Best Hiking Equipment Brands By Category

Hiking might be the most popular activity for any outdoorsman or backpacker! The thrill of walking into nature and seeing what you can discovered is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to spending time in the great outdoors. In this article, we’re focusing on the outdoor gear you need to get the most of the experience. Trekking down a hiking trail is so much fun, but you’ll have even more fun if you properly gear up for the job. In this article, we’re focusing on everything you need to have a safe, enjoyable, and capable hike! We’re dividing our list into the types of gear you need, and then picking our favorite hiking brands for each! Hiking Gear

Hiking gear is built for one purpose – to help you on your journey into the great outdoors. This means that proper hiking gear has to fulfill a variety of purposes. Generally, you want stuff that is durable, lightweight, and capable. By “capable,” we mean capable of fulfilling the task it is designed to do. If you’re talking about a hiking boot, you want your trail shoe to have the traction and support to carry you through the toughest trails. If you’re talking about a backpack, you want it to be capable of carrying a heavy load while being ergonomically designed to support your joints. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves! The main point is that we have designed our list around brands that we know you can trust. This gear is dependable, capable, and worth your money. Look no further than our list for anything you need on your next hike. Depends on the Hike

Before we jump into our list, there is one important metric that we need to consider. There is no “best” piece of hiking gear, only the gear that is best for you! From day hiking to a backpacking trip, consider if you’ll need a daypack or perhaps ultralight backpacking gear for a longer trek. Your hiking gear will heavily depend on personal preference, and what type of hiking you are doing. Keep this in mind as you read through our list. We have a hiking gear list that we think is adept for most hikers, from beginner to experts. Additionally, the brands we will outline manufacture gear that is suitable for any hiker. Just remember, it’s all about what you are most comfortable with. Check out our picks, and compare them to your own needs, and you will find the perfect hiking gear for the job. Best Hiking Gear Brands

In this section, we’re checking out the best hiking gear brands! However, that’s a pretty broad category, as hiking gear can include a whole wealth of different products. We’re simplifying it by category. We’ll take a look at each major category of hiking equipment, and give you our pick for the top brand. We chose these brands because they have a long history of satisfied customers, and simply make some of the best hiking gear on the market. Best Buy1. Backpack - Osprey

Check Price Let’s start with one of the most important pieces of hiking gear, the backpack. A backpack is absolutely essential if you plan to spend any extended time in the outdoors. This is especially true if you plan to incorporate your hike into a camping trip. If it’s just a short hike, any old backpack will do. The main components of a hiking backpack are size, functionality, and comfort. Of course, the longer your hike, the more you will need to bring, so the bigger it will need to be. You’ll need a place to pack up your gear, so you might need a heavy duty 50L or 60L backpack. Quality camping backpacks are built with ample compartments to keep your stuff stored away. They are also water resistant to keep it dry, and durable enough to withstand heavy use. Additionally, the straps and buckles are specially built so that you can carry heavy loads comfortably. We won’t get into the science here, but just know that these backpacks make it quite easy to carry more than you thought was possible. Our top brand is Osprey. Osprey is a reputable manufacturer that has been in the backpack business for years. They make everything from small packs for day trips, to heavy duty camping backpacks. You’ll find something for whatever your hiking needs are!

2. Boots or Shoes - Columbia

Check Price Next up, perhaps the most important piece of hiking equipment, your boots! Boots are a “must” for hiking. With a small day hike, you might be able to get away with trails runners. But with anything more extensive, you’ll really appreciate having some quality boots or hiking shoes. Hiking shoes offer a few very important features. Firstly, they help greatly with traction. With grippy rubber soles and patterns which are ideal for traction across terrain, a hiking shoe or boot will help you greatly in tackling even advanced hiking trails. The biggest worry on many trails is slipping and falling, so you want to minimize that concern as much as possible. Additionally, this footwear is great for comfort and waterproofing. They are built to keep your feet comfortable across long treks. They do so by adding support in the right areas, and making sure that the soles of your feet are supported properly, as well as vulnerable areas like your ankles. Additionally, waterproofing makes a huge difference. Whether it rains, or you’re trekking through mud or creeks, you’ll thank yourself for buying a boot that will keep your feet dry and warm. For additional warmth and waterproofing, invest in some quality merino wool hiking socks. As far as brands go, you can’t go wrong with Columbia. Columbia boots benefit from years of experience making hiking boots, and have all the features you’d expect from a high-end hiking boot. This includes superior grip, tight lacing, excellent waterproof, and durable materials. They make a whole lot of different types of boots and shoes for any situation. An experienced hiker or a beginner will find value in a Columbia boot.

