I love hiking, especially in the white mountains of New Hampshire! I’ve learned a lot over the years and am happy to share with you.
Sections
6
Hiking ideas 💡
Gear & Tech 🎒
Clothing 🧦 & Boots 🥾
Tools 🛠️
Camping 🏕️
Safety ⛑️
Hiking ideas 💡
This has been 6 years in the making and SO much fun. And tears. And blisters. Hiking all the 48 4,000ft peaks in NH is a goal for so many, and can take months or decades depending on you (and the weather). I have learned so much over the years but as...
Hike the 4000 footers of NH!
Not into 4,000 footers? Here are 52 mountains in NH with a view!! But beware, the elevation may be straight up. But such a fun list to work towards too!
hiking the 52-with-a-view list (52 wav)
A great book to read up if you’re on the 48 journey.
Climbing New Hampshire's 48 4,000 Footers
This woman has hiked in all 50 states - how many of these trails have you done?
50+ Hikes in 50 States: A Journey to Hiking All Over the US
Bucket list hikes from easy to hard
15 Bucket List Hikes in the USA
Visit Acadia in Maine - check out this guide!
A first-time guide to Acadia National Park - Lonely Planet
Gear & Tech 🎒
So helpful to have a place for your phone and not in your pocket. Easy access for photos! Could also use for snacks.
Packmod Rainshield Pocket
Osprey is my go to backpack - day pack, overnight, you name it. They have space for water bladders and all kinds of pockets and hooks for all your tools!
Pro tip: go to REI and have them fit it for you. They’re the best!
Osprey backpacks - from day to overnight
These come in all sorts of sizes and brands. And I’d recommend the 3L - it might be heavier but I always prefer to have more water than I’ll need! I use this year round, even in the winter.
Water Bladder
I LOOOOOVE my garmin watch - I have the Venue. I use it to track all my workouts and hikes, and everything syncs to Strava. The battery life is incredible especially compared to an Apple Watch, nearly 7 DAYS! A bit pricy, but if you’re in the market,...
Garmin Venu® 3 | Fitness and Health Smartwatch
Okay - peeing on the trail isn’t so bad with a Kula cloth! Super absorbent and clips right onto your pack. AND it’s pretty 😍
Kula Cloth
So lightweight you don’t even notice it. Nice to have for lunch OR in case of emergency to get you off the ground and away from cold rock.
Ultralight Foam Sit Pad | Lightest Universal Backpack Hiking ...
I have been using these poles for years! The cork is great on the hands, and they are so easy to use. Tuck them in your bag when not needed, and add on attachments for different terrain.
TrailBuddy - Official Website | Trekking gear
20 liter is a perfect day pack! Quick drying back panel, adjustable waist and shoulders, large side pocket (huge bonus), and external hydration reservoir.
Osprey Tempest 20 Pack - Women's | REI Co-op
Overnight pack - so many amazing features!
Osprey Kyte 38 Pack - Women's | REI Co-op
Multi day backpacking pack
Osprey Ariel 55 Pack - Women's | REI Co-op
Good for clothes, etc. and to compress down to take up less room
REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack | REI Co-op
All things and all trails NH!
White Mountain Guide: AMC Hiking Trails
I’ve seen this on trail a lot - a great one for storing your phone for easy access and it attaches to your backpack!
SHOULDER STRAP PHONE POCKET
Clothing 🧦 & Boots 🥾
Socks, leggings, base layers. My preferred material! Summer and winter.
Smartwool
Ugh I love these hiking boots so much. Definitely for a more narrow feet and always size .5 up so there’s more room in your toe box. I had Oboz before and these are so much better for my feet. They also make some great trail running shoes!
La Sportiva - women’s hiking boots 🥾
A need for all hikes: a waterproof shell. Pack all times of years as an extra layer for unexpected weather. It’s so lightweight it packs down.
Pro tip: put in a ziplock bag and take out the air!
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Women's | REI Co-op
I have a 1/4 zip to wear for winter - great for hiking, skiing, any cold weather activities.
Midweight - Sequoia Women's 1/4 Zip 100% Merino Wool
I prefer hiking in short sleeves so my backpack straps aren’t rubbing against tank tops.
REI Co-op Swiftland High-Low-Hem Running T-Shirt - Women's | REI Co-op
Are these attractive? Not really. BUT super practical. You don’t have to take your shoes off when converting from pants to shorts which I think is a huge win.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Women's | REI Co-op
I hike mostly in leggings or spandex. I prefer a bottom layer with a pocket for my phone and I live by Athleta! The quality is fantastic and lifelong.
Interval Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging | Athleta
Tools 🛠️
You should always have a compass. And a mirror is helpful for a fire starter!
MCB NH Mirror Compass
A fun thing to have!
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof 10 x 25 Binoculars | REI Co-op
Always good to have a multi tool!
Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-tool | REI Co-op
In addition to first aid - you’ll need emergency gear repair like this!
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Hex Patches | REI Co-op
Camping 🏕️
A 2 person tent is helpful for extra room for you and your gear inside, but can be more weight.
Pro tip: if you’re hiking with a friend to share, split up the weight!
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent with Footprint | REI Co-op
Fill up at your campsite and squeeze through the filter into your water bottle!
Squeeze Water Filtration System with Cnoc Premium 2-Liter Bladder
Choose your sleeping bag - look for weather, ounces, and waterproof ratings.
Sleeping Bags | REI Co-op
Easy to add to the bottom of your pack and folds up. Gotta sleep on something comfy!
Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op
Easy to transport and use for heating up your food, coffee, tea, when backpacking!
Jetboil Flash 1.0 L Fast Boil System | REI Co-op
Extra fuel for the jet boil. They sell larger cans too but be wary for weight in your backpack.
Jetpower Fuel - 3.53 oz. / 100 g
Easy to pack and inflatable pillow for camping!
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow | REI Co-op
Safety ⛑️
These are a life saver for outdoor trips especially where phone service is limited. I use this to text my mom from time to time on my hikes to let her know I’m safe, plus it’s good to have in case of emergency and in need of a rescue.
I have the Gar...
inReach® Satellite Communicators | Messengers
All the things you need for a day hike - replenish as you use!
Day Hike First-Aid Kit
Buy 2. You should always carry a headlamp, because you’ll never know if you’ll get stuck in the dark (injury, took a wrong turn). And these are cheap!
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp | REI Co-op
Super lightweight to carry in your bag, and critical in a potential emergency.
Escape Lite Bivy
Light and need to have, just in case!
Fire Lite Fire-Starting Kit in Dry Bag
Easy emergency blanket - so lightweight for your pack! Always good to have.
Emergency Blanket XL
Hiking with a blister SUCKS. Always good to be prepared with these things!
