Best Hiking Gear 2024

Here's my unsponsored and non-promoted hiking gear list. I'm only sharing the gear that actually works and that you'll find me with on the trail. It's all been tested over hundreds of miles of hiking and backpacking.

Day Hiking Essentials

1. Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI | Review )
   There are some exciting new satellite communicators on the market, and having tested them all, I can tell you that the Garmin inReach is the gold standard and one you can feel comfortable relying on to save your life. The Mini 2 model is rugged, tiny, and has a long battery life.
2. HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
   Hiking with the Speedgoat is like hiking on air. They're well-cushioned, lightweight, and dry quickly. They run small, so I recommend getting a half-size larger in a wide. When you size up, the toe box is wide enough not to smush your toes together. If I need a more rugged choice, for example, in heavy mud or off-trail, I hike with the Terraventure 4.‍
3. Osprey Stratos / Sirrus ( Men / Women )
   There are more great backpacks out there than ever, but when you balance all the features like weight, comfort, and price, the Stratos and Sirrus are the best options for most hikers. You can see my video that dives into the features here. If you want a minimal and much lighter pack, check out the Zpacks Sub-Nero 30L, which I sometimes use as well (video here). And ditch the pack cover and go with a pack liner or garbage / contractor bag inside, it's much more effective.

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HikingGuy writes an extensive list of some of the best hiking gear in 2023. If you are interested and want to learn more of his suggestions, continue reading the complete article here.