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Hey! I'm Walkin' Here! My Guide to Walking Accessories and Essentials 🚶
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items Brisk walking? Yeah, I'm all for this all-season fitness activity. I believe in taking 7,500-10,000 steps a day (several years ago, I was logging 20,000 steps daily. You can bet that my dogs were barkin' on those days). Even if the weather is misbeha...Â
This is a list of the items that I believe no recreational walker should be without, from apparel to accessories.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
This is a list of the items that I believe no recreational walker should be without, from apparel to accessories.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
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Clothes
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Fitness Trackers
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Food & Drink
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Handwear and Footwear
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Headgear
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Protection
Clothes
My threads should look good and feel comfortable, especially if I feel a marathon walking session coming on. Bundling up with more layers is a must when the weather is inclement.
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Breathability and fashionability are equally important criteria when it comes to my workout wear and walking apparel.
Cadmus Women's Dry-Fit Wicking Short Sleeve T Shirts Sun Protection Activewear Running Yoga Workout Gym Tee Tops
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Essential during mid- to late- fall outdoor walks and hikes in the Pacific Northwest, when 10-15C temperatures make a light jacket or extra form-fitting shirt a must!
Cadmus Women's 3-Pack Compression Long Sleeve Shirts 1/4 Zip Stand-up Collar
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Yoga leggings are an all-year-long favorite of mine, and the pockets and tummy control on these compression leggings seal the deal for me!
Neleus Women's Compression Yoga Leggings for Workout High Waist Tummy Control with 2 Pockets
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My shorts must have pockets (I am not a fan of fanny packs!) These versatile lightweight yoga shorts double as bike shorts, so when I feel the urge to saddle up in the summer, these come in handy!
Neleus Womens High Waist Yoga Shorts for Bike Compression Two Side Pockets
Fitness Trackers
I use my phone to track my steps, but there are times (and activities) when even the smallest phone (and phones are getting bigger and bigger these days) is too bulky to haul around on my person. Plus, it's not possible to play pickleball with a phon...
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A simple pedometer and watch combo with large letters and numbers for those who may be overwhelmed by technology, or are technology-averse. I’m neither, by the way; there are just times when the KISS principle should take center stage and even import...
Hearkent Waterproof Pedometer Watch for Senior Non Bluetooth No App Required with Steps Calories Counter
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Fitness watches are getting cheaper, and this full-featured, large face unisex model is a good case in point.
Mingdaln 2025 New 1.85-inch Men Women's Smartwatch
Food & Drink
Hydrating with fluids and replenishing carbs is essential for longer walking sessions, especially those done in the great outdoors.
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Sneak in a bite, because sometimes that walk (outside) is longer than you anticipated!
Snack Bars
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Whether it's hot or cold outside, it's important to stay hydrated. I prefer metal bottles (with cool or warm water) over plastic.
Water/Hydration Bottles
Handwear and Footwear
Comfortable walking requires happy extremities. If they aren't happy, chances are your walks aren't something that you are going to look forward to.
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I'm wear crew socks all year long, because they can really take the beating I put them through. A few years ago, while helping my parents move to their condo, I literally wore out the imprint on the soles of my socks (by taking 20,000-30,000 steps a ...
Crew Socks
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I have TWO pairs of Hi-Tec hiking shoes, and they have lasted me through the roughest of walks and hikes for many years! I bought them during Black Friday sales and saved a pretty penny, too!
Hi-Tec Women's Apex Lite Mid Waterproof Round Toe Hiking Boots
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One of the few Nike accessories I actually have and still use after all these years!
Nike Women's Fundamental Training Gloves
Headgear
Sunglasses and hats are indispensable for those outdoor (and often long) journeys, and earphones and the right tunes help to make those treks even more memorable.
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Protect your vision and noggin, whatever the season – and remember, the type of hat you wear reflects your personality!
Novelty Hats
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Sunglasses aren't just meant to make me look cool or inscrutable in a Garfield-the-Cat-esque way. I would never go walking outside in the dead of winter without polarized sunglasses to protect me against snow blindness.
Polarized Sunglasses
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Sometimes a walk, such as one in the forest, needs silence to appreciate the wonders of nature; and sometimes a walk needs the right fight song or inspirational tune on my phone to keep me motivated to push the envelope.
Wireless Earbuds
Protection
Even if you plan for your walks outside, you can never be too prepared. Sunblock, first aid kits, and insect bite sprays are some things to pack and bring along.
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Indispensable for stopping itch, Bactine First Aid Spray has been a lifesaver for me after I had a nasty encounter with chiggers. Plus, the topical nature means that I don't have to ingest something into my system. I just wished that I had discovered...
Bactine First Aid Spray
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An essential to have in the car and/or on the boat! You can't always count on a hospital to be in the area.
First Aid Kits
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Long hours spent in the sun aren't great on exposed skin.
Sunblock