Nothing takes away the troubles of modern life like a good stroll through the woods. Take heed of our suggestions to make that time on the trail even better.
Rab
Aeon LT 12
The perfect choice for quick fast jaunts when you want to bring the essentials, this super-light pack (tipping the scales at just over 1 pound) with breathable mesh straps and back ventilation won’t cramp your style—no matter how hard you charge. And all that minimalism includes some little extras we really appreciated, including double sternum straps to keep it snug, a hiking-pole carry system, and a side stretch pocket for a water bottle.
$100; rab.equipment
Leki
CrossTrail FX Superlite
These poles combine the durability of a hiking stick with the light performance of trail runners. That makes them ideal for any condition you may encounter as you explore out in the wild. They weigh in at just 7.1 ounces per pole and adjust between 110 and 130 cm. Best of all, the hand grip system has plenty of give to keep you attached without too much bulk. $250; leki.com
Oboz
Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof
This all-terrain tractor for your foot can eat up miles of trail and scramble loose rock while keeping your precious dogs well cushioned and comfy. Credit that support to the pairing of the Trail Tread outsole (a rubber compound and lug pattern that simply sticks to rock) and a midsole that sucks up the shock of gnarly terrain. Translation: This shoe is ready for adventure anywhere right out of the box. Available for men and women.
$165; obozfootwear.com
Lowa
Axos GTX Lo
The Axos has the features to handle a rugged hike and the style to kick back at the brew pub, making these light (12 ounces per shoe), 100-percent-vegan kicks are our daily go-to shoe. They have all the look and casual feel of a sneaker, but don’t be fooled. The Camara outsole provides plenty of grip on boulders or sidewalks and the shoe is battened down with Gore-Tex to handle slushy conditions. Available for men and women.
$230; lowaboots.com
Mishmi Takin
Kameng
Supply-chain guru Kapil Dev Singh came up with the idea for these trail shoes while adventuring in the Mishmi Hills in the Himalayas—simply because he wanted boots that could handle the conditions. Powered by a waterproof/breathable eVent membrane and Vibram Megagrip rubber these hikers are just the ticket for backpacking and serious objectives. But don’t think they’re too much for day hikes—they weigh in at a respectable 1, pound 6 ounces per shoe and breathe as well as flimsier boots. Available for men, women, and teens.
$130; mishmitakin.com
Mountain Hardwear
Canyon Short Sleeve Shirt
All praise the perfect hiking shirt. The polyester standby won’t wrinkle and dries in a hurry. That makes it just as good for travel and bar hopping as it is for long days on the trail.
$55; mountainhardwear.com
Canu Canteen
We love this startup brand from Colorado that is making the canteen cool again. It’s easy to grab and throw over your shoulder and hydrate on demand. The BPA-free plastic canteen fits in a neoprene case and can run through the dishwasher. Plus, the cool strap is made from recycled climbing rope.
$40; canucanteen.com
Purtrek
Trek Pole Water Filtration System
Hiking is all about minimalism and this inventive brand has combined the hiking pole with the water filter so that you can drink on the go out in the mountains. It’s easy. Flip up the top of the pole; insert the drinking hose; stick the pole in a stream; and suck in clean water, thanks to a hollow fiber microfiltration system similar to that in any backpacking filter. Done? Hit the trail with confidence with the fully adjustable aluminum poles.
$190; purtrek.com
Norrøna
Falketind Flex1 Shorts
The best shorts we have put to the test on the trail provide plenty of stretch and have the durability to stand up to epic days out there. Wear them for everything from peak bagging to chilling out on the deck.
$119: norrona.com
