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My Hiking & Mountaineering Must-Haves (That I Actually Use and Love)
20 items
By
Alvin Magistrado
Here’s the stuff I pack, swear by, and low-key panic when I forget. Trust me — these have saved my sanity, my socks, and probably my feet.
I bring this every time I go off-grid — mostly because my mom will actually sleep if she knows I have an SOS button in my pocket.
Garmin inReach® Mini 2 | Satellite Communicator | Messenger
It makes me feel like a National Geographic explorer. Also hides the fact that my trail hair is basically a wild animal.
Renegade™ Hat in Other's Bags Gear | KÜHL ...
One time I took a “shortcut” and ended up night-hiking through spiderwebs. This headlamp saved me. It’s bright-bright.
HeadLamp 800 Pro
These feel like walking on memory foam — if memory foam had insane trail grip and could handle mud, rocks, and me tripping over everything.
Men's Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe
I’ve literally scooped water from a sketchy creek and lived to tell the tale. Game changer. Germs? Never heard of them.
16.9oz UltraPress® Water Filter & Purifier Bottle
Helps me stay in touch with friends when there's no signal. Also great for texting “I’m lost but emotionally stable.”
goTenna | The World's Leading Mobile Mesh Networking Company
Yes, it’s a luxury. No, I don’t regret it. Sitting down after a long hike = pure bliss. Plus, it's light enough I forget I even packed it.
Helinox Chair Zero review (and comparison to Chair One)
I’ve used this to wash my hands, my dishes, and once, in desperation, my face. It smells like minty wilderness and self-respect.
Buy Peppermint Castile Soap - Liquid Wash for Body, Home & More
This thing boils water so fast, I’ve actually raced it. Lost every time. It makes my instant ramen feel gourmet.
Flash 1.0L Fast Boil System - Jetboil - Johnson Outdoors
These socks are like a hug for my feet. I’ve worn them on 10-mile hikes with no blisters — magic.
Darn Tough Vermont
Sounds weird, I know. But trust me — it’s cleaner, smarter, and way more eco than using half your toilet paper roll.
The Original Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
I used to have toothpaste explosions in my pack. Not anymore. These pack flat and keep the mess where it belongs — inside the bottle.
FlatPak™ Toiletry Bottles
This charges my phone while I hike. It’s solar, folds up small, and makes me feel like an off-grid tech genius.
Nomad 10 - Portable Solar Charger
Tiny camera, massive quality. I use this to capture summit moments that make me look more outdoorsy than I really am.
Osmo Pocket 3 - For Moving Moments
Great for those cold early starts. Also makes holding trekking poles way less miserable.
Men's Gloves | Black Diamond Equipment
Fun trail game and a sneaky way to remind everyone not to leave granola bar wrappers behind (you know who you are).
Activities - Leave No Trace
Camping in summer without this? Rookie mistake. This is how I keep my blood to myself.
Thermacell Zone Mosquito Repellents: Mosquito Control Solutions &…
I’ve only used it to cut open energy bars, but I feel very capable when I wear it.
CRKT Minimalist Knives | Shop Now - Columbia River Knife and ...
I bring this on every trip. Cozy, compact, and perfect for those “why is it this cold in June?” nights.
NanoLoft® Puffy Blankets
Not gear, but honestly, it’s saved me from freezing more times than I can count. Doesn't stink either — bonus!
Men's Merino Wool Base Layers
