The great outdoors is no joke.
Hiking and backpacking require sound preparation and the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable on the trails.
Below, you will find detailed gear guides and in-depth product reviews on the newest and best products for your day hikes, weekend hikes, thru-hikes, and backpacking adventures.
Start by first reading the newly updated guides:
All our guides feature the newest and best hiking gear that you need in your pack. You will not find cheap or low-performance gear in any of our guides. Hiking Daily believes that in most cases you get what you pay for, and so we focus on premium products or high-value products made by the most trusted brands.
Content is updated monthly to keep our readers informed about the best hiking gear that you can get right now.
New to hiking? Check out our hiking for beginners guide.
No matter how many trips I guide in Yosemite National Park, I’m always on a mission to pack the best possible gear for the job. In my three seasons of guiding backpacking trips in Yosemite, narrowing down my personal essentials for the trail has been a process of trial and error. Here, I simplify the … Read more
The Owyhee Backpacking Tarp is as Cozy as a Tent and as Lightweight as a Tarp Nestled beneath my Six Moon Designs Owyhee backpacking tarp, thunder and lightning unleash in the high Sierra. Rain and hail batter my shelter in the limestone cirque below Red and White mountain, deep in the range. Inside, dry and … Read more
The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is a Versatile, Do-It-All Pack for the Ultralight-Curious Up mountain passes, down talus fields, and over snowfields, I move through the remote reaches of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with my Granite Gear Crown3 60 snug against my back. After weeks of pack testing, I chose the Granite Gear Crown3 … Read more
The best hiking watches that you can buy today are super powerful. Technology has taken some huge leaps. The apps, screens, battery life, and storage space have improved massively in the past year. I have tested the Garmin 6X Pro, and the Garmin Fenix 7 watches extensively for the past thirteen months. The benefits offered … Read more
Often times while hiking, our boots and hiking pants are just not enough to protect us from the elements. Snow, mud, branches, and rocks can be a nuisance while hiking. This debris can get into our boots or shoes, making the hiking experience uncomfortable. Hiking for hours with cold, wet, and muddy legs is just … Read more
Hiking in snow and ice can be slow, frustrating, and dangerous without proper winter traction devices. This is why microspikes, ice cleats, and crampons exist. The grip of these traction devices on rock-hard ice and in deep snow is phenomenal. They make hiking in Winter super fun. For most hikers, microspikes and ice cleats are … Read more
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar watch has changed my life quickly. It motivates me to work hard and attain new health and fitness goals. Since I got the Fenix 7 watch, I have averaged 100 plus miles per month, increased my overall strength, and lost more than 15 pounds. These are thrilling results that I … Read more
Buying new hiking and backpacking gear is fun and exciting. To me, gear is money well spent because these products last a long time and deliver comfort, safety, and joy in the outdoors. Hiking and backpacking gear adds a lot of value to my daily life. However, the cost can quickly add up. Hiking can … Read more
I finished the Colorado Trail about a month ago, in the summer of 2022. The trail is majestic with vibrant wildflowers, epic ridge walks, incredible vistas, and unbeatable wildlife. If you are searching for an adventure to reinvigorate your love for life, rebuild your trust in humanity, and want to cry over the magic of … Read more
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is the ultimate car camping quilt. Snuggled in the back of my Jeep Wrangler at the Grays and Torreys Peak trailhead in Colorado this September, I feel warm and cozy, nestled in my Rumpl quilt. Parked at 11,000 feet, the mountain air is chilly against my skin, but burrowed in … Read more
The Garmin Instinct group of watches has become a fantastic choice for hiking, backpacking, or trail running. The set of features and capabilities has come a long way in the past few years of its existence. The Garmin Instinct is a versatile, rugged, solar-charging GPS smartwatch. It is available in two sizes. The larger screen … Read more
Quality gear will keep you comfortable and safe on hikes, no matter how far you go. Finding all the best gear takes some time, so I’m going to tackle this in order of importance. If you’re new to hiking, this is a good sequence to buy equipment in. You don’t need all these things to … Read more
If you’ve seen an episode of Survivor in the last 41 seasons, you’ve seen a hiking buff. It is a long tube of thin, stretchy fabric that can be worn and used in over a dozen different ways. Like Kleenex, buff is both a brand name as well as a product description. They can also … Read more