3. Clothing - Columbia

Check Price Another factor that makes a big difference to your enjoyment of a hike is the clothing. Of course, the clothing you wear will differ quite significantly based on where you are hiking. Whether you need to keep cool, keep warm, or keep dry, there are many options which cater to many different situations. When it comes to what you want to wear on a hike, you typically want to focus on a few key features. Of course, you want to keep warm, in which case, an ultralight down jacket would be a good choice. If there is a lot of rain and weather, pack a lightweight rain jacket. If you’re hiking upwards, keep in mind that the rise in elevation might bring a drop in temperature. You also want clothes that are lightweight and will keep dry. Often, a polyester insulated jacket is ideal, as it is lightweight and dries quick. A lot of hiking clothing is built for a variety of different situations. With various zippers and removable parts that allow you to keep warmer or cooler depending on the situation. Things such as a zipped hoodie or convertible pants are a good idea. Once again, Columbia is our go-to brand for hiking clothes, such as a base layer or a hiking pant. Such a trusted name in the outdoor market, Columbia makes something for every occasion. You can browse their entire selection and you’d find something for every occasion. Their clothing is meant to be warm and dry, but also lightweight and easy to pack. Their gear is durable and long-lasting for many trips to come.

4. Water Bottle - Nalgene

Check Price This is just one small accessory, but it’s so important that it deserves its own section – the water bottle. It goes without saying why hydration is so essential to a hike. When it comes to which water bottle to choose, we recommend you focus on one variable – quantity! You can get mighty thirsty throughout a hike, and you need to make sure you bring enough water to quench that thirst. We recommend the 32 oz. water bottle from Nalgene. You want at least 32 oz for a hike. This is a perfect wide-mouth water bottle for fast drinking, with a loop to easily attach to the outside of a backpack. Nalgene bottles are also very strong and durable. These things can handle most any drop. They are made of high-quality plastic and will likely last you for years to come. Plus – it’s made in the USA!

5. Hat - Tilley

Check Price Don’t forget a hat! Hats are ideal for sun protection and also for protection from the rain and the elements. We recommend a hat with 360 degrees of protection, like this one from Tilley. Tilley is a well-respected brand, and they have decades of experience making hats. The hats are durable and long lasting. This one even has vents to keep your head cool.

6. GPS - Garmin

Check Price Finding your way in nature can be an undertaking all on its own. When it comes to hiking, you want to always be able to orient yourself and know where you are. For that, there is no better tool than a hiking GPS. A hiking GPS provides all the navigational tools you could need. The GPS features quickly and accurately update your position as you go. The maps are quite detailed and specific, so you can easily orient yourself. Quality hiking GPSs will also include details on elevation, altitude, and topography. Hiking GPSs these days do much more than just help with navigation. Many of them have Internet capabilities, which allow you to have up to date info on things such as the weather. Some even have a satellite phone, so that you can feel secure in the fact that you always have a communication line to the outside world. When it comes to brands, one clearly stands above the rest, and that’s Garmin. Garmin is the number one name in GPS technology for a reason. They have a wide range of product offerings with all sorts of different features. All of their GPS technology is accurate and fast, and many offer all sorts of other features (downloadable maps, navigation apps, easy waypointing, communication options, satellite phone and text, etc.). On top of this, they are all built to be highly durable and able to withstand whatever a rugged hiker can throw at it.

7. Shelter - Coleman

Check Price Hiking and camping often go hand-in-hand. Although we have written this article primarily for hikers, we have to overlap a bit into camping and mention sleeping arrangements. If you plan on spending any overnight time in the wilderness, you’ll need to set up a place to sleep. For this you need a tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. These are essential in having a comfortable sleep in the great outdoors. They provide shelter from the elements, and also make sure that you get a comfortable sleep. Hiking is rigorous physical activity, so you’re going to want to be well rested if your trip is taking place over multiple days. In terms of brands, we highly recommend Coleman. Coleman has a long history in making camping gear, and tents and sleeping bags are among their most popular products. They are built to be durable and comfortable, but are also built with portability in mind. Portability is especially key, as you will need to fit all of your camping supplies within your hiking backpack.

