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.
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 … 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, … Read more
For beginner hikers, choosing hiking gear can be exciting and overwhelming. Equipment is expensive, and nobody wants to make a bad decision. The Hiking Daily guide to the best hiking … Read more
Always take a hat when you go for a hike. Hiking hats are an essential piece of hiking gear. They are key to staying cool, comfortable, and maintaining good health … 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 … Read more
Introducing the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro series, the newest GPS watches for hiking and backpacking. The Garmin Fenix 6 series showcases three versions: the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Garmin Fenix … 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 … 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 … 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. … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
Winter hiking 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 … 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 … Read more
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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
The Garmin Instinct group of watches has become a fantastic choice to use as hiking, backpacking, or trail running GPS watches. The set of features and capabilities have come a … 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 … Read more
In this guide, we cover all the best hiking watches that you can buy right now. And, I will reveal which hiking watch I use on my hikes. It is … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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. … Read more
Even if you are an experienced hiker it is super easy to forget something that you really need. This is our ultimate hiking packing list. Post it on your wall, … 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 … Read more
This watch is no longer available so do check out your options of the best GPS hiking watches. Looking for an amazing GPS watch for hiking that isn’t quite as … Read more
Some seasons or climates are consistently wet. You may face rain and wet weather for a good portion of a hike or backpacking trip. Hiking in the rain requires a … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
In Yosemite alone, there are 250 search or rescue missions a year. Multiply that by how many parks there are across the USA and you get an idea of how … Read more
Hiking preparation and planning for day hiking, backcountry hiking or thruway hiking is super important. This comprehensive hiking gear list will help you prepare for your hiking adventures. These items … Read more