Hiking Essentials (My Personal Recommendations)
Whether you are a beginner or avid hiker, it is important to own the hiking essentials. Having the appropriate gear can make all the difference in creating a successful hike.
Simply put, be prepared when you hike!
For your convenience, I have listed my top picks for what I will call — the hiking essentials.
What are the hiking essentials?
Basically, it’s what you need to bring to ensure a safe, well-hydrated, and enjoyable hike.
Avoid the headache and hours of figuring out what to take on the trails. These products are tried and tested. I have personally used all of these products and would recommend each of them in a heartbeat. Let’s get to it!
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Hiking Essentials
The ThermoFlask is a reliable and affordable water canteen that is becoming one of the best-selling brands out there. Known for its Temp-Lock patented technology, it will keep your drink at the perfect temperature for up to 24 hours.
What I like about it:
- Durable and reliable stainless steel
- Lid handle makes it easy to equip to your hiking pack
- Keeps drinks ice-cold up to 24 hours when hiking
- Sporty and adventurous design
- Various colors and sizes offered (18 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz) — Smaller size for short hikes and larger size for long hikes
Check the availability for the ThermoFlask.
Best well-known and affordable water filtration system
The Sawyer MINI water filter has monopolized the water filter industry in the hiking world and for good reason. With research showing it can remove 99.99999% of all bacteria, it can turn even the most questionable river water into purely filtered H20.
What I like about it:
- Super easy to use. Simple cleaning process.
- Lightweight. Doesn’t add much to your pack
- Well-trusted and respected in the hiking community
- Durable: can be refilled up to 100,000 gallons
- I’ve used it at rivers, creeks, and lakes without any issues. I take it everywhere, honestly.
- Great for day hikes and backpacking trips
Check the availability for the Sawyer MINI Water Filter
Best user-friendly hiking sticks for the average hiker
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles simply get the job done. Whether they’re called hiking poles, hiking sticks, trekking poles, or ski sticks, these bad boys will give you the stability needed to conquer even the steepest of terrains.
What I like about it:
- Easily collapsible with a quick locking mechanism
- Handles are soft, moisture-wicking, and have a natural-grip feel
- Made of 100% carbon fiber. Ultra lightweight — less than a pound!
- Great for hikes with high elevation gain and uneven terrain
- Personally, they have given me zero issues even after 100+ miles of hiking
Check the availability for Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles