Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Day Hiking Essentials
51
items Here’s the hiking gear I actually use. No sponsorships, no free gear, no fluff—just the stuff that works. I’ve tested everything on this list over hundreds of miles of hiking and backpacking, and it’s the gear you’ll find me using out on the trail.
An incredible value for the money. The trampoline back gives the pack structure and keeps my back dry. It's relatively lightweight for a mainstream daypack, it's durable, has deep side pockets, and can fit a 3L water bladder. It's a great balance of ...
Osprey Hikelite 26 Pack | REI Co-op
One of my go - to footwear. It's lightweight, have a wide toe box (no blisters), and dry quickly. The Olympus has a higher stack height (more cushion) and I wear this when I'm putting on the miles.
Altra Olympus 275 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's | REI Co-op
I can also recommend The Lone Peak 9+. It is lower with a better trail feel and has a great grip. And it can be going strong after many miles.
Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail-Running Shoes - Men's | REI Co-op
Trekking poles are not only great for climbing, but they're a tremendous help when descending too. I put these carbon - fiber poles through repeated use and abuse and they're still going strong. The secret ingredient here is the cork grips which are ...
Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles - Pair
Most headlamps are overbuilt with button combinations that are easy to forget when caught out after dark. The NU25 is simple, affordable, ultralight, and recharges with USB-C. It's everything you need and nothing more.
Nitecore NU25 Lightweight Rechargeable Headlamp
Even if you have an iPhone with satellite SOS and messaging , you might consider to have this Garmin inReach because the phone has limited coverage, limited battery , and isn't designed to be thrashed outdoors.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 | REI Co-op
There's lots of different ways you can filter your water and you might consider this. The easiest and most reliable method over thousands of miles is this. Fill up the CNOC bag with water using the wide opening, then squeeze it through the Sawyer Squ...
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with Cnoc Premium 2-Liter Bladder | REI Co-op
This watch can keep you on the right trail. It has an onboard map with trail name, so you can navigate without your phone if you need to reroute to a road, hospital, or anywhere else. It is rughed, reliable and have enough battery to handle long hik...
Enduro 3
If you want a sharper screen and extra map detail, go with this watch.
Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire | REI Co-op
Phones are incredibly powerful but they are not rugged outdoor tools. That's where the GPSMAP 67i shines. If you're wet or freezing, the 67i has easy to use buttons, a simple interface, and a battery that lasts days instead of hours. This model also ...
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld w/inReach
It's durable and fast charging battery pack.
Anker 10,000mAh 30W USB-C Portable Charger
If you are hiking with your friends, you can bring this walkie talkies. It means you can split up if need be, hike at different paces and you can stay in touch reliably. This model is simple and rugged.
Mountain Radio
You might also like this one, same as the previous model i recommend is this. It's dead simple and rugged.
Expedition Radio
It's not from a fancy brand, but nonetheless impressive. It's a USB-C charging, weatherproof, no-fuel lighter that burns very hot. There's also an emergency flashlight and cord that you can use to start a fire. And it weighs just 69g.
LcFun USB Rechargeable Windproof Plasma Lighter
This lightweight sleeping sack can help protect me from the elements and keep me warm. Simply stuff it with leaves or pine needles if you want extra warmth. This one costs a bit more than the cheap ones because it's breathable. If you stay out overni...
Escape Lite Bivy
If I'm hydrated but still wiped out, I might be in need of electrolytes. I carry a small bag of chews with me; they do the job.
SaltStick FastChews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets - 10 Tablets | REI Co-op
Not every search and rescue team uses RECCO in non-winter situations, but more and more do. It's 6g and might save my life, so I have it on my backpack.
RECCO Backpack Rescue Reflector
Purifying water couldn't be easier. Simply drop a Katadyn Micropur tablet into a liter of water and let it sit for 4 hours, then drink with confidence—and no chemical aftertaste.
Micropur Purification Tablets - Package of 30
Some pants come and go, but the Sahara model are solid year after year.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Men's | REI Co-op
There are a few solid hiking hoodies out there, but I stick with the one from Outdoor Research. It’s soft, breathable, and super comfortable—and I can get it in bright orange, which is great for visibility during hunting season or if I ever need to b...
Men's Echo Hoodie
It's designed for hikers. It offers an outstanding balance of comfort and weight. And as the name suggests, no holes or rips after years of use.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks - Men's | REI Co-op
Being out on the trail all day exposes your eyes to sunlight, especially above the treeline or outside the tree canopy. Putting sunglasses on has eliminated sun blindness (photokeratitis) on long days.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses | REI Co-op
I've found that a workout visor is the perfect balance on the trail. The brim shades my eyes; the band soaks up sweat, and heat vents out the top when I work hard on a climb.
REI Co-op Sahara Guide Hat | REI Co-op
When temps are cooler you might want to pair your visor with this.
Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie | REI Co-op
A shell jacket go in my pack, just in case.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell Jacket - Men's | REI Co-op
Not only great for when it rains, but also add warmth when you need it.
REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Pants - Men's | REI Co-op
These head nets look silly, but they are a lifesaver and have saved me from insanity many times. There's nothing as maddening as climbing a mountain, sweating, and swatting gnats out of your face.
Mosquito Head Net with Insect Shield
Budget-friendly and slightly heavier option. Try this one.
Osprey Exos 58 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op
Designed to help you sleep soundly through the roughest nights in the backcountry, the latest version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent is lighter, stronger and more waterproof than before.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent | REI Co-op
I tried a few of the top-rated pads, and this was the most comfortable and warmest. I can roll on my side, and it doesn't squeak. Its extremely high r-value (7.3) is good even in the coldest environments.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad
This quilt is much lighter and packs smaller than other quilts with the same temperature rating. The sleeping pad straps are easy to use, and no mystery cords or straps to leave you wondering if you're missing something.
Solo Quilt
This sleeping bag liner is an excellent balance of weight and warmth and is as comfy as expensive sheets that you'd find in a fancy hotel. For summer camping, I just use this with my pad.
Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner
I used to be a tough guy and just put clothes in a stuff sack for a pillow, but I've mellowed out in my old age. This pillow is worth the few extra ounces. My quality of sleep is much better.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow | REI Co-op
It's lightweight, tested over the years on the trail, and dead simple. Screw it onto the fuel canister, press the self-lighting button, and voila. The self-lighter has worked every time without a problem.
PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
I just rest this guy full of water on the stove, boil it for a few minutes, and then dump the water into the food bag. After it's sat for a few minutes, just eat it with a long spork. The 750ml size is perfect for the average camping food bag. I also...
Titanium 750 ml Pot
My attitude toward food storage has evolved over the years. I no longer use a bear hang. In most places using a BearVault is fine and they're not too heavy.
BV425 Sprint Bear Canister
This is a luxury item and I don't bring it all the time. But if I know I'm going to have some time to spend at camp where I'll be relaxing, this ultralight backpacking chair is the one I use.
Helinox Sunset Chair | REI Co-op
The luxury (or maybe necessity) that I love taking my hiking shoes off at camp. I've tried different options like ultralight slippers, Crocs, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but I've found that cheapo flip flops are the best all-aro...
Havaianas Men's Top Flip Flop Sandal Black 8
You can stuff this lightweight puffer jacket in your pack and have it for cool nights or cold summits. This Patagonia model has some room in the armpits to move around with a backpack on.
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket - Men's
Perfect for all of your sweatiest cold-weather activities, this minimalist Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino men's crew base layer top is lightweight and very moveable.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top - Men's | REI Co-op
Built to flex and follow you like a shadow, the men's Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino base layer bottoms put warmth first, while 3D knit mesh ventilation helps keep you dry and comfortable.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Men's | REI Co-op
I'm a convert to mittens over gloves. I'll just go with the shell mittens if it's rainy or cool. And then, if it's colder, I'll wear the gloves underneath. Or cold and dry, I'll just go with the gloves.
Vertice Rain Mitts
I'm a convert to mittens over gloves. I'll just go with the shell mittens if it's rainy or cool. And then, if it's colder, I'll wear the gloves underneath. Or cold and dry, I'll just go with the gloves.
REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Gloves | REI Co-op
I used to think these were a gimmick, but after trying a few models out, the Grabbers worked the best. I keep a pair in my emergency kit.
Grabber 7+ Hour Hand Warmers - 40 Pair Box
Wet socks are great for keeping feet warm in wet weather and for wearing on cool camping nights. I wear these with my regular trail runners over my socks, just letting them get wet.
NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks | REI Co-op
I use this for shade on hot hikes and in heavy rain. I recently used it during non-stop rainy days in Olympic National Park, making my life much dryer. It's versatile, light, packs flat, and completely worth it.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat | REI Co-op
If you need to go, dig a hole away from a water source and do your business. I like this trowel because it's not only very light, but has a small plastic cover at the top that's easier on your palm when digging.
BoglerCo Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Black
They're super soft and comfortable after a long day of hiking. I use the back strap so they don't slip off while driving. Whatever you do after a hike, air your feet and give them a break from your hiking shoes.
Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clog
It looks hokey, but rolling your back and legs on this thing does wonders.
TriggerPoint GRID 13 Inch Foam Roller
I bring this thing to the hike with me and give myself a mini-massage when I'm done. It's small but just as powerful as the bigger ones (I've tried them).
TheraGun Mini 2nd Gen - Portable Massage Gun
It's a dog toy, but just spending a minute or two rolling your feet on this little ball makes them feel great.
Orb Extreme Mini Massage Ball