The Best Hiking Gear for Travel: Our Tried-and-True List
Everything on this page is gear we have personally bought, worn, and repurchased on trails across Latin America, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond. No sponsored picks, no guesswork — just what has actually held up.
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Kevin hiking through Torres del Paine · Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
Hiking gear is personal. The boots that work for one person’s feet will not work for another. The pants that feel great in dry mountain air are miserable in humid jungle heat. We are not here to hand you a definitive list and tell you these are the best items for everyone.
What we can tell you is what we use, what we keep buying again when something wears out, and what has come through for us on trails across very different terrains and climates. That is the only standard anything on this page meets.
We buy most of our gear from REI, and where possible we have linked there to keep your shopping simple. For a handful of items we use that REI does not carry, we have included the closest REI alternative we would genuinely consider. If there is no alternative listed, it means we have not found one we can stand behind.
Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Women
I have been refining this list for years across every destination on this site. Some of these items I have repurchased multiple times. Others I am still on my first pair and do not see that changing anytime soon. What makes the cut here is simple: gear I have actually used, on real trails, in real conditions, and would buy again without hesitation.
Hiking Boots
Sturdy but not too heavy all-terrain and waterproof hiking boots
I have worn these on trails in Panama, Argentina, and Chile, and they would have been my first choice everywhere else too had I had them sooner. They are genuinely lightweight for a waterproof boot, which matters on long days. Worth knowing: they are cut for narrow feet and take a few wears to break in. Over 190 miles in, they still have plenty of life left, and when they finally wear out, I am buying them again.
Will repurchase
Hiking Pants
Water and wind resistant hiking pants — convertible into capris and shorts
These have been on every trip on this site over the past three years and over 500 miles of hiking. The zip-off feature gives you three flattering lengths. They have stretch and a built-in adjustable belt, and the size guide on the brand’s website is accurate. One honest note: they are bulkier and thicker than most hiking pants, so if pack space is tight, the alternative is worth considering. You just give up the convertible feature.
Will repurchase
REI Alternative
Hiking Pants Alternative
Lighter and thinner REI alternative
I have not yet worn these myself, but they are next on my list when the current pair finally wears out. They are lighter and thinner than the convertible pants above, with a stretchy fabric that runs true to size. The fit is closer than the other option, so if you prefer a more tailored look on the trail, these are worth considering.
Sun Shirt
Moisture wicking shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection made for hiking or on the water
I have worn this shirt on every destination on this site and it is one of the most repurchased items in my kit. I replace it roughly every 18 months when it stretches out. It fits true to size, or even a touch large. The fabric is light and airy, which makes it ideal for hot climates where sunscreen alone is not enough but a heavy layer would be miserable. It also works as a lightweight long sleeve when you need a little extra warmth.
Will repurchase
Merino Wool Socks
Thermoregulating and anti-bacterial socks, great for most weather and multi-day hikes
Merino wool hiking socks have been my go-to for over 15 years, and for good reason. The anti-bacterial properties mean you can wear them on back-to-back hiking days or through a multi-day trip without issue. They also double as cold-weather socks off the trail, warmer than a standard everyday sock. Because I reserve these for hiking, a single pair lasts for years. I always repurchase.
Will repurchase
Hiking Sandals
Sturdy and supportive sandals for hiking to beaches, rivers, and streams
These are my pick for easier hikes, beach walks, and getting around town between adventures. The slim profile travels well and all the straps are fully adjustable, so the fit is genuinely comfortable rather than just tolerable. I switched to this specific model after a previous pair lasted only a year before the soles came apart. That issue is not a concern with these originals. So far they have held up better than anything I have tried before, and I would repurchase without hesitation.
Will repurchase
Athletic Pants
Lightweight athleisure pants, perfect for lighter hikes and travel days
These are not a replacement for hiking pants but they earn their spot in the bag. I reach for them on lighter trails, long travel days, and layovers. The fabric is stretchy but tough, and the jogger cut works with ankle zippers that open wide enough to pull over hiking boots when the trail gets brushy. One sizing note: these run small, as Lululemon tends to. Size up if you are between sizes.
Will repurchase
REI Alternative
Athletic Pants Alternative
REI alternative
I have not worn these personally but the brand consistently delivers comfortable and durable clothing. A solid option if you prefer to keep your shopping at REI.
Rain Jacket
Lightweight and windproof jacket that's breathable and actually keeps you dry
After five years, this jacket still looks brand new. It is truly waterproof, not just water resistant, and has multiple adjustable pulls and buttons so you can dial in the fit depending on what you are wearing underneath. The hood is generous enough to actually protect your face in heavy rain, which not all rain jacket hoods manage. One fit note: it is not a warm jacket, so if you plan to layer underneath, consider sizing up. I have never needed to repurchase it, but I absolutely would.
