One of the things that I love about hiking is that you don’t have to have a ton of gear to get outside! Shoes and a water bottle and you’re on your way! However, there is a lot of gear that makes hiking more safe and more enjoyable. While you can always shop at your local outdoor store or places like REI, also think about thrift stores, consignments, or even local Buy Nothing groups. Being safe outdoors doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. I have only shared links for items I have personally tested and would recommend. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

1. Hiking Clothes
   1. Shoes
   2. Socks
   3. Clothing
2. Hiking Gear
   1. Hats
   2. Gloves
   3. Sunglasses
   4. Packs
   5. Hydration
   6. Poles & Traction

Hiking Clothes

When it comes to hiking clothes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is your own comfort! A few general rules for clothing are to avoid cotton (it holds moisture so it can leave you very sweaty or cold), layer up, wear sturdy shoes, and protect from the elements (sun, rain, cold, etc).

If you’re looking to upgrade or invest in your hiking wardrobe, consider replacing key items with fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon, which all are naturally moisture-wicking and will keep you more comfortable. Consider layers that have additional UV protection if you hike in sunny regions! Also, invest in good outer layers like a raincoat and winter coat to protect you from the elements. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and plan your gear accordingly.

Shoes

What you wear on your feet can really make or break a hike. While you definitely can get a lot of miles in tennis shoes, investing in trail shoes offers more traction and support. I’ve been a Merrell supporter since my first pair of hiking boots and I’ll probably never look back! I have weak ankles so I really like the higher fit of the Merrell Moabs which helps stabilize my ankle on uneven trails. The downside to hiking boots is that they can get heavy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider trail runners. I love my Hoka Speedgoats and have never fallen wearing them! If I’m doing an easy hike in the summer or I know there’s going to be stream crossing or a chance to go swimming, I’ll pack my Teva sandals. These are also great for leaving in the car to change into after a hike.

Socks

Anyone who has ever suffered from blisters knows that shoes are only as good as the socks you wear under them. The best socks for hiking are made of merino wool, which is quick-drying and warm. Seriously do not go with cotton socks! I love my Darntough crew socks not just because they come in cute designs but also because they keep my feet cozy in the winter and dry in the summer. They also last for ages. My first pair has lasted over 6 years! My second favorite brand is Smartwool, which I really like for my trail runners. These Smartwool ankle socks are lightweight but fast-drying and never slip down while I’m jogging.

Clothing

You definitely don’t need specialized clothing to get into hiking. For years, I just wore regular gym clothes or comfy leggings or sweats. But if you’re starting to do a lot more hiking, it’s worth investing in a couple key pieces

• Shirts – I love my REI Sahara shirt, it’s my go-to for warmer weather. I also use the REI Active Pursuits long sleeve shirt as a base layer year round. Both of these shirts have held up through major hikes and runs and I would definitely buy them again.
• Pants – For years, Prana has been my go-to brand for hiking pants and shorts. They are pricey but the quality is so good and I really like that they dry very quickly and the pants are roomy enough to allow for leggings underneath on super cold days. The short never ride up and even on long hikes, I haven’t had chafing.
• Leggings – Sometimes I prefer to hike in leggings or wear them under my other pants in winter. You don’t need specialized hiking leggings, but if you can, try to invest in non-cotton exercise leggings. I found these Swiftland Running Tights on clearance at REI and they’ve been my favorite hiking leggings.

Outer Layers—No matter where you’re hiking, having the right layers is important. They keep you warm, protect you from the sun, and shield you from rain. I always pack extra layers when I’m out in the woods, as you never know how the weather might fluctuate.

• Light jacket/Sun shade – During the summer, I always pack a lightweight fleece, sweatshirt, or windbreaker. I also almost always have my REI rain jacket, which I sized up so I can wear a fleece underneath it. I also picked up a Marmot rain jacket which I love for running or intense hikes because it has armpit zippers to help let out some of your body heat!
• Fleece/Mid-weight jacket – You can’t go wrong with the Trailmade Fleece from REI. It’s perfect for layering and it packs away very easily. Just remember that fleece doesn’t offer any wind protection! I also have a number of quarter-zip sweatshirts that I got from Marshalls or clothing swaps that are great for adding an extra layer.
• Puffy Jacket
• Heavy Duty Winter Jacket – I dragged my feet for years about getting a good winter coat. I just couldn’t get over the price! But I finally got this Stormhenge Jacket from REI and I haven’t been cold on a winter hike yet!