The Boy Scout motto to “be prepared” is great advice for everyone, especially hikers. These gift ideas will help the hikers in your life be ready for anything. These gift picks make hiking more safe, comfortable, and fun. Some ideas are gear and clothing upgrades and some are gear a hiker may not have yet. … Read more
My child would say that the most important kids hiking gear is candy, and it might be true but that’s not all. Beyond the bribes, here’s what you need to keep kids comfortable and protected on hikes. In addition to smaller versions of the hiking clothes, footwear, and gear that adults use, there are additional … Read more
Hiking with a dog is a very long walk. In addition to a leash, collar or harness, and poop bags, dog hiking gear can make walks safer and more comfortable. Hiking gear is more robust than usual dog walking gear. In addition, visibility is an asset, whether it is a bright color that stands out … Read more
As your primary shelter, choosing a backpacking tent is a big decision. Tents play a big part in the cost of your trip, the weight of your pack, and your general comfort. Due to the expansive variety of backpacking tents to choose from, picking the right one can be daunting! Fear not, though, because we … Read more
It was bound to happen. Trends from the 90s like overalls, bike shorts, and baggy sweatshirts are back. The fanny pack has made a come back too. And like all the aforementioned fashions, the fanny pack is stylish for men and women. If it makes you feel better, it doesn’t have to be called a … Read more
Extra water is one of the ten essentials to hiking and backpacking. Always take more water with you than you think you will need. Too much water is really better than too little. If you run out, and do not have a water filter/purifier, you may confront some serious health issues. Particularly when hiking at … Read more
I have tried many backpacks made by all the most trusted backpack manufacturers over the years. Without a doubt, my best experience has been wearing Osprey backpacks. They are super comfortable, breathable, hug tight to the body, and I find that I don’t feel like I am carrying a heavy amount of weight on my … Read more
When embarking on an outdoor adventure, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the vast options for gear. A backpack is a fundamental part of any traverse and one of the first pieces of hiking gear you will need. This is our updated ultimate guide to the best hiking backpacks to make sure you’re prepared … Read more
More than ever hikers are leveraging new technology when they head out into the backcountry. There are so many incredible devices for hiking and backpacking such as mobile phones, GPS hiking watches, handheld GPS devices, satellite communicators, cameras, and headlamps. But, of course, they all require batteries! Without a continuous flow of battery power these … Read more
This year I have had the pleasant experience of testing out some new Maui Jim prescription sunglasses courtesy of SportRX for my hiking and backpacking adventures. Are Maui Jim prescription sunglasses worth the money? Yes, they are. These sunglasses are a dream come true! Crystal clear vision. The value that these sunglasses deliver is unbeatable. … Read more
Drinking water is one of the most important items to carry with you on your hikes and backpacking trips. It is one of the ten essentials. I always carry more water than I know I need. And often I run out before I return to the trailhead. And of course, on a backpacking trip at … Read more
In the last decade, smartphones have transformed our world. Among other things, smartphones have fantastic tools that can assist with hiking trips. This article will cover some of the best hiking apps on the market that can help you find the perfect hike, or help you navigate on the trail. The main tools that smartphones … Read more
A hiking compass is a very important and often overlooked navigation tool. You should have a compass stashed in your hiking daypack at all times in addition to a paper map. A compass and map are two key items that are part of the ten essentials to hiking that could save your life. Of course … Read more
Of everything in a hiker’s backpack, it would be hard to argue that a water bottle is not the most important part of any hiker’s kit. Staying hydrated is the best way to make sure your hike is safe and enjoyable. Sure, you can go to the gas station and buy a disposable water bottle, … Read more
Winter and snow hiking is a magical experience that all hikers should try. A blanket of snow transforms the landscape and views, making your go-to hikes seem completely new. Dampened sounds and smaller crowds provide solitude that can be challenging to find in other seasons. The conditions that makes winter hiking feel so special also … Read more