Will repurchase
Rashguard
Quick-drying swim top with UPF 50+ for sun protection in the water
This is the best rashguard I have worn, and I have tried enough cheaper versions to know the difference. The fabric is soft and buttery rather than stiff or scratchy, and it is light enough that it does not feel heavy or restrictive in the water. If you have avoided rashguards in the past because of the itchiness factor, this one is worth trying.
Will repurchase
Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Men
I have been traveling full time for years, and this is the gear that has held up across all of it. Every item on this list has been worn on actual trips across multiple countries and climates. I am not easy on my gear, and none of it has let me down.
Hiking Boots
Sturdy but not too heavy all-terrain and waterproof hiking boots
The same boot Melina wears, just built for men. I have used these across multiple destinations and terrains and they have proven themselves on everything from muddy jungle trails to dry mountain paths. Lightweight for a waterproof boot and reliable across very different conditions. Takes a few wears to break in, but worth the patience.
Will repurchase
Hiking Pants
Wind and water resistant hiking pants built for men
These are a similar construction to the women’s alternative pants above, just designed specifically for men. I have been wearing them for over a year across multiple trips and they have handled everything well. Lightweight, wind and water resistant, and comfortable enough for long days on the trail. I would repurchase without hesitation.
Will repurchase
Sun Shirt
Moisture wicking shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection made for hiking or on the water
The same sun shirt Melina wears, in men’s sizing. I use it across every destination on this site for the same reasons: it handles heat and sun without feeling heavy or suffocating. An essential item for any warm or tropical destination.
Will repurchase
Merino Wool Socks
Thermoregulating and anti-bacterial socks, great for most weather and multi-day hikes
Same socks, same logic as Melina’s above. Anti-bacterial, thermoregulating, and durable enough to last through years of hiking when you reserve them for the trail. My go-to for multi-day trips and cold weather days alike.
Will repurchase
Hiking Sandals
Sturdy and supportive sandals for hiking to beaches, rivers, and streams
These are built with more arch support than Melina’s sandals, which is the feature that matters most to me. I will be honest: after two years of full-time travel wear, the soles split. For most people, these would likely last longer since we put more miles on our gear than the average traveler. The arch support is worth it to me, so I repurchased them. If foot support is a priority for you, these are worth it even if you replace them more often than a standard sandal.
Will repurchase
Athletic Pants
Comfortable and functional pants for travel days and lighter hikes
I have worn these extensively across Australia, New Zealand, Panama, Argentina, and Chile, and they remain one of the most versatile items I travel with. The fabric is exceptionally comfortable without sacrificing durability. They work equally well on a lighter trail, a long travel day, or just getting around a new city. Over a year in and they still look great. I would absolutely repurchase.
Will repurchase
Rain Jacket
Lightweight and adjustable jacket for hiking and unpredictable weather
I bought this jacket specifically for outdoor hiking conditions and it has delivered. One feature I use regularly on more challenging hikes is the pit zip, which vents the jacket from underneath the arms and makes a real difference in breathability when you are working hard. It also fills a gap I did not have a great answer for before: when it is too cold for just a long sleeve shirt but too warm for a full puffer, this jacket is the right call. It is a great value for everything it offers and I would repurchase.
Will repurchase
Rashguard
Quick-drying swim top with UPF 50+ for sun protection in the water
The same rashguard Melina wears, in men’s sizing. Soft, non-itchy fabric that is light and breathable in the water. The best version of this type of garment I have found.
Will repurchase
Hiking Gear We Both Use
Some gear has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with function. The items in this section are ones we both reach for regardless of what kind of day we are having, whether that is a challenging trail, a beach walk, or just getting around a new city. Everything here has been tested across multiple countries and climates between the two of us.
Sun Hat
Wide brim and breathable hat to protect your face and neck from the sun
Yes, it can look a little goofy. We will not pretend otherwise. But a wide brim hat is one of the most practical things you can pack for any trip that involves sun, and this one earns its spot in the bag. It is light, breathable, and soft enough to pack flat without losing its shape. The fit is adjustable, which is worth noting because the hat runs on the smaller side for larger heads. If sun protection matters to you more than looking cool on the trail, this is the one.
Will repurchase
Water bottle
Collapsible water bottle that holds 1 liter of water, lightweight and easy to travel with
This is one of the most repurchased items in our kit. It packs completely flat, takes up almost no space in a bag, and holds a full liter of water. We use it every single day: on hikes, at the beach, walking around cities. If you are trying to stay hydrated while traveling without hauling a rigid bottle everywhere, this is the answer. We have gone through multiple and will keep buying it.