Hiking Gear

Hats

Headgear is essential for sun protection, warmth, or both! It’s pretty rare that I hike without a baseball cap to keep my hair back and sweat off my face. I almost always just wear whatever basic ballcap I have on hand, but recently, I also invested in a UV protection and moisture-wicking hat for running and it’s pretty sweet. For the winter, I just wear whatever knit beanie I have on hand. Usually repping a local brewery! If you want to upgrade, thermal reflective beanies are always nice to have.

Gloves

If you’re hiking in the winter, invest in a good pair of gloves. Get a pair that is moisture-wicking, waterproof, and has a touchscreen fingertip. Some of my hiking and running friends like to pair a Merino wool glove liner with mittens or heavier gloves!

Sunglasses

If you’re like me, you loose sunglasses all the time. That’s why I really like the Goodr sunglasses. They’re relatively cheap so I don’t feel bad about replacing them nearly every season (why am I like this). Plus there’s so many fun colors! Just make sure to store them in the cloth bag they come in as the polarized coating easily scratches off.

Packs

Packs are a great way to carry all you might need for a day of hiking. Even if I’m not going out for too long, I usually have some sort of small bag to carry water, snacks, and first aid supplies. Patagonia makes a series of really fun colorful hip packs that are perfect for stashing a snack and a phone. For a slightly longer hike, I use an old Camelbak slouch bag. This is a similar newer version! I really like having a water bottle sleeve so I don’t have to carry it around. A small pack is perfect for shoving extra layers too. For an all day adventure, I love my Osprey daypack. I got the Skimmer 20 with a hydration pack on consignment, but I’ve also heard great things about the Daylite packs. I actually use my pack as a carry-on for travels because I’m always shocked at how much I can fit into it.

If you’re looking to get more into overnight backpacking, check out Tory’s Must-Have Backpacking Gear over at My Trails are Many.

Hydration

Staying hydrated while hiking is essential, no matter the time of year or the length of hike. Make sure to carry a water bottle or water reservoir with you whenever you hit the trails. It’s funny how many water brands have exploded over the years. I’m not loyal to any one brand, but I prefer a sealable, metal bottle. I’ll take the extra weight if it means having cool water on a hike! An easy, hands-free way to carry water is in a water reservoir in a hydration pack. These reservoir (sometimes called bladders) come in a variety of sizes. I have both a 1.5 liter and 2.5 liter. Just remember that water is heavy so plan accordingly based on the length of your hike and the weather. I’ve also gotten in the habit of bringing my 2.5-liter on vacation trips which means I never have to buy plastic water bottles!

Poles & Traction

Let’s talk hiking poles. For a long time, I thought poles were only for really difficult mountain hikes. But I finally invested in a pair and I don’t think I’d ever go back. They are so useful for extra stability and absorb pressure on your knees going up or downhill. I invested in a pair or collapsible Black Diamond poles that come with snow attachments. They come in a pair and usually my partner and I each use one. I like how lightweight they are and that they easily can slide into my daypack if I don’t need them.

If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, you’ll want to invest in traction devices for your shoes. While some people hammer nails right into their hiking boots (yes, seriously), I’d recommend getting microspikes that stretch over your shoes and can easily be removed. I have a knock-off branch of Yaktraks like these that I got from a previous job and they really get the job done. If you’re going to be doing a lot of icy hiking, these Kahtoola microspikes can’t be beaten. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and know when to turn around if conditions are unsafe!

Remember, there’s a lot of gear out there but you don’t need everything to enjoy a day in the woods! These are just some suggestions if you want to get more serious about your hiking addiction hobby. Have a favorite brand or notice a key thing I’m missing? Reach out and let me know!

Tips for Saving on Gear

Gear is expensive. I’ve been building up my collection slowly and started out by only investing in a few key items. I’ve been able to save money by sourcing gear a few different ways:

• Gear Swaps – my trail running group has seasonal gear swaps where we trade clothing and other gear that we no longer need. I’ve been able to get lots of clothes this way!
• Consignment or Resale – Check your local outdoor shop for a consignment or resale section. REI locations have the Resupply used gear section where you can sometimes find great deals.
• Sales – Shop strategically throughout the year to sale steep discounts! I always make sure to buy new running shoes or boots on Labor Day or Memorial Day when REI has the biggest discounts
• Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing – It takes a bit more work, but I’ve seen some really good deals on gently used gear on Facebook! Just make sure to set up a time to check out the item and don’t go alone if you can help it.
• Borrow first – For some major purchases, think about borrowing from a friend or renting from an outdoor store first. For my first backpacking trip, a friend lent me gear so that I could test things out

Ready to start planning your next adventure? Check out my recent hikes for inspiration! Happy hiking!

