15 Hiking Gear Essentials From an Expert Hiker

From waterfall hikes in the Catskills region of upstate New York to exploring the amazing wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park, I logged more than 200 miles of hiking activities on 45 different trails in 2025. While therapeutic and mentally relaxing, hiking can still pose unique risks, so proper preparation is key to staying safe.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or heading out for the first time, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary clothing and gear before you hit the trail. From sun protection to hydration essentials, there are many important things to consider before your trek. With safety as a priority, here are 15 non-negotiable hiking essentials I won’t leave at home.

5 Non-Negotiables from an Expert Hiker

Kohl’s Men’s Eclipse Hoodie

When choosing outfits for hiking, I choose function over fashion. For years, I’ve been a fan of Kohl’s engineering and technology for producing lightweight hiking and outdoor apparel while maintaining a high level of quality. The Eclipse Hoodie is breathable and cooling, with 50+ UPF sun protection built in. The level of detail is outstanding, with garment seams strategically placed for ergonomics and comfort. The included hood is helpful for sun protection or as a partial neck gaiter that can be tucked under a sun hat.

Merrill Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

Rugged yet comfortable, Merrill’s Moab 3 hiking boots are perfect for hiking on trails and a variety of terrain. With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram’s TC5+ technology, every step offers just the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience. Whether I’m hiking a mile or going for a 10-plus endurance run, these shoes provide all-day comfort and support. On initial wear, right out of the box, outdoor enthusiasts will feel the comfort and quality without the usual “break-in” period.

Dr. Scholl’s 24-Hour Energy Multi-Purpose Insoles

While the default insoles in many hiking shoes are comfortable and provide flexibility, I recommend swapping them out for breathable, memory foam insoles for added comfort. Dr. Scholl’s 24 Hour Energy insoles feature hundreds of foam beads bonded to a flexible gel, which relieves pressure and resistance from every step while hiking. Best of all, memory foam and fabric layers add breathability and extra comfort by personalizing the insole to each individual. Dr. Scholl also shares that the foot’s weight is more evenly distributed with insoles, and for under $20, it’s an easy and effective way to upgrade a pair of shoes.

Trail Buddy Trekking Poles

For many years, I thought that hiking poles and sticks were unnecessary, as I considered myself an experienced hiker. However, after being encouraged by a friend about the benefits and increased safety that hiking poles can provide, I stopped and strapped them on for my next trip. Trust me, your joints, feet and legs will thank you for the weight distribution the poles provide. Additional stability during scaling or descending in comfort and safety.

This set of Trail Buddies includes several accessories, including clips, a storage bag, and different indicators for different climates, such as snow or ice. The high-quality design features a cork grip that molds to the hiker’s hand and absorbs any moisture to keep the handles firm.

Teton Oasis Hydration Bag

An important aspect of safe hiking is maintaining a healthy level of hydration throughout your trip. Teton’s hydration bag combines a compact form factor with excellent functionality, as the bag can hold two liters of water and has plenty of room for other equipment. Due to the unique ergonomic design, the weight is evenly distributed, so it does not weigh heavily on the shoulders or reduce the waist. An included front clip provides compartmentalization, and with a weight of just 2 pounds, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing anything. During multi-mile hikes, I can fill a 2-liter water bladder and have extra room for multiple water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other personal items.

Kohl Men’s Radical Pants

Designed for flexibility, breathability, and comfort, Kohl’s Radical Pants have become my favorite travel pants overall. Made from quick-drying and breathable enduro performance fabric, I’ve been consistently impressed with the flexibility of these pants through multiple climates and terrain. One of my favorite features is that when hiking at altitude, the pants have great flexibility, providing a wide range of motion.

Belkin Portable Charger Power Bank

While it’s important to unplug while hiking and exploring, staying connected can add peace of mind for emergencies. The Belkin Portable Charger Power Bank provides a long-lasting battery that is enough to charge two devices at the same time, which can be helpful in remote areas when electricity may not be available. With many devices equipped with emergency satellite connectivity, even when cell service isn’t available, having the right charge can make all the difference.