Will repurchase
REI Alternative
Water bottle Alternative
REI alternative with a different top and a slightly more compact roll
We use the other bottle on this list and will keep repurchasing it, but if you are already making a larger purchase at REI and want to keep things in one place, this is a solid alternative. It rolls up even smaller than our preferred bottle and functions the same way. The top design is different, which may actually suit some people better depending on how you prefer to drink on the go.
Headlamp
Rechargeable headlamp with a red light mode for wildlife viewing
Headlamps are more useful than most people expect before their first trip that requires one: camping, hostels, power outages, early morning starts on the trail. The rechargeable feature matters because it removes any dependence on batteries at the wrong moment. The red light mode is genuinely important if you plan to do any wildlife viewing at night, as it does not disturb animals the way a white beam does. We do not currently use this exact model but it has all the same features as ours and will be our next purchase when we replace our current one.
Will repurchase
Buff neckware
Lightweight multifunctional neckwear that can be worn in a multitude of ways
A buff is one of those items that sounds unnecessary until you are on a dusty trail, a cold morning, or a boat in the wind and you reach for it without thinking. It can be worn as a neck warmer, face cover, headband, or light hat depending on what you need. It packs down to almost nothing, which makes it easy to keep in your bag at all times without committing any real space to it. One of those low-cost, high-value additions to any travel kit.
Will repurchase
Sunglass strap
Secure strap to keep your sunglasses in place during hikes and water activities
Once we started investing in better sunglasses, losing them to a wave or a rocky trail became a real concern. This strap is the simple fix. We both use it consistently in any situation where the sunglasses could go flying: hikes, beaches, boat days, anything adventurous. It takes about ten seconds to attach and gives you one less thing to worry about.
Will repurchase
Day backpack
Waterproof packable day pack that folds into your luggage for day hikes
This was a recent addition and has already become a regular part of how we pack for days out. It is waterproof, which matters more than you might think when weather changes mid-hike or you are near the water. It also folds down small enough to slip into a larger bag when you are not using it. We use it to carry layers, water bottles, and anything else we need for a day out without committing to a full travel pack.
Will repurchase
REI Alternative
Day backpack alternative
REI alternative that packs small for easy travel
If you are consolidating your shopping at REI, this is the closest equivalent we have found. It packs down small and works well as a travel day pack. The main difference worth knowing is that it is not waterproof, so if you are regularly hiking in unpredictable weather or near water, the other option on this list is the stronger choice. That said, for dry conditions or lighter use, it does the job.
Travel Gear Staples
Not every essential item is a hiking item. These are the things we travel with regardless of destination, trip length, or activity level. Some of them took us longer than we would like to admit to add to our kit. All of them have earned a permanent spot in our bags.
Portable Power Bank
A lightweight power bank that can charge your phone multiple times
We both carry this and it has never let us down. A dead phone while traveling is more than an inconvenience, and this power bank removes that concern entirely. It holds enough charge to power your phone multiple times on a single charge, which covers long travel days, remote areas with limited outlets, and anything in between. Dependable is the word we keep coming back to with this one.
Will repurchase
Travel Towel
A compact and fast-drying towel for beach days, hikes, and everything in between
This towel packs down small enough that you barely notice it in your bag, which makes it easy to bring everywhere. It dries you quickly and then dries out fast itself, so you are never dealing with a damp towel stuffed back into your bag at the end of a beach day. We use it for beach days, as a picnic blanket, and anywhere else a towel comes in handy on the road. A simple item that earns its space every trip.
Will repurchase
Travel Backpack
Carry-on size travel backpack (40L)
This is the bag Melina has traveled with as her primary bag for the past three years of full-time travel. Paired with a personal item, it is all she carries, and it fits enough clothing for a 10-day trip as long as you pack with intention. Three years of constant use and it is still in great shape. If you are trying to travel carry-on only, this is the bag that makes it possible.
Will repurchase
Small first aid kit
A small first aid kit for minor cuts and injuries on the road
A first aid kit is one of those items you do not think about until you need it, and then you are very glad you have it. This is the one we always carry. It covers the minor cuts, blisters, and small injuries that come with an active trip without taking up meaningful space in your bag.
Will repurchase
Compression packing cubes
Packing cubes that compress your clothing to fit more into less space
Compression packing cubes are the single reason we are able to fit everything we need into carry-on sized bags. These ones are durable and hold up to the kind of repeated packing and unpacking that comes with long-term travel. If you have ever stood over a full suitcase wondering how everything fit on the way out and not on the way back, these are the answer.
Will repurchase