/

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Lake City, PA

A day in Erie, PA is the perfect September weekend trip from Pittsburgh! It’s only 2 hours away and boasts beautiful state parks and excellent breweries! My favorite stop was at Erie Bluffs State Park in Lake City just a few miles outside of Erie. This park boasts one mile of undeveloped shoreline with 90ft cliffs overlooking the water. After a morning exploring the bluffs, check out Twisted Elk Brewing for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays! In addition to a full menu of brews and cocktails, they also have a huge brunch menu. I recommend the elk sausage and biscuits!

THE HIKE: Erie Bluffs Loop

Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 217 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Running, Biking, Leashed Pets
Parking: Large Lot at trailhead, vault toilets
H&H: 5/5

Most people automatically think of Presque Isle State Park when planning a trip to Erie, PA. And while Presque Isle is an awesome spot, it can get quite busy (over 4 million per year!). If you’re looking for a more secluded outdoors space nearby, I highly recommend Erie Bluffs State Park! While this park doesn’t have the sandy beaches that the cross love at Presque Isle, there’s still a lot going for it! Important to note: there is no swimming at this park! 

Erie Bluffs State Park encompasses about 580 acres of undeveloped land about 12 miles west of downtown Erie. In fact, the only developed areas are the creek access spot and the main parking area! Although this is a popular spot for fishing, you can easily find solitude in the woods. According to the Department of Natural Resources website, there are 5.16 miles of wooded trails, although I believe that there are some newly made trails that aren’t yet reflected on the map. There’s very little elevation gain aside from a steep incline from the parking lot. These trails are popular with hikers and mountain bikers and are even open year round to cross country skiers and snowshoeing. Most of the trails vary from easy to moderate so this is a great spot for hikers of all levels. I also think it would be a great spot to bring little hikers!

Our 3 mile route followed a combination of trails following this loop on Alltrails. I’ve done a LOT of hiking this summer and I have to say that this was one of my favorites that we’ve done. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the shoreline was! The photos speak for themselves. I also really appreciated the varied landscape that this route took us through. From shoreline, to woods, to open fields, this really was a delight. As always, bring bug spray and be aware that it can get quite sunny in spots. 

Erie Bluffs is actually a fairly recent addition to the PA Parks system. It was acquired from the Western PA Conservancy in 2004 and then became the 117th state park. Despite its size Pennsylvania only has 51 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie. So the experience at Erie Bluffs is truly unique for the state. It’s easy to image that you are looking out over the ocean when you’re here!

THE BEER: Twisted Elk Brewery

Address: 10139 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423
Distance from Trail Head: 1.9 miles, 4 mins 
Website: http://www.twistedelkbrewery.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Outdoor seating, cocktail menu

Just barely two miles away from Erie Bluffs State Park is one of the newest members of Erie’s Brew scene. Twisted Elk Brewery managed to successfully open during the pandemic and has been serving top notch beer ever since! The owners pride themselves on always making a high quality product and working with local farmers for as many of their ingredients as possible. 

The brewery is a modest size but still serves up a large taplist of headliners and seasonal specials. You can also order from their large cocktail menu or get a house-made hard seltzer. Stay for a while and order from their full kitchen menu that includes local favorite like elk burgers! We were really impressed with this small establishment and were easily tempted into ordering brunch despite packing our lunches for the day. Somehow our kale salads couldn’t compete with a piping hot dish of homemade elk sausage gravy and biscuits! And it was surprisingly affordable too, a win/win. 

We highly recommend including a stop at Erie Bluffs State Park and Twisted Elk on your next visit up to Erie County!

