Submitted 1 day ago by richardpz1@sh.itjust.works to [deleted]
I’ve been hiking a lot this year and testing out different outdoor gear. Some items really stood out for comfort and durability, while others were disappointing.
For example, I found that the right pair of hiking boots makes a huge difference on long trails. A lightweight jacket also saved me during sudden rain.
Tbh I feel like less is more, and a lot of these depend on duration/climate.
Universal is good boots. I like something light waterproof and high ankle for the most versatility. I use an old pair of danners they’re pretty good, only complaint is the top is too wide and little gravel pieces get in there on messier trails. My dads got the on cloud ones and likes them a lot. Says they’re pretty comfortable.
Depending on hike length I’ll either hydrate well before or carry a water bottle (~2 hours or less) or bring a camelback bladder in a light camelback backpack (longer hike). Honestly love that thing I’ve had it 15+ years and it’s nice just getting water from a straw on your shoulder.
Next is climate. Hot: light breathable quick dry tee. Super sunny: make it long sleeve with a bucket hat and/or sunscreen. Chance of rain: light rain jacket (like you mentioned). I got a Helly Hansen one that’s built well. Cold/chilly: layers. I almost always end up taking them off once I get moving, but it’s good to have for breaks/start/end. Really cold (30-45F) would be like a puffer jacket that can pack down (I have an arc Teryx but I don’t think it’s that much better than a north face or a Costco generic). Moderately chilly (45-60F) a light mellanzana type sweater/jacket.
Food for 4+ hour hikes: I like fruit (oranges, apples, tomatoes), potato chips (the salt hits different after a good sweat), beef sticks, pb&j, and beer. Maybe an electrolyte powder if it’s really hot.
(Honorable mention to slides or birks to get out of your boots as soon as you get back to the car)
I think most other gear is dead weight. Did a 26 mile day hike across the whole Grand Canyon with just the camelback and food (11 lbs total) and hot/sunny clothes option above and smoked all the people with 20+ pound packs and random gear
Please Relevant Answer
vala@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 day ago
Idk why this is posted on multiple coms but here is my answer again for the sake of content.
Trekking poles. People always make excuses for why they don’t need them and low-key tease other hikers for using them.
They massively improve your ability to cover rough terrain and they also greatly decrease your chances of minor injuries.
That being said, I just carry them around on my backpack because “I don’t really need them” lmao.
dumbcrumb@lemmy.world 1 day ago
It is important to mention that hiking poles are significantly less effective if you don’t use the straps properly. The straps should be taking most of the weight so you don’t have to death grip the poles.
meekah@lemmy.world 1 day ago
TIL! thanks