8. Food - Clif Bar

Check Price We can’t make a hiking checklist without including food. We can’t really recommend any “brand names” for food, but we had to include it in our list anyways! For food, you want stuff that is dense, filling, and can energize you for the entire hike. Things such as nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, dried fruits, peanut butter, Clif bars, and more. Your food choices will come down largely to personal preference, but you definitely want to pack adequate fuel to get through a rigorous hike.

9. First Aid - Swiss Safe

Check Price Here’s something you hope to never have to use, but will be happy if you do require it – a first aid kit. Hiking can be a pretty dangerous activity. The potential for slips and falls is pretty high, and you also want to be prepared for that potential situation. Firstly, be sure to pack some Advil and Polysporin. This is great for any pain, and also for cleaning a cut to prevent infection. Outside of that, we recommend you bring a portable first aid kid. A portable first aid kit has everything you could need, but hopefully won’t need.

10. Swiss Army Knife - Victorinox

Check Price Finally, a multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife can come in handy in many different ways throughout a hike. From cutting brush to cutting food to fixing something, you never quite know what you might need this for. Of course, we recommend the classic Swiss Army Knife from Victorinox. These are the originals, and they’ve built that reputation for a reason. A super handy thing to have with you on any hike!

Picking the Best Gear for You This list has been all about the top brands for hiking gear on the market. Of course, the “best” brand is really just the best brand for you! To accompany our list, we’re including a mini buyer’s guide so that you can make the best choice for your needs. This will give you a handy list of factors to consider in choosing between our options above. What type of hiking?

First thing’s first, the type of hiking gear you will need depends most on the type of hiking you are doing. This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often we buy something without thinking about why we actually need it. Consider what type of hiking you do now, and also what type of hiking you plan to do in the future. By considering these factors, you can make the best decision as to what gear is most capable of handling your own usage. You might need gear that is more durable, offers more traction, or offers more warmth. It really depends on how you will be using it. So, think about your typical hike, and consider what gear would make it easier and more enjoyable! Price vs. Quality

Next up, you are going to notice that hiking gear comes in a pretty wide range of price points. You can spend a lot on hiking gear if you want to get the most premium option of everything available. We recommend that you think of it more in terms of price vs. quality. Don’t just focus on what something costs, but focus on how much value if represents to you. Think of hiking gear more as an investment. You want gear that will get you through many hikes to come, and that means buying the gear that is most suited to your needs. Additionally, the higher quality materials it is made from, the longer it will last you, which represents an even better investment. Portability

Finally, there is the aspect of portability. Simply put, you want to keep your hikes light and manageable. You want the most lightweight, portable version of everything you can get your hands on. Your hiking supplies can add up fast, and that’s extra weight you don’t want to carry around. So, try to find gear that is able to fit neatly within your hiking backpack, and won’t weigh you down too much.

2. Boots or Shoes - Columbia

3. Clothing - Columbia

4. Water Bottle - Nalgene

5. Hat - Tilley

6. GPS - Garmin

7. Shelter - Coleman

8. Food - Clif Bar

9. First Aid - Swiss Safe

10. Swiss Army Knife - Victorinox

Trekking down a hiking trail is so much fun, but you’ll have even more fun if you properly gear up for the job. In this article, we’re focusing on everything you need to have a safe, enjoyable, and capable hike! We’re dividing our list into the types of gear you need, and then picking our favorite hiking brands for each!

Hiking Gear

If you’re talking about a hiking boot, you want your trail shoe to have the traction and support to carry you through the toughest trails. If you’re talking about a backpack, you want it to be capable of carrying a heavy load while being ergonomically designed to support your joints.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves! The main point is that we have designed our list around brands that we know you can trust. This gear is dependable, capable, and worth your money. Look no further than our list for anything you need on your next hike.

Depends on the Hike

Your hiking gear will heavily depend on personal preference, and what type of hiking you are doing. Keep this in mind as you read through our list. We have a hiking gear list that we think is adept for most hikers, from beginner to experts. Additionally, the brands we will outline manufacture gear that is suitable for any hiker.

Just remember, it’s all about what you are most comfortable with. Check out our picks, and compare them to your own needs, and you will find the perfect hiking gear for the job.

Best Hiking Gear Brands

We’ll take a look at each major category of hiking equipment, and give you our pick for the top brand. We chose these brands because they have a long history of satisfied customers, and simply make some of the best hiking gear on the market.

Best Buy1. Backpack - Osprey

Check Price

Let’s start with one of the most important pieces of hiking gear, the backpack. A backpack is absolutely essential if you plan to spend any extended time in the outdoors. This is especially true if you plan to incorporate your hike into a camping trip. If it’s just a short hike, any old backpack will do.