Columbia, MD

If you’ve ever been to Columbia, you know they’ve got a great brewery scene! When we lived in Laurel, we hung out there all the time. Another great thing about Columbia is the focus on green spaces! All the neighborhoods are connected by paved trails. One of our favorite trails in the area is this loop around Lake Elkhorn. It’s pretty short so it’s great for families or to go for a run. Usually when we go, we add on a section of the Patuxent Branch Trail to get some extra distance. This is a great nature walk and perfect for seeing some birds. Conveniently, Black Flag Brewing Company is just minutes away from the trailhead. This trail is perfect for winding down after some holiday shopping at the Mall. Don’t let the winter chill keep you inside!

THE HIKE: Lake Elkhorn Loop

Length: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 40 ft
Difficulty: Easy (paved path)
Time: 45 mins
Trail use: Hiking, Biking, leashed pets
Parking: Two parking lots around lake
H&H: 3/5

The Lake Elkhorn trail is a popular 1.9 mile paved loop in Columbia. It’s definitely not as woodsy as some of our other hikes, but you still can see some wildlife and get away from the hustle and bustle. This trail is also nice because it easily connects to the Patuxent Branch trail so you can make your nature walk fairly long. The Patuxent Branch Trail actually goes all the way to Savage Mill! The whole loop is about 10 miles so it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Lake Elkhorn is man made and was constructed in 1974. Today it is maintained by the Columbia Association, a nonprofit that provides community services for residents in the area. They maintain over 3,600 acres of open space and 95 miles of walking trails! 

This trail is very popular with walkers of all ages and abilities. The paved path makes it a great place to come with small kids or elderly people. It’s also a really good place to go jogging, just be prepared to share the trail! It’s a very popular spot. You’ll also see many different kinds of waterfowl and other aquatic creatures. This past trip we saw ducks, geese, cormorants, and a heron. In the summer, you’ll see lots of frogs, turtles, and fish. A surprising amount of wildlife for a populous suburb! 

I really like this trail because it’s easy to add on to a day of running errands around Columbia or if you only have a little bit of time to get some fresh air. And if you have more time, I highly suggest adding on a section of the Patuxent Branch trail. It’s very peaceful and is a great stretch of the legs! 

THE BEER: Black Flag Brewing Company

Address: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Distance from Trail Head: 1.1 miles, 3 mins
Website: https://www.blackflagbrewingco.com/
Food?: BYOF
H&H Rating: 5/5

Black Flag is another of the first breweries that we went to after moving to Maryland. They’re also located in Columbia, in a strip mall right off Snowden River Parkway. They opened in 2015 as Columbia’s first production brewery and taproom in Columbia. They’ve really grown in the last few years, now offering 16 taps of freshly made craft beer. True to their name, Black Flag doesn’t like to live by the norms. They just made beer that smells and tastes amazing, who cares what the numbers are! 

Black Flag makes some really awesome dark beers. They have really become known for their flavorful pastry stouts. Now I’m not usually one for sweet beers, but I’ve definitely been digging some of these dessert stouts. This visit we had several tasters since it had been a while since we visited. I’m always a fan of New England IPAs, so I really enjoyed the juicy Sun Run. But a close runner up of the day was the Airing of Grievances. It was a delightful hint at the upcoming winter holidays with a taste of molasses and gingerbread aromas. It’s Christmastime people!!

Also, please enjoy the complete nerdiness of Black Flag if you make it out there. I absolutely love their giant mural of Star Wars characters drinking Black Flag beer.

Our Beer:

• Rockets to the Moon – NEIPA – 7%
• Cobbler: Raspberry Pomegranate Cherry – Sour – 6%
• Airing of Grievances – Imperial Gingerbread Stout – 9%
• Betwixt – Pastry Stout – 10%
• Sun Run – NEIPA – 6.5%
• Divining Rod – IPA – 7.2%

SUM UP: Lake Elkhorn is an easy, paved 1.9 mile loop in Columbia with the potential to add on additional miles along the Patuxent Branch Trail. There are two parking lots along the loop but they can fill up quickly since this is a popular spot. This trail is great for viewing waterfowl and is perfect for all ages and abilities. Afterward, check out Black Flag Brewing Company, Columbia’s first brewery and taproom. They’re known for unique brews and pushing the limits on big flavors. Make sure to try one of their amazing pastry stouts!

