Picking The Best Day Hiking Gear

How long are you planning to be out? Our Gearheads have picked apparel, footwear, and packs that’ll serve you well whether you’re only hiking for a few hours or from first light to last.

Footwear

Want to start a ruckus at the trailhead? State your opinion on age-old shoes vs. boots debate. Some prefer stable, mid- or full-height boots, while others choose light and nimble shoes for day hiking. We agree with both philosophies, so we’ve compiled amazing options in both categories right here.

How We Choose Day Hiking Footwear

We choose day hiking footwear based on the particular needs of our feet and the types of terrain through which we will be hiking.

If our ankles have been prone to rolling in the past, or if we’re bringing along heavy loads such as a wildly elaborate picnic and fishing gear, we opt for supportive mid- or full-height footwear. If we’ve never had ankle issues or if our pack is light, we often reach instead for lightweight, low top footwear such as the Merrell Men’s Agility Peak 5 Trail-Running Shoe below. Trail runners are light, cushy, and breathable, making them ideal for many types of dayhikes.

For most three-season day hiking we look for non-waterproof footwear that will drain well and dry quickly. Splashing through a puddle? No big deal, our feet will dry as we walk. But if we day hike early in the spring or late in the fall it’s a different story. When days are cold we hike in waterproof footwear. If there’s snow or ice on the ground it’s also a good idea to wear a traction device such as the Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System, too.

Your footwear is where the rubber hits the trail, so it’s got to be comfortable. If you are near one of our stores, please stop by! Our Gearheads would love to help you fit your perfect day hiking shoe.

Daypacks & Hydration

Are you hiking all day or just for a mile on your lunch break? We’ve gathered small and light vest-style hydration packs for running, mid-sized hydration packs, and fully framed all-day-packs right here so you can find the fit, features, and volume that are right for you.

How We Choose Day Hiking Packs

When searching for a daypack, we start with volume. We ask ourselves how long we will be out, and how much stuff we want (or need) to carry. Many of us like to sneak in a hike before work, or pop out into the foothills for an hour before the sun sets. On these short hikes we often don’t carry more than a water bottle, an extra layer, and a snack. In these situations we don’t need daypacks larger than 20 liters, although larger packs are rarely a burden.

Longer hikes could necessitate the use of larger (30–40L) daypacks. If we’re bringing several layers, a first aid kit, an emergency bivy, a camera, a full lunch, and tons of snacks, we’ll need that space. And if that gear’s gonna be heavy, we gravitate towards daypacks with frames.

Hydration tube or no hydration tube? That’s up to you. Some folks like to drink as they hike while others use water stops as an opportunity to take a little sit-down breather. If you prefer bottles, look for packs with side pockets. Some packs accommodate both side water carry and internal water bladders.

Now for storage. Internal organization or just a simple rucksack? The writer of this guide admits to being a chaos packer, while others in the Herd like to give every item it’s own special place. You know who you are.

Finally, fit. Daypack fit is not nearly as critical as backpacking pack fit, but you’ll still want to check sizing guides. If you’re in between sizes, it’s usually safe to size up. We’re proud to say we carry daypacks for just about everyone. Many packs can now be adjusted to fit larger people, and many women’s packs are shaped to accommodate women’s bodies.

Apparel

These layers will keep the sun off, your temp regulated, and the chill averted when the sun goes down.

How We Choose Hiking Shirts

The best hiking shirts can be worn in just about any weather scenario (cold to hot). When choosing a hiking shirt, we look for lightweight fabrics because they breathe well to keep us cool in the heat and dry in the cold. Staying dry is especially crucial in cold weather when getting too sweaty could spell the shivers.

We look for stretchy fabrics too, because all-day movement is more comfortable when our shirt moves with us.

A soft feel is another one of our ideal hike shirt features. The clammy, plasticky feel is not for us. Fortunately, hiking shirt fabrics have evolved over the years to give us even more comfort than every before. Don’t believe us? Try on the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie.

We often choose shirts with a high UPF rating (30–50). It can be hard to remember to reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, but with a full coverage sunshirt we don’t have to.

Remember, sun hoodies aren’t just for the sun—they also work great as baselayers under fleece or rainjackets when hiking in cooler weather.

How We Choose Day Hiking Pants & Shorts

We look for lightweight day hiking pants made of quick-drying materials such as polyester, nylon, and blends. Even when we try to stick to the trail, cactus, tamarisk, or chaparral are always on a mission to snag our pants, so we consider durability, too—ripstop fabrics ensure tiny tears stay tiny and don’t spread.

Comfort is subjective, but there are a few main things we Gearheads always consider. We prefer narrower pants because they don’t swoosh together as we hike, are less likely to cause chafing, and are less prone to snagging on brush. We also prefer pants with low profile waistbands that sit either above or below the pack’s hipbelt to prevent hip-gouging pressure points.

If the weather is warm (we wish it always could be!) we wear lightweight shorts to make hot hiking days a little cooler.