I grew up in and live in the mountains, and have been on many backpacking trips. Here are my recs for day hike comfort.
Sections
3
Equipment
Clothing
Snacks
Equipment
Tried and tested in the most brutal conditions
Prime example of “you get what you pay for” - not cheap but have kept my feet comfortable, blister-free, warm, and dry everywhere from Mt. Rainier (on snowpack!) to freak flash floods & snow storms in Patagonia
Zamberlan Women's VIOZ Lux GTX Rr Backpack Boot
Perfect camelback with a nice waist strap to distribute weight. I take this skiing + hiking and it fits my Nikon Z500
Gregory Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack | REI Co-op
High quality and great ratings
Black Diamond Spot 350 LED Waterproof Headlamp
Always good to have an emergency kit on hand - if not in your ski backpack then at least in your hotel or house
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Day Tripper Lite
Reflective blankets pack tight and help in a lot of emergency scenarios
Reflective Blanket
Clothing
I swear by these brands & here are my default selections time and again
I have about 10 pairs of these and always bring 2-3 pairs on ski trips as layers or for around the house
High-Waist Airlift Legging
The best! Not itchy.
Darn Tough Women Merino Wool Micro Crew Socks
I didn’t realize the importance of excellent rain gear until I was halfway up a mountain in Patagonia putting a heavy duty trash bag over my glorified wind breaker…never again
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket - Women's | REI Co-op
Layers perfectly with the rain jacket I recommended
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoody - Women's
I wear this as my base layer always - hiking and skiing
Airbrush Real Bra Tank - Navy
Just a solid, highly-rated hiking pant for those who don’t like a tight legging
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants - Women's | REI Co-op
Snacks
Electrolytes >>>
Hydralyte
It can be so hard to find protein bars without 100 ingredients in them. These are great.
RXBAR Protein Bars Variety Pack, 18.3oz (10 Bars)
Just what you want on a hike to give you an energy and morale boost without the sugar spike of a candy bar
That's it. Mini Fruit Bars Variety 35 Pack
Compact and easy
Wonderful Pistachios No Shells, 9 Pack Variety
My mom used to make these for us before Nordic ski practice growing up - such a great and a great energy boost
