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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
Osprey Men's Manta Backpack
When you have a great piece of gear, stick with it. That’s what I did with this pack. Whether hiking in the Dolomites or Big Bend Ranch State Park, this is the one for me. Why? Super comfortable with a great hydration system that’s easy to use and I really like the magnet that keeps the bite piece in place. Plenty of pockets for layers, snacks, sunglasses, camera lenses, safety gear and more. Good size pockets on the waistband and a handy rain cover that I’ve used way too many times.
To check it out click the link below.
To check it out click the link below.
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.
Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket
This wind and light rain jacked was such a great find. It’s always in my pack - unless I’m wearing it. A great lightweight layer that takes the wind chill away on higher elevation hikes, keeps the rain and sleet at bay, is super stretchy and breathes really well. It weighs practically nothing and folds into its own pocket…..sweeet!
To check it out click the link below.
To check it out click the link below.
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat
I’m always wearing a hat or cap. This Tilly lives in my pack and as soon as the sun starts to shine its off with the cap and on with my Tilly. It provides great protection from the sun for my head and ears and some shade for the back of my neck and nose. It breaths well, keeps the rain away and has also been known to swat a pesky fly!
To check it out click the link below.
To check it out click the link below.
Salomon Mens X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
I’m now on my third pair of Salomon boots. I’ve never had to wear them in and really like the extra support around the ankles. The Gortex helps them breathe and keep the water out. My most recent pair is a wide as the newer versions run narrow. I’ve hiked hundreds of miles in these boots from Patagonia, the Dolomites, Copper Canyon, to a whole lot of national and state parks in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Maine, Nevada and lots of other places in between. Super comfortable and provide a good grip on rough and smooth terrain.
To check them out click the link below.
To check them out click the link below.
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.
Mazama AXE 3L Hydration Reservoir
Hydration is sooo essential to safe and enjoyable hiking. Our Mazama hydration bladders are really easy to fill and clean, sit well in our packs, don’t leak, and the AXE handle just makes everything easier.
Jen's Picks and Feedback
Exped Skyline 15
Love my new 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.
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.
Apple Watch
What can I say, I don’t go anywhere without my Apple watch! I use the hiking app to track our hikes including the distance, altitude, time on the trail and calories burned.
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.
NorthFace Wander Hi Low Shirt
FlashDry technology dries quickly and is super soft and comfortable.
Ortovox Col Becchei Soft Shell Jacket
I hated wearing rain jackets as I found them to be stiff and totally uncomfortable. I would hike in light rain versus putting on an uncomfortable rain jacket. I then discovered this Ortovox jacket which totally changed my perspective – it is not only breathable, but very comfortable. It's lightweight and stylish. I also wear it during the winter for cross-country skiing.
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.
The Northface Summit Series Future Fleece
Very warm mid layer without the bulk. Highly breathable and perfect for active hiking and nordic skiing days.
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