The main components of a hiking backpack are size, functionality, and comfort. Of course, the longer your hike, the more you will need to bring, so the bigger it will need to be. You’ll need a place to pack up your gear, so you might need a heavy duty 50L or 60L backpack.

Quality camping backpacks are built with ample compartments to keep your stuff stored away. They are also water resistant to keep it dry, and durable enough to withstand heavy use. Additionally, the straps and buckles are specially built so that you can carry heavy loads comfortably. We won’t get into the science here, but just know that these backpacks make it quite easy to carry more than you thought was possible.

Our top brand is Osprey. Osprey is a reputable manufacturer that has been in the backpack business for years. They make everything from small packs for day trips, to heavy duty camping backpacks. You’ll find something for whatever your hiking needs are!

Boots or Shoes - Columbia

Next up, perhaps the most important piece of hiking equipment, your boots! Boots are a “must” for hiking. With a small day hike, you might be able to get away with trails runners. But with anything more extensive, you’ll really appreciate having some quality boots or hiking shoes.

Hiking shoes offer a few very important features. Firstly, they help greatly with traction. With grippy rubber soles and patterns which are ideal for traction across terrain, a hiking shoe or boot will help you greatly in tackling even advanced hiking trails. The biggest worry on many trails is slipping and falling, so you want to minimize that concern as much as possible.

Additionally, this footwear is great for comfort and waterproofing. They are built to keep your feet comfortable across long treks. They do so by adding support in the right areas, and making sure that the soles of your feet are supported properly, as well as vulnerable areas like your ankles. Additionally, waterproofing makes a huge difference. Whether it rains, or you’re trekking through mud or creeks, you’ll thank yourself for buying a boot that will keep your feet dry and warm. For additional warmth and waterproofing, invest in some quality merino wool hiking socks.

As far as brands go, you can’t go wrong with Columbia. Columbia boots benefit from years of experience making hiking boots, and have all the features you’d expect from a high-end hiking boot. This includes superior grip, tight lacing, excellent waterproof, and durable materials. They make a whole lot of different types of boots and shoes for any situation. An experienced hiker or a beginner will find value in a Columbia boot.

Clothing - Columbia

Another factor that makes a big difference to your enjoyment of a hike is the clothing. Of course, the clothing you wear will differ quite significantly based on where you are hiking. Whether you need to keep cool, keep warm, or keep dry, there are many options which cater to many different situations.

When it comes to what you want to wear on a hike, you typically want to focus on a few key features. Of course, you want to keep warm, in which case, an ultralight down jacket would be a good choice. If there is a lot of rain and weather, pack a lightweight rain jacket.

If you’re hiking upwards, keep in mind that the rise in elevation might bring a drop in temperature. You also want clothes that are lightweight and will keep dry. Often, a polyester insulated jacket is ideal, as it is lightweight and dries quick.

A lot of hiking clothing is built for a variety of different situations. With various zippers and removable parts that allow you to keep warmer or cooler depending on the situation. Things such as a zipped hoodie or convertible pants are a good idea.

Once again, Columbia is our go-to brand for hiking clothes, such as a base layer or a hiking pant. Such a trusted name in the outdoor market, Columbia makes something for every occasion. You can browse their entire selection and you’d find something for every occasion. Their clothing is meant to be warm and dry, but also lightweight and easy to pack. Their gear is durable and long-lasting for many trips to come.

Water Bottle - Nalgene

This is just one small accessory, but it’s so important that it deserves its own section – the water bottle. It goes without saying why hydration is so essential to a hike. When it comes to which water bottle to choose, we recommend you focus on one variable – quantity!

You can get mighty thirsty throughout a hike, and you need to make sure you bring enough water to quench that thirst. We recommend the 32 oz. water bottle from Nalgene. You want at least 32 oz for a hike.

This is a perfect wide-mouth water bottle for fast drinking, with a loop to easily attach to the outside of a backpack. Nalgene bottles are also very strong and durable. These things can handle most any drop. They are made of high-quality plastic and will likely last you for years to come. Plus – it’s made in the USA!

Hat - Tilley

Don’t forget a hat! Hats are ideal for sun protection and also for protection from the rain and the elements. We recommend a hat with 360 degrees of protection, like this one from Tilley. Tilley is a well-respected brand, and they have decades of experience making hats. The hats are durable and long lasting. This one even has vents to keep your head cool.

