Crisp fall days are prime time to get out and hike a few miles or head out for an overnight in the wilds. To that end, we give you gear to make your time on the trails better.
Salewa
Pedroc Air
This speed hiker is our go-to shoe for daily hiking and quick summit scrambles. The knitted upper breathes like a champ and the whole shoe battens down for a fit that’s both comfortable and confident, thanks to a Kevlar wrapping net that secures your foot even when you are navigating loose rock and wet roots. Hell, we feel so good in them we wear them to work, too. $160; salewa.com
The North Face
Hedgehog 06
TNF updated a classic from 2006, beefing up this versatile hiker with a 100% recycled Gore-Tex liner and sticky Vibram sole that can handle all the elements of Blue Ridge trails in the fall. It’s casual enough for day hikes with the family but sturdy enough for light backpacking forays, making it the ideal choice if you want one shoe to do it all. $179; thenorthface.com
Vasque
Re:Connect
With the retro flair of a 1980’s tennis shoe, this hiker feels right straight out of the box and even better when you put it to the dirt (or the pavement). It’s a godsend for those of us with floppy dogs, since there’s plenty of room in the forefoot and locked-in support in the heel. It’s no slouch, though: An Xlite outsole serves up performance with grip and flex on the trail. $140; vasque.com
Lowa
Randir Mid GTX
Rather than burden you with the overkill of big backpacking boots, these sturdy women’s hikers offer up all the support and stability of a heavy shoe but feel more like a light hiker—just what you want when you are already hauling a big load on your back. The women’s-specific last and a design that cradles the ankle and heel in position are the key to a fit that won’t cause blisters but will keep you on your feet when you are navigating steep descents or technical uphills. $295; lowaboots.com
Superfeet
Hike Cushion
You can test all the boots you want without finding the perfect fit for your unique foot. That’s where a good insole makes all the difference. (Plus, brands often skimp on the insole since it’s something customers so often change out.) If your tootsies crave comfort, these insoles offer up just enough support and flex to take some of the burden off your feet, while also giving you plenty of arch structure. A welcome heel cushion takes some of the ouch out of each step, too. $55; superfeet.com
Montane
Trailblazer 25L
Our go-to pack for a wide range of hikes, this hauler was designed with Montane’s well-known trail running smarts—it’s light, easy to batten down when you are carrying less in it, and it doesn’t jostle around when you are on the go. Most of all, it’s the most comfortable day pack we have put on after nearly 30 years of professional gear testing. A clever strap system means you can carry all sorts of extra bulky stuff (a tenkara rod, a helmet, your partner’s bulky shell) if the need arises, and the treated nylon material sheds off precipitation. $180; us.montane.com
Osprey
Mira 32
Big enough for a hut overnight or gear-intensive activities (or if you are carrying the bulk of the family’s gear), this day pack on steroids is just as functional as it is comfortable. Credit the latter to cushy shoulder straps and a breathable mesh back panel you’d expect on a far larger pack. It’s stocked for adventure with a rain cover, trekking pole and ice ax straps, and a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir, making it the top choice for a wide range of big days. $220; osprey.com
Gregory
Baltoro 65
For the past decade, Gregory’s Baltoro series has impressed us when it comes to providing all you need for backpacking adventures. Start with the fit: The plush and independently rotating hip belt and harness can be custom fit at your local Gregory dealer, and on the trail the whole system evenly distributes big loads so you feel spry rather than overloaded, no matter how full you stuff the roomy 65 liters of space (which, we may add, easily takes an unwieldy bear container). Add in smart details, like a minimalist removable day pack on the inside and a side water bottle holder, and you have a winner for multi-day excursions. $225; gregory.com
Camelbak
Fuson 2L Reservoir
Upgrade any pack with the latest iteration of Camelbak’s tried and true hydration bladder. The originator of the concept built a better reservoir here with a handle and zipper system that makes it easy to fill—and clean. Bonus: The big bite valve delivers more water. Also available in a 3L version ($57). $55; camelbak.com
Arc’teryx
Delta Hoody
The ideal cool-weather hiking jacket and must-have backpacking layer, this fleece hoody provides plenty of warmth when you need it but won’t sweat you out when you get moving, thanks to a hollow-core fiber that keeps warm air close to your body but still breathes. And don’t just wear it on the trail, because it looks good out on the town, too. $220; arcteryx.com
Flylow
Anderson Shirt
This suave hiking shirt says you have some trail cred without the technical dorkiness of some outdoor brands. Made with a mix of comfy, stretchy, and quick-drying materials it’s technical enough to use in the wild but it’s still casual enough for a round of golf or drink with friends. $80; flylowgear.com
Fjällräven
Abisko Värm Trekking Tights
Indeed these Swedish tights made for the trail are varm thanks to double-knitted stretch fabric with a brushed inside and wind-blocking fabric in just the right places that keeps them cozy. That makes them just the ticket for fall hikes and runs when the temps feel a bit Scandinavian. $175; fjallraven.com
Leki
Black Series FX Carbon
Poles make backpacking so much easier, giving you more pep in your step and involving your arms in your gait (eliminating that swelling in the hands you can sometimes get when you hike with a big pack). We like them so much we use them on pretty much every hike. Built with carbon and a breeze to adjust between 110-130 cm (or to break down and stash), these sports cars of poles also feature a comfy cork grip that’s easy on your hands during long days on the trail. $270; lekiusa.com
MSR
MiniWorks EX Microfilter
The latest version of this classic design is a must-have for any backpacking trip, and a smart carry for hikes when you would rather not load too much water in your pack. The pump pushes dirty water through the replaceable carbon/ceramic filter with confidence and it’s easy to clean. It’s the reliable system you need out there. (But for extra confidence you can back it up with MSR’s chlorine-based Aquatabs® purification tablets that add viral defense). $120; msrgear.com
Nemo
Hornet OSMO
Your tent can take up a lot of space and weight in your pack. Not here. This sturdy, easy-to-set-up, two-person shelter tips the scales at just 2 pounds, 8 ounces and is easy to stuff into smaller overnight packs, thanks to the built-in Divy Cube stuff sack. Best of all—much like Dr. Who’s TARDIS—it feels bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Set it up without the tarp for plenty of airflow or take advantage of the roomy vestibule to protect your packs in bad weather. It comes in one-person ($400) and three-person ($550) versions, too. $430; nemoequipment.com
Rab
Neutrino 400
It’s shocking how small this bag packs down considering how much warmth (rated down to 19 degrees F) it provides when you curl up inside it. Made with recycled 800-fill goose down and tough Pertex Quantum material on the outside, it’s a bag you can rely on when facing chilly temperatures and weather elements out in the backcountry. Concerned about sustainability? Instead of touting claims, Rab gives you full data on the materials it uses here. $435; rab.equipment
