I Talked To Hikers And Hiked Hundreds Of Miles To find The Best Hiking Gear

Hiking is one of the easiest and most accessible outdoor activities, and we could all probably use a calming walk in the woods right about now. However, hiking and all the gear that comes with it can seem a bit daunting if you’ve never done it before. That’s why I tapped my years of experience and reached out to expert hikers for tips and advice for your first time out. I also asked them what to look for when buying new hiking gear so you can comfortably hit the trails all season long.

Below, I’ve listed some of my all-time favorite pieces of hiking gear, along with recommendations from the experts I talked to.

Continue reading to learn more about the best hiking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.

CNN: I Talked To Hikers And Hiked Hundreds Of Miles To find The Best Hiking Gear

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Kai Burkhardt

Last updated:

April 27, 2026

| 5 min read

Hiker with backpack walking on rocky trail surrounded by green trees and bushes in a forested mountain area.

I Talked To Hikers And Hiked Hundreds Of Miles To find The Best Hiking Gear

Below, I’ve listed some of my all-time favorite pieces of hiking gear, along with recommendations from the experts I talked to.

Continue reading to learn more about the best hiking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.

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CNN: I Talked To Hikers And Hiked Hundreds Of Miles To find The Best Hiking Gear

Kai Burkhardt

Last updated:

April 22, 2026

| 5 min read

I Talked To Hikers And Hiked Hundreds Of Miles To find The Best Hiking Gear

Below, I’ve listed some of my all-time favorite pieces of hiking gear, along with recommendations from the experts I talked to.

Continue reading to learn more about the best hiking gear, written by Kai Burkhardt.

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.

Editor, Outdoors, Sustainable Living & Pets, CNN Underscored

Kai Burkhardt

Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

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