The Best Travel and Hiking Gear

A list of Blueprint Travelers’ favorite travel staples and hiking gear for both men and women based off of our personal experience of years of travel (both full time and vacation travel) and hiking during our travels. This list is our tried and true staples.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We know that hiking gear can be very personal to the individual. Gear will vary based on the types of hikes that you like to do. Your body type can determine the pants you prefer to wear. Your feet might be wider, narrower, highly arched, or very flat, impacting the shoes that you want to wear.  However, if you need a starting point of some of the gear we have consistently used and repurchased over the years, this list can help you put together your hiking gear for your future travels.

Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Women

Hiking Boots

Sturdy but not too heavy all-terrain and waterproof hiking boots

Hiking Pants

Water and wind resistant hiking pants - convertible into capris and shorts

Hiking Pants Alternative

Found in REI without the convertible feature

Hiking Sun Shirt

Moisture wicking shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection made for hiking or on the water

Merino Wool Socks

Thermoregulating and anti-bacterial socks, great for most weather and multi-day hikes

Hiking Sandals

Sturdy and supportive sandals for hiking to beaches, rivers, and streams

Athletic Pants

Lightweight and comfortable athleisure pants, perfect for hikes on hot days or easier treks 

Athletic Pants Alternative

Found in REI

Rain Jacket

Lightweight and windproof jacket that's breathable and actually keeps you dry

Rashguard (Not REI)

Quick-drying swim top with UPF 50+ for sun protection in the water

Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Men

Hiking Boots

Sturdy but not too heavy all-terrain and waterproof hiking boots

Hiking Pants

Water and wind resistant hiking pants

Hiking Sun Shirt

Moisture wicking shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection made for hiking or on the water

Merino Wool Socks

Thermoregulating and anti-bacterial socks, great for most weather and multi-day hikes

Hiking Sandals

Sturdy and supportive sandals for hiking to beaches, rivers, and streams

Athletic Pants

Lightweight and comfortable athleisure pants, perfect for hikes on hot days or easier treks

Rain Jacket

Easy to pack, waterproof, and windproof rain jacket

Rashguard (Not REI)

Quick-drying swim top with UPF 50+ for sun protection in the water

Our Favorite General Hiking Gear

Sun Hat

Wide brim and breathable hat to protect your face and neck from the sun

Water Bottle

Collapsible water bottle that holds 1L of water. This is lightweight and easy to travel with

Water Bottle Alternative

Found in REI

Headlamp

Necessary for sunrise and sunset hikes or at campgrounds. Has a red light to use around animals at night

Buff Neckware

Lightweight multifunctional neckwear that can be worn in a multitude of ways to add a little warmth to your head or neck

Sunglass Strap

Helps secure your favorite pair of sunglasses (and these have a floaty so you are less likely to lose your sunglasses in the water)

Day Backpack

Waterproof packable day pack that can be folded in your luggage for day hikes.

Day Backpack Alternative

Found in REI