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My Hiking Gear & Fitness Equipment
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For example, we are an Amazon Associate; we earn from qualifying purchases.
NordicTrack Commercial Series
When I started hiking as an exercise, I purchased this one because of the incline capability. When I purchased they gave me a year subscription to iFIT which I used very little and choose my own workouts. I know friends who have the membership and love it.
It will put you out $1500 or so depending on the model you choose. With good credit, I put it on a 0% interest for 36 months. Free money!
High Sierra Pathway Internal Frame Hiking Backpack, Black/Slate/Gold, 70L
This is my main pack I use on all hikes. Being 6'4" I like the 70 liter version. However, you have 30L, 40L, 50L, 60L and 90L for those giants out there.
There are also 5 different color schemes to choose from. Click the link to see the options.
The "ergo fit" or EZ fit adjust is easy while getting ready or on the go.
The extra handle shown here with the hand grasping it would have been a nice addition, but they did not come with that on my version when I bought it.
Osprey Hydraulics Water Reservoir / Hydration Bladder (2-3 Liters)
This open top type is my new go-to bladder for hiking!
Koviti Trekking Poles - Collapsible Hiking Poles 2pc Pack, Lightweight Walking Poles with 8 Season Accessories, Aluminum Alloy 7075 - Adjustable Quick Lock for Hiking, Camping
Tilley Authentic T5
No, I'm not from Australia, I just like the style. You can select any style you like. However, you should know that the Tilley brand has a lifetime guarantee. "Replaced FREE if it wears out" taken from the inside of the hat below.
I've replaced mine twice due to washing trauma even though I had it in a protective net bag. Perhaps my washer is a killer.
Tilley Authentic T5 Sun exposure is good for vitamin D, however, not too much. Protect yourself with the Tilley. Available in women's styles from same.
Under Armour Men's HeatGear Compression Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
These compression shirts are indispensable no matter the outside weather conditions. They are excellent body warmers in winter, and excellent sweat wicking for hot summer days. Available in many colors.
Under Armour HeatGear Compression T-Shirt are an essential gear for any outdoor adventures!
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
I have to be honest here, when I first started hiking in 2019, I went cheap. And then never wanted to wear what I bought. Columbia are a wee pricey, but they convert for cool weather starts, they have the zip up pockets for wallet safety, and they breath. Hands downs the best I've tried.
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants After switching to Columbia, I'll never go back!
Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 MID Gore-TEX Hiking Boots
These hiking boots have been a game changer for me!
ONKE Merino Wool Low Cut Socks for Men Outdoor Trail Running Hiking Hiker All Season Quarter with Moisture Wicking Control
Select these for summer hiking. First rule in hiking is #1No Cotton! These wool socks work great for hiking, with plenty of padding, and wicking capability
ONKE Merino Wool Low Cut Socks These wool socks are less expensive than Smart Wool brand sold at REI, and Outdoor stores.
80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For Men & Women 3 Pairs
Select these wool socks for winter use. I was so amazed by the comfort of these babies. Love them!
80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Socks are the most comfortable socks I own!
Welnove 10Pack Toe Caps Closed Toe Surface Fabric Sleeve Protectors with Gel Lining, Prevent Pain Relief for Corns, Blisters and Ingrown Toenails (Size Large + Size Medium)
For some odd reason, my toe next to my great toe always seems to have problems. Black and blue, under the toenail fills with blood and falls off in months. These fabric covered protectors are great.
BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear Coolnet Uv National Geographic Design Worn 12+ Ways
I've had many types of these neck gators. This brand is extremely useful, light for summer use, and cover enough for your neck and face in winter. There are many colors available. You can spray and smear sunblock if you wish, I'll wear my UV barrier thank you very much.
BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear Coolnet Uv National Geographic Design This neck gator is very flexible and can be worn in many ways!
PAIR - Sports Farm - Compression Elbow Arm Sleeves
These are great for sun protection in the summer, and combo warmers, protectors in winter.
These arm sleeves have been game changers for me as I don't like putting chemicals on my skin repeatedly. Even in the Texas triple digit temperatures these sleeves feel fine and cool.
Athlos - Arm Warmers for Cycling, Running, and Sun Protection - For Men & Women
Wapiti Designs Go-Long Gaiters Trail Running Shoe Gaiters for Running, Hiking, or Long Distance Backpacking
Hikenture Leg Gaiters with Waterproof Zipper, Anti-Tear Water-Resistant Hiking Gaiters, Breathable Shoe Gaiters for Men & Women, Adjustable Snow Boot Gaiters for Hiking, Hunting
I purchased these for a recent hiking trip to Alaska (2022). They work great with no issues that I could report. If you click into the Amazon page from buy link, 1200 people reviewed them 4.3 out of 5!
Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats for Walking on Ice and Snow (1 Pair)
These little gems kept us on our feet on slick snow and ice!
CRKT M16-02KS Folding Pocket Knife: EDC Lightweight Pocket Knife with Stainless Steel Handle, 3 Inch Tanto Blade, Flipper Opening, and Frame Lock
My son recommended this blade because of it's usefulness in preparing kindling wood for a fire or any other use on wood! On first hiking trip, had the chance to try it out. Cut down larger kindling like an axe, only smaller ;-)
BOGI Microfiber Travel Sports Towel-Quick Dry Towel, Soft Lightweight Microfiber Camping Towel Absorbent Compact Travel Towel for Camping Gym Beach Bath Yoga Swimming Backpacking (M:40''x20''-Nblue)
Cutting weight when hiking is the name of the game. More space for water.
QXCSF Camping Sleeping Pad, Extra Thick Waterproof 2 Persons Sleeping Mat with Built-in Foot Pump, Ultralight Compact Inflatable Camping Air Mattress Dual Color with Carrying Bag (Blue)
This thin mattress is very unassuming and comfortable at the same time. Cutting down on weight is a plus when hiking.
About the author
“Defeat is a state of mind; no one is very defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality. To me, defeat in anything is merely temporary, and its punishment is but an urge for me to exert greater effort to achieve my goal. Defeat simply tells me that something is wrong in my doing; it is a path leading to success and truth.”