Big Sky, Montana

Here’s another peak at our amazing trip out West! This was a little hike & hop that we did on our way from Bozeman down to West Yellowstone. The towns are only about 2 hours apart, but it was some of the most beautiful scenery we had ever seen! We were constantly pulling off to gaze at sheer cliffs and clear blue rivers. Along the way, we stopped at Big Sky Montana, a well known mountain resort to check out a short hike and a new brewery. Ousel Falls was the perfect trek for us because it offered a lot of bang for your buck. We really didn’t want to exhaust ourselves before we even made it to Yellowstone and it was also only 2 miles away from Beehive Basin Brewery, a new microbrewery in the Big Sky town center. Nestled in the meadow, the brewery offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. We ordered sandwiches from the nearby deli, had a cold brew, and relaxed in the beauty of the ridges. Definitely worth a stop if you’re on the road to West Yellowstone!

THE HIKE: Ousel Falls Trail

Length: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45 mins
Trail use: Hiking, biking, leashed pets
Parking: Large lot with vault toilets
H&H: 4/5

Ousel Falls is a delightful little trail just minutes away from the main town center of Big Sky. It’s maintained by the Big Sky Community Organization, a nonprofit that manages many of the local trails in the area. It’s clearly a popular trail judging by the ample parking lot and the wide, gravel trails. Also there are vault toilets in the parking lot so that’s always a plus. The trail starts with a bit of a steep decline, but there are railings and benches which make it accessible for most abilities. Along the way, you pass over the South Fork of the Gallatin River several times, offering lovely vistas and plenty of benches for relaxing in the beauty. Within no time, you’ve already reached the falls! Although several other hikers told us the cascade was very light, we still thought the falls were gorgeous. I loved that we could get so close to them! There were so many friendly people along the trail and several offered to take pictures of us. I’ll never get over how warm the camaraderie among hikers is!

If this trail is too short for you, there are several other hikes in the area, including some mountain treks. We were short on time, so this little hike was perfect for us. I think this hike would also be great for families or people with some mobility issues. The trail is very wide throughout and mostly free of tripping hazards. There’s also a great spot to bring a picnic! Overall, we were really pleased with this hike, especially since it was a spur of the moment stop for us. So glad we did!

THE BEER: Beehive Basin Brewery

Address: 245 Town Center Ave, Big Sky, MT 59716
Distance from Trail Head: 2.2 miles, 6 mins
Website: http://www.beehivebasinbrewery.com/
Food?: BYO, deli right across the street
H&H Rating: 4/5

By the time we finished our hike, we were definitely ready for lunch and a rest. Taking in beautiful scenery really works up an appetite! Thankfully, Beehive Basin Brewery had been on my radar since I was originally planning our trip. Although they don’t have a kitchen, they encourage you to get food from one of the local restaurants. We opted for delicious sandwiches from the deli next door. I cannot even begin to tell you how much they hit the spot! 

Beehive Basin has an excellent patio with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. It was so peaceful out there. That is, until we started to get sunburnt! It’s amazing how quickly you can burn at higher elevations. Luckily, it was a quiet day at the brewery so we had no problem grabbing a seat inside. I was really impressed with the decor inside the brewery. It was the perfect blend of mountain lodge and art gallery. Taking notes for my future place! Our beer was pretty good for a very new brewery! I really hope they continue to grow. My favorite pour of the afternoon was the Mad Fresh Hop Pale Ale which was made with freshly picked hops from a local hop farm. J really liked the Malty Mountain Rye since he’s usually a big fan of malty flavors. All in all, I’m so glad that we stopped in Big Sky!

Our Beer:

• Montana Wheat Bier – Witbier – 4.5%
• Mad Fresh Hop – Pale Ale – 5.4%
• Green Bridge IPA – American IPA – 6.4%
• Malty Mountain Rye – Rye Beer – 6.2%

SUM UP: Ousel Falls is an easy out & back trail in Big Sky, Montana that is 1.6 miles long. It has some small elevation gains but is well suited for all ages and abilities. The trails are very wide and even with several benches to take breaks. The short trail guides you through pine forests and over and across the beautiful South Fork Gallatin River. The Ousel Falls themselves are breathtaking and the trail allows you to both at the base and from overhead. Make sure to take plenty of pictures! Only 2 miles away is Beehive Basin Brewery, a new microbrewery that has a constantly rotating taplist. Offering views of the surrounding mountains, Beehive is a perfect place to relax with a crisp beer. We can’t wait to share more of our Montana/ Wyoming adventures with you soon!