Darn tough hiker merino wool crew socks

Whether it’s hot or cold, the right cushioned sock can help regulate the temperature in the shoe and keep your feet more comfortable. With more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Dar Stiff Socks feature high-quality materials and exceptional cushioning for all-day comfort on the trails. Each pair is a blend of wool, nylon and spandex, which flexes and stretches to provide breathability and structure. The company also guarantees its products for life, including pitting holes or tears.

Energizer LED Headlamp Pro 2 Pack

Whether in the early morning, twilight hours, or evening, hiking with low sunlight can present dangers and challenges. I’ll always add a headlamp for peace of mind that I’m in a bright environment, and Energizer’s LED Headlamp Pro is perfect for almost every situation. With features like water resistance and shatterproof construction, this compact headlamp is extremely durable and ready for the challenge. This item includes a two-pack of headlamps as well as batteries for each. The button activates seven different modes – white, red and green – providing strong directional lighting.

Yeti Daytrap Insulated Lunch Bag

After a long day in the sun and on the trails, there’s nothing like an ice-cold drink. Yeti’s daytrip lunch bag has ample storage for snacks and bottled or canned beverages to provide a refreshing option at the end of a hot hike. I will always stock it with a muscle milk protein shake with cold water to which I will add electrolytes. Best of all, the lunch bag features Yeti’s proprietary Cold Cell Flex insulation, which can keep items ice cold for hours. For long hikes or those looking to splurge, I recommend the Yeti Ruddy 15 Hard Cooler, which features advanced insulation and extra room for more items.

Carhartt Knitted Cuffed Beanie

When spending time outdoors, the weather can change in an instant. Dramatic swings in temperature from hot to cold, especially in the evening, can cause discomfort and physical damage. Carhartt’s Cuffed Beanie is a great and easy way to plan for the elements by adding a warm cape to your pack. I would always pack a beanie when hiking in a high altitude environment, as the winds can whip up quickly and cause the cold air to rush. The compact style and neutral colors are perfect for adding variety, and Carhartt’s quality makes it a reliable buy.

Nike Men’s Pegasus Trail 5 GoreTex Trail Running Shoes

Not every hike requires a bulky hiking boot, and Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5 offers the stability and durability of a hiking shoe in the form of a running shoe. Designed for moderate and “less technical” terrain, and engineered for both trail running and hiking, this trail runner features a Gore-Tex material that’s waterproof and durable.

Nike reveals that the foam midsole activates 13 percent energy return and provides a huge amount of bounce and cushioning for stability and comfort. They are perfect for packing in my suitcase and spring back to life when unpacked. The Pegasus Trail 5 may also be my favorite pair of “airport hiking” shoes, meaning they can be great for long travel days with flight changes and endless walking through the terminal.

EINSKEY UPF 50+ Wide Brim Sun Hat

Having adequate sun protection when hiking begins at the top of the hike. I will always pack a sun hat with built-in UV protection for sunny days and unexpected times. Not only does the hat provide extreme sun coverage, it also keeps me significantly cooler by wicking heat away, and the venting system in the brim effectively moves heat away by promoting airflow. Best of all, the wide brim provides a tremendous amount of surface area protection, including some areas of the neck. One of my favorite features is that the cap easily folds flat and into a third, making it easy to stow in a bag.

Paso Robles Polarized Sunglasses at Knock

Sunglasses come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. When I first discovered knockoff sunglasses and saw the high quality and modest price, I quickly stocked up on several pairs for hiking and my travel pack. Whether hiking through bright sunlight, cloudy skies, or snowy conditions where the sun’s glare is reflected, Dasthound does an excellent job of reducing haze and glare. The brand’s Paso Robles line is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to impact-resistant lenses and full UV400 sunlight protection. The brand offers a variety of styles and color schemes, making personalized pairings easier than ever.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 70 Sunscreen 3 Pack

Sun protection is extremely important when hiking, and when providing sun hats and clothing cover, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important to protect the skin. Neutrogena’s Dry Touch Sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection benefits in a compact size. While sold in a set of three, each bottle is 3.0 ounces, making it compliant with TSA restrictions on liquids. This particular Neutrogena sunscreen is both water-resistant and non-greasy, making it the ultimate choice for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking to swimming.

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