I’m an Avid Hiker, and I’m Not Hitting the Trails This Spring Without These 12 Essentials From $8

My hiking boots have touched the soil of a dozen countries, 20-something states, and who knows how many national and state parks. As an avid hiker and nature nerd, I’m a sucker for gear that makes me feel cool and comfortable in the outdoors. I never pass up a chance to raid the physical and online aisles of REI (even though I already have a surplus of trail pants, hiking sandals, backpacks, and more). 

With warmer weather ahead, I’m ready to soon hit the trails again — and I’m preparing by stocking up on new hiking gear to make this year’s adventures the best yet. I’m eyeing picks like a new pair of Vuori hiking pants or a packable water bottle to save space in my backpack. Ahead, I’ve rounded up the 12 hiking essentials I’m currently eyeing at Amazon and REI for my upcoming treks — starting at $8.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lined Movement Skirt

Skorts and hiking skirts are having a huge moment, and I couldn’t be happier that women’s outdoor gear is expanding beyond ill-fitting cargo pants that zip off mid-thigh. This Beyond Yoga skirt is as functional as it is cute — and at half price, it’s a can’t-miss deal. “The Movement Skirt is my uniform,” an REI shopper wrote. Reviewers say it’s great for hiking or workouts because of its moisture-wicking fabric and built-in shorts, while the stylish silhouette means you can also wear it out on the town.

Osprey Daylite Tote Pack

The newest trend in hiking bags is the tote pack, a style of convertible backpack that resembles a tote and can be carried over the shoulder. This version offers all the comfort and practicality Osprey packs are known for, with padded straps, thoughtfully designed organizational pockets, and a water-repellent coating. The bag can also be used for more than hiking: bring it as a laptop bag or a carry-on for your next trip, since it meets most airlines’ size requirements.

G4Free UPF 50+ Sun Shirt

Long-sleeved hiking shirts made of sun-blocking fabrics that offer a UPF rating of 50+ are a must on the trail, whether or not the sun is shining. This Amazon shirt is an affordable option that has over 1,800 five-star ratings at Amazon. One person said, “I love Athleta, Lululemon, and Zella … [but] these are the best of all the brands in my closet.” I especially like the rounded hem and high-side slits for maximum range of movement.

Cell Phone Crossbody Lanyard

This $11 crossbody lanyard solves the problem of constantly pulling your phone out of your backpack to take pictures or check the navigation. It has silicone straps that stretch over the corners of your phone, so you can wear it securely around your neck, making your device accessible at all times.

Vuori Miles Ankle Pants

“Vuori is my holy grail pants brand,” one reviewer says, and that sentiment is shared among the masses. The brand is adored by hikers, travelers, yogis, and athleisure fanatics alike. I’m eyeing these Miles Ankle Pants, one of the top-rated hiking pants at REI which are 30 percent off right now. They’re made of super stretchy and lightweight fabric, and they’re designed to dry quickly to keep you comfortable on the trail.

Oboz Katabatic Mid Hiking Boots

This Oboz Katabatic shoe has been called the best vegan hiking boot by several shoppers at REI. Instead of leather, the upper is mesh reinforced with synthetic (thermoplastic polyurethane) overlays. According to reviews, the boots perform just as well as ones made of real leather, offering out-of-the-box comfort and the “best traction ever.” The mid-height ankle will help stabilize your foot on uneven terrain, and the cushioned footbed will provide all-day comfort.

Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar

Have you ever felt the heartbreak of realizing your highly anticipated hiking snack has been crushed into a fine, inedible dust in your backpack? If you have, you’ll gladly spend $31 on this Hydro Flash jar to make sure it never happens again. This insulated container not only keeps chips and pretzels in their original form, but it also ensures your morning oatmeal stays cold and your campsite chili stays hot. Over 1,300 Amazon shoppers claim it’s a five-star worthy product, too.

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

The UPF 50+ Sombra Sun Hoodie from Cotopaxi is meant to keep you cool, shaded, and odor-free with recycled fabric that’s coated in an antimicrobial finish. It’s stretchy and has a zippered pocket on the backside for stashing essentials or snacks. The pretty pastel colors are a highlight if you’re averse to the eye-popping neons that are ubiquitous in outdoor apparel.

Ecosox Bamboo Viscose Hiking Socks

These Ecosox socks are on sale for a low $8, and they’re the best hiking socks of all time, in my book. While many other brands use wool, these are made with bamboo viscose, which is just as soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking as more expensive materials — if not better. Reviewers swear they’re the best socks you’ll ever wear, and I say they’re right. I’ll be stocking up on extra pairs for my next hiking trip.

Hydrapeak 1L Stow Bottle

This water bottle essentially creates space in your pack as you drink water. The flexible material allows the bottle to fold down to pocket size when empty; yet it holds its shape when full so it won’t flop around when you’re drinking from it, like other collapsible water bottles. It’s BPA- and PVC-free and can hold ice or hot liquid to 140 degrees (basically the temperature of a really hot coffee). Grab the 32-ounce version now for under $20.

iWalk Portable Phone Charger

This portable charger is awesome for hiking cord-free. It plugs directly into your phone (as long as it’s USB-C compatible) and can fully charge it in around 30 minutes, reviewers say. Weighing just a quarter of an ounce, it’s much lighter and smaller than other charging “bricks,” so you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down.

The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie

The Antora Rain Hoodie is one of the top-rated waterproof layers at REI, and I love its stylish boxy design paired with lots of functionality. It’s made of treated recycled nylon that’s water- and wind-proof, and it has all sorts of bonus features to keep you and your things dry, such as an internal phone pocket and a drawcord at the hem. 

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