits such as blister prevention, moisture control, and cushioning and support for your feet. We recommend Drymax Hiking Socks and Darn Tough Hiking Socks to pair with the hiking boots.
High-Quality Hiking Boots: A Must-Have for Adventurers! Proudly wearing our Columbia Men's and Columbia Women's Hiking Boots
7. Hiking Boots
Out of all of our hiking gear, our hiking boots are the most crucial. If there is one thing you need to buy from this list, this is the one! Even if you have the best pants and socks, unreliable footwear can ruin the overall hiking experience. Not only will this prevent injuries and slipping, but it will also make you want to keep hiking. The great thing about these boots is that they can be used for winter hikes as well.
These boots have been our trusty companions on steep hikes and muddy paths. It's amazing how much of a difference proper ankle support can make when navigating rocky, slippery terrain. Despite years of wear and tear, they still look great and perform well. Investing in a good pair of hiking boots is the ultimate tip for any hiking enthusiast. We highly recommend Columbia boots for both men and women. Trust us, you won't regret it!
8. Water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial while hiking. Don't forget to bring a water bottle or hydration pack, and be sure to take regular sips of water. Our go-to choice is the Nalgene Reusable Water Bottle. It's lightweight, leak-proof, easy to clean, and can hold hot or cold beverages. Plus, it's made from 50% recycled plastic waste and does not contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates. Trust us, it's a reliable companion for any hike. Also, check out our favorite Reusable Straw, Splash Guard for the fast drinkers and Bottle Cover Replacement for the careless how-did-that-happen? kind of hiker.
9. First Aid
Don't Leave for an Outdoor Adventure Without a First Aid Kit!
A first aid kit is an absolute must-have when embarking on any outdoor activity. Your kit should include basics such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Additionally, it's a good idea to pack some Flashlights and a whistle in case of emergency. You never know when you might need them!
During a hike, it's possible that you might encounter a fellow hiker in need of first aid assistance. For instance, we met an elderly couple on our last hike, and even though they had trekking poles with them, one of them slipped on a rock and required immediate first aid attention. Just like in the army we take care of each hiker that we meet, the one in front of us and even the one behind us.
10. Food
Bring along plenty of snacks and meals to keep your energy levels up while hiking. Choose foods that are lightweight, easy to pack, and provide sustained energy. We used Forid Reusable Ziplock Bags to pack our food, these bags are airtight, and are a sustainable alternative to disposable ziplock bags, saving money for your next adventure.
Here are our favorite Snacks during our hikes, perfect for beginners looking for a tasty treat.
Additional Hiking Gear:
Camera
If you're new to photography, the Canon camera is an excellent choice for learning how to take high-quality photos. Its small size and straightforward controls make it easy to use, especially when compared to other cameras with a more complex interface. However, if you're a fan of using your iPhone, you'll be happy to know that it's also a great lightweight option for capturing stunning photos.
Investing in high-quality and reasonably priced hiking equipment has completely transformed our family's outdoor experiences. With reliable gear, we can focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about equipment failure.
These are some of our recommended hiking gear options, but remember, there are plenty of other selections to explore. Visit our Amazon Storefront for additional suggestions. With the right gear, you can fully embrace and enjoy your hiking journey.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
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