If you plan well, a day-hiking gear list is hardly more than you need for a casual afternoon outing. Efficiency is the key along with planning for the expected conditions, but compared to a backpacking trip, the gear list is short. Things get a little more complicated in the mountain alpine zone but you probably don’t need a 30-liter day pack. If you have food, an extra layer or two depending on the forecast, and a reliable form of navigation, you should be able to face just about any challenge. Here is what I take.
Vest: Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0
I have used the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0 on a number of FKTs and mountain runs and since playing with the addition of a bladder, I have increased the water capacity I can carry in the pack, which widens the usefulness of a pack on the upper limit of storage capacity. The number of accessible pockets makes this a versatile pack to sling over my shoulders and hit the trail.
Sweatshirt: Appalachian Gear Co Hoodie
I tried an Appalachian Gear Company Hoodie for the first time last October. Since then there have been very few days I haven’t worn this top. Alpaca wool doesn’t smell, retains insulating properties when wet, grows softer with wear, and really does a good job in the heat and in the cold. Paired with a rain jacket or wind layer, I can navigate through most weather.
Tights: Oiselle Floral Print
Look good, perform good—Oiselle simply has the most comfortable leggings on the market. I love the stretch, softness, fit, and feel. I highly recommend checking out the women’s section no matter your gender, because the tights seem to be the best!
Socks: Swiftwick
These socks stay up around my calves and are super comfortable. Compared to other socks, these stretch back to their original shape better, fit my toes, and seem to hug the bottom of my foot well. In the past, having too thick of a sock has been an irritant, which is something to learn about yourself on these adventures.
Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5
I have used the Gossamer Gear LT5 poles for three years and they’re one of the lightest sets out there. Despite my initial apprehension about the twisting mechanism locking up, I have never had an issue. These are the perfect trekking pole for long days because of the weight, and they can be stowed without added weight bouncing on your back. Be aware these are not the most durable poles out there, but for weight and comfort, you can’t go wrong.
GPS Device: Somewear
The Somewear has become a newcomer to the market for tracking and on adventures without cell coverage. I like that it is simple, reliable, and extremely easy to use. This is a new addition to the kit this year and I have found it a step up from past GPS devices.
Watch: Coros Vertix
I switched to this watch around a year ago because of the battery life. It has not disappointed. There are most definitely many features that I do not use, but for the fact that Coros has the best battery life in the business, I have been a loyal user. A more in-depth review of the watch can be found here.
Rain Shell: Enlightened Equipment Visp
I have used the Visp for runs and anything where inclement weather could suddenly appear. It is an extremely packable jacket and the pit zips really make it functional for running and quickly stowing in an easily accessible pocket. The one downside to the Visp is that there are no pockets.
Other Clothing – The Cheap Stuff
It is easy to get wrapped up in a favorite shirt or outfit, so I have settled into throwing on whatever happens to be lying around. I have pricier clothing and inexpensive clothing, but as the sun is rising and I am looking to get out the door, I never seem to mind what I throw on. While the more expensive stuff may perform slightly better, overall I am happy with the most basic of shorts and shirts from discount stores, lost and found bins, and Target.
Nutrition
Energy Chews – Clif Bloks
There’s something nice about having a gummy snack with built-in electrolytes. There are a number of products in this realm and I am not overly picky about which one I use, but I like the segmented blocks of Clif’s version. I slowly work my way through the pack one at a time.
The Honey Stinger Waffles are simple, easy to eat, and work well with my stomach. I ate almost entirely waffle nutrition on the entire Cocodona 250 race and my stomach didn’t have an issue. They have become a part of my all-day adventures.
Electrolytes – Nuun
Electrolytes are the key to long days in the mountains. I have found some that work with my stomach and others that do not, but overall I have been happy with Nuun. Much like shoes (not listed), nutrition is very specific to each person. Choose what you like and run with it.