GPS - Garmin

Finding your way in nature can be an undertaking all on its own. When it comes to hiking, you want to always be able to orient yourself and know where you are. For that, there is no better tool than a hiking GPS.

A hiking GPS provides all the navigational tools you could need. The GPS features quickly and accurately update your position as you go. The maps are quite detailed and specific, so you can easily orient yourself. Quality hiking GPSs will also include details on elevation, altitude, and topography.

Hiking GPSs these days do much more than just help with navigation. Many of them have Internet capabilities, which allow you to have up to date info on things such as the weather. Some even have a satellite phone, so that you can feel secure in the fact that you always have a communication line to the outside world.

When it comes to brands, one clearly stands above the rest, and that’s Garmin. Garmin is the number one name in GPS technology for a reason. They have a wide range of product offerings with all sorts of different features. All of their GPS technology is accurate and fast, and many offer all sorts of other features (downloadable maps, navigation apps, easy waypointing, communication options, satellite phone and text, etc.). On top of this, they are all built to be highly durable and able to withstand whatever a rugged hiker can throw at it.

Shelter - Coleman

Hiking and camping often go hand-in-hand. Although we have written this article primarily for hikers, we have to overlap a bit into camping and mention sleeping arrangements. If you plan on spending any overnight time in the wilderness, you’ll need to set up a place to sleep.

For this you need a tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. These are essential in having a comfortable sleep in the great outdoors. They provide shelter from the elements, and also make sure that you get a comfortable sleep. Hiking is rigorous physical activity, so you’re going to want to be well rested if your trip is taking place over multiple days.

In terms of brands, we highly recommend Coleman. Coleman has a long history in making camping gear, and tents and sleeping bags are among their most popular products. They are built to be durable and comfortable, but are also built with portability in mind. Portability is especially key, as you will need to fit all of your camping supplies within your hiking backpack.

Food - Clif Bar

We can’t make a hiking checklist without including food. We can’t really recommend any “brand names” for food, but we had to include it in our list anyways!

For food, you want stuff that is dense, filling, and can energize you for the entire hike. Things such as nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, dried fruits, peanut butter, Clif bars, and more. Your food choices will come down largely to personal preference, but you definitely want to pack adequate fuel to get through a rigorous hike.

First Aid - Swiss Safe

Here’s something you hope to never have to use, but will be happy if you do require it – a first aid kit. Hiking can be a pretty dangerous activity. The potential for slips and falls is pretty high, and you also want to be prepared for that potential situation.

Firstly, be sure to pack some Advil and Polysporin. This is great for any pain, and also for cleaning a cut to prevent infection. Outside of that, we recommend you bring a portable first aid kid. A portable first aid kit has everything you could need, but hopefully won’t need.

Swiss Army Knife - Victorinox

Picking the Best Gear for You

This list has been all about the top brands for hiking gear on the market. Of course, the “best” brand is really just the best brand for you!

Finally, a multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife can come in handy in many different ways throughout a hike. From cutting brush to cutting food to fixing something, you never quite know what you might need this for.

Of course, we recommend the classic Swiss Army Knife from Victorinox. These are the originals, and they’ve built that reputation for a reason. A super handy thing to have with you on any hike!

To accompany our list, we’re including a mini buyer’s guide so that you can make the best choice for your needs. This will give you a handy list of factors to consider in choosing between our options above.

What type of hiking?

Consider what type of hiking you do now, and also what type of hiking you plan to do in the future. By considering these factors, you can make the best decision as to what gear is most capable of handling your own usage.

You might need gear that is more durable, offers more traction, or offers more warmth. It really depends on how you will be using it. So, think about your typical hike, and consider what gear would make it easier and more enjoyable!

Price vs. Quality

Think of hiking gear more as an investment. You want gear that will get you through many hikes to come, and that means buying the gear that is most suited to your needs. Additionally, the higher quality materials it is made from, the longer it will last you, which represents an even better investment.

Portability

Finally, there is the aspect of portability. Simply put, you want to keep your hikes light and manageable. You want the most lightweight, portable version of everything you can get your hands on.

Your hiking supplies can add up fast, and that’s extra weight you don’t want to carry around. So, try to find gear that is able to fit neatly within your hiking backpack, and won’t weigh you down too much.

Hiking Gear#

Depends on the Hike#

Best Hiking Gear Brands#

Picking the Best Gear for You#

What type of hiking?#

Price vs. Quality#

Portability#

#