Hiking & Backpacking Gear Guides
By Ian Freng-MeeteerUpdated November 12, 2026
From your first day hike to multi-night trips, the right gear is the difference between a great day and a miserable one. These guides cover boots, clothing, sleep systems and the small upgrades that make camp more comfortable, with honest notes on who each pick is for.
Where to start
- Day hike essentials: daypacks, trekking poles, hiking socks, water bottles and backpacking stoves.
- Footwear first: compare Asolo and Danner boots, plus kids’ hiking boots.
- Sleep better outside: a sleeping pad cover and tent floor mat are cheap comfort upgrades.
- Water on the trail: see the water filters I carry backpacking.
- New to hiking? Read how to train for your first day hike and how to choose hiking boots for your terrain.
All hiking & backpacking guides
Best Trekking Poles
The best trekking poles for hiking and backpacking: aluminum, carbon and folding poles compared, with sizing tips and FAQs.
Best Hiking Daypacks
The best hiking daypacks for day hikes, from the Osprey Talon to light, budget-friendly packs, with sizing and fit advice.
Best Hiking Shoes
The best hiking shoes for day hikes, fastpacking and travel, from waterproof all-rounders to wide, zero-drop trail shoes.
Best Hiking Boots for Women
The best hiking boots for women, from comfortable waterproof all-rounders to supportive boots for backpacking and budget picks.
Best Hiking Boots for Men
The best hiking boots for men, from supportive backpacking boots to comfortable waterproof all-rounders and budget picks.
Best Hiking Pants
The best hiking pants for comfort, stretch, durability and weather, from stretchy softshells to convertible and budget pants.
Best Hiking Pants for Women
The best hiking pants for women for stretch, comfort, durability and weather protection, from softshells to convertibles.
Best Hydration Packs
The best hydration packs for hiking, mountain biking and trail running, compared on capacity, reservoir, fit and price.
Best Rain Jackets for Hiking
The best rain jackets for hiking and backpacking: waterproof, breathable shells from ultralight to budget.
Best Headlamps
The best headlamps for hiking, camping, backpacking and emergency kits, from rechargeable to budget AAA models.
Best Hiking Sandals
The best hiking sandals for summer trails, river crossings and travel, from supportive Chacos to closed-toe and ultralight sandals.
Best Bear Spray
The best bear spray for hiking, camping and hunting in bear country, plus how to carry and use it correctly.
Best Backpacking Tents
The best backpacking tents for 2 people, from lightweight freestanding favorites to budget tents for your first trips.
Best Ultralight Tents
The best ultralight tents for backpacking and thru-hiking, from premium semi-freestanding tents to budget trekking pole shelters.
Best Backpacking Backpacks
The best backpacking backpacks for weekend trips and long hauls, compared on comfort, capacity, fit and price.
Best Ultralight Backpacks
The best ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking and lightweight backpacking, from framed packs to budget options.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
The best backpacking sleeping bags for warmth, weight and value, from budget down bags to roomy and ultralight options.
Best Sleeping Pads
The best sleeping pads for backpacking and camping, compared on warmth (R-value), comfort, weight and noise.
Best Backpacking Pillows
The best backpacking pillows for better sleep outdoors, from ultralight inflatables to compressible foam.
Best Backpacking Chairs
The best backpacking chairs and ultralight camp chairs, compared on weight, comfort, stability and packed size.
Best Down Jackets
The best down jackets for hiking, backpacking and everyday wear, from ultralight puffies to budget picks.
Best Freeze-Dried Meals
The best freeze dried meals for backpacking and emergency food, compared on taste, calories, protein and value.
Best Water Bottles for Hiking
The best water bottles for hiking, from the classic Nalgene to insulated, filter and collapsible bottles.
Best Backpacking Stoves
The best backpacking stoves for boiling water and cooking on the trail: Jetboil, MSR, Soto and an ultralight budget option.
Best Hiking Socks
The best hiking socks for comfortable, blister-free miles: merino, toe socks and double-layer socks compared.
Best Hiking GPS Watch 2026
The best GPS watches for hiking and backpacking, from the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar I wear to budget picks.
Best Kids Hiking Boots 2026
The best kids' hiking boots for comfort, grip and waterproofing, led by the Merrell Moab 2 Mid.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes 2026
The best lightweight camp shoes for backpacking, led by the barefoot sock shoes I wear around camp.
Best Hiking Belt 2026
The best hiking belts that stay comfortable under a pack hip belt, led by the Arcade belt I've worn for 6+ years.
Best Danner Hiking Boot 2026 (Men & Women’s)
The best Danner hiking boots for men and women, led by the Mountain 600 I wear.
Best Asolo Hiking Boots 2026 (Men & Women’s)
The best Asolo hiking boots for men and women, from the heavy-duty TPS 520 I wear to lighter Gore-Tex hikers.
Best Hiking Shirts For Men 2026
The best men's hiking shirts for sun, sweat and long days on the trail, led by The North Face Adventure Tee I…
Best Backpack Carrier For Hiking 2026
The best hiking child carrier backpacks for taking little kids on the trail, from budget frames to premium Osprey and Deuter carriers.
Best Tent Floor Mat 2026
The best tent floor mats and camping rugs to keep dirt, sand and moisture out of your tent, led by the CGEAR…
Best Sleeping Pad Covers 2026
The best sleeping pad covers and liners for cleaner, warmer, quieter nights outside, led by the Therm-a-Rest sheet I use.
How I choose hiking gear
- Comfort over specs. The lightest gear isn’t the best if it hurts by mile eight.
- Durability matters. I’d rather recommend something that lasts five seasons than something that saves two ounces.
- Clear about experience. Each guide’s top pick is gear I own and use. The rest are chosen from research and long-term owner feedback.