Ounces mean ouches and pounds mean pains on the hiking trail. That’s why some people are incredibly interested and invested in ultralight backpacking gear. Ultralight is exactly what it sounds like. Lightweight gear is easy to carry, which in turn can make folks hike much quicker and make the gear much more comfortable to carry. … Read more
If you are looking for the best GPS hiking watch, we now recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 watch series. The Garmin Marq Adventurer is the ultimate GPS watch for outdoor enthusiasts. This watch is awesome because it has a plethora of cool features that cross over into different backcountry sports. We think this totally makes … Read more
Sometimes it is nice to feel free and light on a hike and not be weighed down by a heavier daypack. A hiking fanny pack is the perfect lightweight bag to carry your essentials. When I do close-to-home hikes where I know I don’t need too much or am unlikely to get into trouble, I … Read more
The best camera for hiking is the one that you use. There’s no point in carrying a heavy, or even lightweight, camera only to leave it in its case. That’s why we have selected the best cameras for all levels of photography knowledge and hiking ability. There are five categories from a smartphone to mirrorless … Read more
There hundreds of backpacks available online and in stores for all different sorts of hiking. It can often be hard to sort through and figure out what backpack is best for your excursion. Hiking backpacks can also be expensive. It doesn’t mean they always are, but often times the construction and fabric used can be … Read more
Hiking headlamps are an essential part of any hiker’s day pack. Headlamps are lightweight and portable, making them easy to throw into a pack. One should always carry a headlamp with them regardless of time in the day. Hiking headlamps are important to always have, just in case you get left in the dark! Getting … Read more
If you have young children, you will need some new hiking gear to keep them safe and happy when out on the hiking trails. The first item that you should get is a child carrier for hiking and backpacking. Then you can take your baby (or toddler) on hikes with you. In this guide, we … Read more
Plain and simple – knives are cool. A sturdy knife or multi-tool are some of the most useful items to bring on any outdoor adventure. They can be used to prepare food, repair gear, widdle a perfect stick for s’mores, and even save your life in a backcountry emergency. Due to their popularity and versatility, … Read more
If you want to hike in the backcountry, you should definitely get a satellite communicator device. If faced with an unexpected emergency it could save a life. The Garmin inReach Mini is one of the best devices you can have in your daypack. This compact device allows you to send and receive text messages, track … Read more
“You got me trippin, stumblin, flippin, fumblin…” For the most part, Fergie’s top hit, “Clumsy,” perfectly illustrates my lack-of-balance when hiking. That is before I found trekking poles! If you find yourself in a similarly unstable predicament, we suggest you invest in a pair of trekking poles (or a hiking staff!). Here is a simple … Read more
A first aid kit is one of hiking’s Ten Essentials. That is, hiking gear you should have. The first thing I learned as a Wilderness First Responder is that in the outdoors, preparation is key. Whether you are a seasoned summiter or a daily stroller, carrying a first aid kit is essential for the safety … Read more
Hiking at higher altitudes is more challenging. This is because there is less oxygen in the air to breathe. When you hike at high altitudes you may experience a shortness of breath, sluggishness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms of altitude sickness. Enter, oxygen for hiking! So, what exactly is oxygen for hiking? You can … Read more
An effective pair of hiking sunglasses is essential. Often while hiking we find ourselves in wide-open areas where the sun is bearing down on us. Sun protection is important for our skin and our eyes. Sunglasses protect our eyes from the dangerous ultra-violet rays of the sun. Ultra-violet rays (UV rays) are non-visible rays from … Read more
In the 1930s, a Seattle-based outdoor organization known as The Mountaineers created the “Ten Essentials” to prepare people for emergency situations in the backcountry. Whether used for a multi-day expedition or a routine day hike, any of these items may become essential for your survival. 1) First Aid Safety first! Before you head out on … Read more
GPS devices are super handy and can be a lifesaver when you are hiking in remote areas. In this guide, we review all the newest and best hiking GPS devices that you can buy right now. And, we break down all the latest features and specific benefits to help you make a decision on a … Read more
Some people prefer hiking light. There are numerous benefits. The obvious is that you will conserve energy while moving faster. Most people take more stuff than they actually need when traveling, backpacking, or hiking. I find that taking less with me helps to keep well organized and conserves my energy on a long day hike. … Read more