We trekked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - and these game-changing gear essentials made every step easier!
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Clothing
Footwear
Accessories
Clothing
Eddie Bauer has been a game changer. Super light and warm with great quality.
Men's Down Jackets | Insulated Outerwear - Eddie Bauer
Never looking back! I have used this on all my hikes. For very cold winter camping days too, I used it with a fleece jacket underneath and it was perfect.
Light Down Jacket Womens| Eddie Bauer
Soft, warm, and made from recycled materials, this fleece is both eco-friendly and cozy. It gives perfect warmth as a mid layer - great for camping or to stay cozy and comfy during cold temperatures.
Patagonia Men's Retro Pile Fleece Jacket
Saw every backpacker wearing Patagonia fleece. Why? Because the quality is great and it is super warm!
Women's Fleece Jackets I Patagonia
Hands down, Columbia makes the ultimate rain jacket - reliable, lightweight, and adventure-approved.
Tried on every hike, it never lets us down. Packs down small, keeps you dry, and ready for anything!
Women's Rain Jackets | Columbia Sportswear
What a luxury when you can pack your rain jacket in a compact size. It is so light and has worked on all our hikes across South America.
Men's Rain Jackets | Columbia Sportswear
More budget friendly option with great quality! Fleece works best as a mid layer to keep your body warmth and comfortable when hiking.
Fleece Jackets & Mid Layers - Decathlon
Made with soft and breathable 100% merino wool fabric. Good for all temperatures!
Women's Merino Wool Base Layers | Women's Thermals | icebreaker
Super light, comfortable and budget-friendly! I have used these as inners and they have worked perfectly fine.
Women's Thermal Leggings | UNIQLO
Works best as a base layer or as a warm T-shirt! Budget-friendly, comfortable and great quality! I have a bunch of those in different colors.
HEATTECH Cashmere Blend T-Shirt | Extra Warm | UNIQLO
Best quality gloves! They are water resistant and super warm. Have used them in harsh Canadian winters as well as on multi-day hikes.
Gloves | Eddie Bauer
Breathable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and prevents odour! Merino wool socks are best for hiking.
Smartwool - Merino Wool Socks
Keep your head warm with these great quality beanies!
Men's Beanies | Men's Accessories - Eddie Bauer
After trying many beanies, I found the one that I find best! Warm and great quality!
Women's Beanies | Eddie Bauer
Enjoy a great quality, quick drying hiking pants that we have used on our hikes and do not regret at all. Stretchable and comes with many pockets!
Men's Hiking Pants - MEC
Keep some good quality moisture wicking T-shirts as you will sweat a lot!
Moisture Wicking Tshirts - Decathlon
These were the pants we saw most people wearing on the trail - reasonably priced and meets the purpose!
Forclaz Hiking Pants - Decathlon
Trek-ready and trail-tested - MEC’s women’s hiking pants are stretchy, breathable, and packed with pockets (so important!). Plus they are quick drying. And you can also wear them on a regular basis, not necessarily on hikes only.
Women's Hiking Pants - MEC
Footwear
Can't go wrong with Merrell. Met many hikers wearing Merrell. We have used them in all hiking conditions (even on Patagonia hikes!) and they worked perfect.
Best Men's Hiking Shoes | Waterproof & Durable - Merrell
We have been using Merrell since 6 years and have used in all kinds of terrain! Good grip, waterproof, and light weight. Looks great too!
Women's Hiking Boots & Shoes | Merrell
Accessories
Durable and good quality nalgene bottles are a must! Its wide mouth makes it easy to fill and clean, and it's virtually indestructible.
32oz Wide Mouth Ultralite Bottle | Nalgene
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a fan favorite for a reason - ultra-light, hydrating, and zero white cast. Packed with hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients, it feels more like skincare than sunscreen. Perfect for daily wear and sensitiv...
It has proven to be amazing in driest and hottest parts of South America.
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Natural Suncream SPF50
Budget-friendly and super effective to cover your head and neck from intense sun during hikes and outdoor activities!
Women's Hiking Sun Hats - Shein
Ben’s Insect Repellent is our go-to for bug protection on every adventure. It’s powerful, proven effective, and keeps mosquitoes and ticks away - even in the thickest woods. The compact bottle slips easily into any pocket or daypack, making it a must...
MEC - Ben's Insect Repellent
Staying hydrated on the trail is essential! Osprey's great quality hydration bladder can hold up to 3 litres of water, allowing you to drink continuously without having to stop every 15 minutes.
Hydration Bladders & Reservoirs - Osprey
Moisture-wicking and budget friendly caps for a sunny day.
Hiking Caps - Decathlon
Osprey is top-tier for day hikes or long treks - ultra durable, comfy, and trusted by hikers worldwide.
Backpacks, Luggage & Travel Gear| Osprey
Hiking poles are an absolute must on the Inca trail to protect your knees! Light-weight and strong poles are what you need.
Trekking Poles, Hiking Staffs & Walking Sticks | REI Co-op