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Gear we use and love!
Below are some of our favorite products we take with us on every hike! If you're new to hiking these items will point you in the right direction. However, ultimately, it depends on where you hike, the distance you hike, and personal preferences. It can be overwhelming when you are just starting out so here are a few recommendations and feedback on why these made the cut.
In case you're wondering... we don't receive any compensation from the sale of these products!
Robert's Picks and Feedback
Lowa Innva GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Slip them on and start hiking. No wearing in, extremely comfortable, and I love the mid for great ankle support. GTX breathes and wasn’t hot on the feet in mid-summer in Palo Duro Canyon doing field work for our latest trail guide.
Arcteryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
If you hike regularly and want the best, this is it. Very packable, breathes extremely well, water proof and will last a lifetime. We also have the Arcteryx Beta AR jacket for extreme hiking conditions in Canada and Patagonia, very impressive specifications.
Col Becchei Softshell Jacket
A great jacket for winter alpine sports - has zones to keep the wind and snow at bay, while the stretch offers great range of movement. The merino wool on the inside keeps me warm and the ventilation zippers help for demanding day.s
Ortovox 120 Comp Light Base Layer
Wool is by far the best material for any outdoor sport, and Ortovox uses the finest, softest Merino you can buy. Surprisingly light and comfortable, we swear by our Ortovox base layers. Wicks away sweat, keeps you cool and provides protection from the elements. Hoo Haa!! We not only wear our base layers for hiking, but also for cross-country and downhill skiing and its performance is second to none.
Ortovox Fleece Grid Jacket
I have multiple Ortovox jackets, but this is my go to for hiking. It's lightweight but warm and comfortable.
Ortovox Fleece Grid Vest
I live in this vest as it has the ultimate flexibility. It's great for around town, hiking, nordic skiing and everything in between.
Kuhl Deceptr Pant
I bought 4 pairs of these pants years ago and they are my go-to travel and hiking pants. Great pocket design, comfortable, water resistant, and wash/dry quickly when on the road. Look great on the trail or standing at the bar.
Tilly T4MO AIrflow Hikers Hat
Give caps the flick. Protect the face, ears and head with a good hat, that reduces the effects of wind, rain and heat. My Tilley wicks moisture from my head, provides shade for the eyes and is super comfortable. This hat travels the world with me.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
I’m never on the trail without these hiking poles. Often only one as most of the time I have a camera in my other hand. These poles are sturdy, great for stability over rocks, moving thorny bushes out of the way, and keeping unwanted critters at bay. They lend a helping hand going up and down hill and make a good splint should I ever need one! The cork handle is super comfortable and prevents my hand from slipping. They collapse to a reasonably small size and come apart easily to fit in my checked luggage when travelling.
To check them out click the link below.
To check them out click the link below.
Mazama AXE 3L Hydration Reservoir
Easy fill, drink, clean and reliable. Have lost count on the number of hikes this reservoir has been on and easily fits in my pack. Always use the 3L, although I also have the 2L. Can never have enough hydration on the trail.
Apple Watch Ultra
I have the Ultra 1 and so glad I bought it. Amazing connectivity and health features, rugged, accurate GPS and easy to read. Don’t go anywhere without it.
inReach Explorer + 2 Way Satellite Comms by Garmin
I bought the Delorme model well before they were taken over by Garmin and I wouldn’t go anywhere without it. We have access to emergency services globally and not only when hiking but travelling in general. The Explorer syncs with my iPhone for easy texting and if we were ever in a dangerous situation help is always inReach. Ha ha!
The inReach Explorer helps us keep in touch with family and friends when there’s no cell reception - which is most places we like to hike! We use a Recreation Plan so we can turn on/off the service on a monthly basis - which is more cost effective as we only pay for it when we need it. We’ve had ours for several years and feel it is a fundamental investment in our safety.
To check it out click the link below.
The inReach Explorer helps us keep in touch with family and friends when there’s no cell reception - which is most places we like to hike! We use a Recreation Plan so we can turn on/off the service on a monthly basis - which is more cost effective as we only pay for it when we need it. We’ve had ours for several years and feel it is a fundamental investment in our safety.
To check it out click the link below.
Jen's Picks and Feedback
Exped Skyline 15
Love my Exped pack! It's the perfect size for a half day hike and has great access and compartments. The Switchback Suspension System allows for maximum airflow and is super easy to adjust. The hipbelt is wider than most packs of this size and offers two large pockets that easily fit a smart phone or small camera. Easily fits a 3L hydration reservoir and the side pockets are large with straps to secure items. Overall a really well designed, comfortable pack.
Women's Black Diamond FLZ Trekking Poles
I always carry a hiking pole – and typically just one as I like having the other hand free. This folds up just like a tent into three sections to be easily attached to my pack, or into my luggage if I’m traveling. It’s lightweight, but not as light as carbon but also not as expensive and it works just fine for me!
To check them out click the link below.
To check them out click the link below.
Maddox GTX Hiking Boots by Lowa
I live in my Lowa hiking boots – on and off the trail as they are so comfortable, and I can wear them all day long. I never had to break them in and often just wear them around town. They have a decent grip on the base and are perfect for an easy-to-moderate, half-day-hike. I chose Gortex because I hate having wet feet and if there is condensation in the morning, they keep my feet dry and comfortable.
To check them out click the link below.
To check them out click the link below.
The North Face Summit Series FutureFleece
Very warm mid layer without the bulk. Highly breathable and perfect for active hiking and nordic skiing days.
Prana Koen Hiking Pants
The best pants for hiking and casual wear - I have them in 3 colors! Quick drying, breathable and stretchy for ultimate comfort on and off the trail.
Prana Koen Short
Lightweight and breathable with a soft stretchy waistband. Great for hiking, and any summer adventure.
Ortovox Col Becchei Soft Shell Jacket
I hated wearing soft shell jackets as I found them to be stiff and totally uncomfortable. Then I discovered this Ortovox jacket which totally changed my perspective – it is not only breathable, but very comfortable and water resistant. It's lightweight and stylish. I also wear it during the winter for cross-country skiing and when it's dumping snow I never get wet.
Orotvox Fleece Light Grid Beanie
This lives in my backpack and is great for spring hikes through the dead of winter. So lightweight and warm.
Ortovox 120 Comp Light
Lightweight soft wool blend baselayer - perfect for hiking and active winter sports.
Ortovox 120 Tee
Merino wool blend, soft and highly breathable perfect for mountain hiking.
Ortovox Rock'nWool Base Layer
Love these as a base layer on cold winter hikes and for skiing. They are 100% merino wool, soft and comfortable with an elastic waistband.
Ortovox 230 Competition Base Layer
My go to winter base layer - keeps me dry and warm no matter what. The seamless construction, stretch and temperature regulation is the best.
Therm-a-rest Inflatable Seat
We often eat lunch on the trail, so I take this inflatable seat to sit comfortably on the ground - regardless of terrain. If it’s the dead of summer, it keeps the heat away - or if it’s been raining or snowing - it sure beats sitting on a wet surface! And yes – we do hike in the snow! I hate carrying unnecessary weight in my pack, but it weighs only 5 ounces so it made the cut!
To check it out click the link below.
To check it out click the link below.
Black Diamond Cosmo 250 Headlamp
Robert loves a good sunset hike and photo opportunity, so we often hit the trail as the sun is going down. I like to look out for snakes and other critters along the trail and just generally see where I’m going. Black Diamond headlamps provide a great lighting option and you can’t beat the camo look!
To check it out click the link below.
To check it out click the link below.
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