Everything You Need to Take on the Trail—and Look Good Doing It

Exploring nature just might be the most rewarding way to spend your downtime. But just because you’re looking to work up a sweat doesn’t mean you have to settle for looking like a slob. The best hiking gear will keep you comfortable all day long—without sacrificing your personal style. And we haven’t forgotten the gadget-heads either, with some nifty tech that makes heeding the call of the wild easier than ever.  

Whether it’s a mountaintop downpour or a commute-hour cloudburst, everyone needs a technical jacket that can offer protection from the elements without adding bulk. The Stormbird has tons of pockets, a generous hood, and is easily packable. It’s also made from recycled polyamide fabric to cut down on fossil fuel use and offers the highest level of waterproofing without the use of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons. 

Buy at Finisterre 

Made from 100% organic Italian cotton twill, these stylish shorts keep you cool on the trail all day long and still look pulled-together at the pub come evening. The loose lines and the built-in belt add a touch of throwback flair, and they come in three versatile colors: khaki, black, and a light sage green. They’re giving original Jurassic Park ‘90s vibes, in the best possible way.  

Buy at Outerknown 

Want the comfort of your favorite sneakers with all-terrain functionality? Look no further than On’s foray into the hiking space. With plenty of plush cushioning and lightweight construction, you just might decide to do another couple miles. The Cloudrock Boot is available in three neutral colorways and boasts a waterproof membrane for rain and river crossings. 

Buy at On 

You probably don’t want to drag your Cartier Tank through the mud and the muck, but exploring the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality horology. This 43mm watch is equipped with an analog compass and a proprietary center hand for reading local tide conditions and temperatures. It’s also water resistant up to 100 meters, should your hike take a detour into the water at some point. 

Buy at Huckberry 

When you’re exploring the great outdoors, you can’t always depend on reliable phone reception. Garmin’s handheld GPS and satellite communications device allows for two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS signals virtually anywhere—even miles away from the nearest cellular network. It’s small, water-resistant, and the battery lasts for up to 14 days on a single charge. If you’re looking for peace of mind while you’re off the grid, look no further.
Buy at Huckberry 

With more pockets than you’ll know what to do with—including the oversized water bottle pockets that truly come in clutch on long days—this trail pack from Topo Designs is perfect for weekend hikes. It’s sturdy without being bulky, and the thoughtfully designed straps and back panel will keep your hips and back happy. Built from 100% recycled nylon in a Fair Trade Certified factory that holds to rigorous social and environmental standards, you can feel good about carrying this backpack for years to come.  

Buy at Topo Designs 

You probably already have a water bottle—or several. But you probably don’t have any gear that’ll allow you to have clean drinking water anywhere on earth in under 10 seconds. Grayl’s on-the-go purification system removes global waterborne pathogens and filters pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics. Whether it’s from a trailside fountain or a sparkling stream, your water will taste better—and be safe to drink. It comes with a 10-year warranty and works with electrolyte and drink mixes, too. 

Buy at Grayl 

The best thing about hiking is getting away from the daily grind and experiencing the beauty of the natural world. But the second-best thing is sharing your adventures with others. GoPro’s Hero 13 camera allows you to record 5.3K60 video or take still photos, and the robust Enduro battery offers extended recording time in any weather conditions. Whether you’re the mountains, in the mud, or even underwater (up to 10 meters), GoPro cameras can take a serious beating and still deliver pristine video and pictures.  

Buy at GoPro