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Essential Hiking Gear for Cross-Training on Trails
These 11 pieces of day-hiking gear are essential for cross training in the mountains.
Day hikes are an excellent alternative to trail runs, either on cross-training days or as a leisure activity on rest days. Hikes can also double as beta-gathering sessions for future trail runs, and most of us end up hiking parts of our longer runs anyway.
Hiking some of your weekly mileage is a great way to help relieve overuse fatigue associated with the repetitive motion and higher impact of running, and hiking helps strengthen complementary muscles you’ll use later on the hiking portion of runs. And honestly? A lovely day hike can just be a nice, relaxing outdoor activity with no training strings attached.
For those days where you’re hitting the trail at a walk instead of a run, we’ve listed a variety of gear to get you safely and comfortable from trailhead to trailhead. Our recommendations for the best hiking gear includes apparel, footwear, packs, and smaller items that you might not think of immediately but you won’t be sorry to carry.
Best Hiking Gear
The Expert: I started hiking in New Hampshire with my dad when I was just a kid, eventually ticking off most of the state’s 4,000-footer list. My hiking took me across the country when I moved out west to continue exploring the mountains and trails on the other side of the U.S. My outings range from 1-hour trail jaunts on local trails to bagging 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and full-day traverses across epic ridgelines. I’ve hiked in the swamps of Florida, through Utah canyons, the desert floor in Death Valley, and the high peaks in the Rockies.
I’ve been writing about hiking and backpacking and the gear it entails since 2013. My gear reviews and other work has appeared in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, Backpacking Light, The Trek, among other outlets. In 2020, I cofounded Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
What to Consider
Is your hike for cross-training or leisure?
You can power up a mountain at a hard-charging pace or enjoy a leisurely afternoon on a mellow trail, but you’ll use different gear for both. You’ll need to carry more water for higher exertion, and trekking poles aren’t a bad idea for hikes with significant elevation gain and loss.
Wear similar clothes as you would for running in those conditions that will allow greater freedom of movement and efficient sweat wicking. For leisurely hikes, your more standard hiking clothes will work fine, and chances are you can take a smaller pack and leave the trekking poles at home. You’ll also be working less hard on a leisurely hike
Can you combine your hiking and running gear?
Sure! Most trail running gear will easily translate to hiking gear, and many of the items we’ve listed here are probably already living in your closet, or at least something comparable. From trail running shoes to sun-protecting hats to z-fold trekking poles, much of your trail running gear crosses over into day hikes.
If you plan to go off trail, you’ll want something more rugged than your ultralight running shorts, and since you’re walking instead of running you can carry more in your pack without worrying about bounce. Still, the similarities in terrain and output between the two activities allows for plenty of cross-sport gear and apparel.
What will the trail conditions and weather consist of?
Similar to leisure versus cross-training, consider the conditions of your hike and build your gear out from there. Is the trail muddy? You might want waterproof hiking shoes. Snowy? Consider lightweight gaiters. Will you be hiking above the treeline but starting down lower? You’ll definitely need an extra layer and maybe a warmer hat in your pack.
Since hiking allows for more gear in your pack, consider packing sunscreen and an extra layer or two, and always check the trail conditions before you head out. Just because the trailhead conditions are good, it doesn’t mean you won’t encounter creeks, snow, or mud further down.
How We Evaluated This Hiking Gear
In curating these recommendations, I chose gear that I have tested and loved for many miles of hiking over the years. Some of these time-tested models are in their second decade of iterations, and others are newer models. Not only are these my go-to items, but most are also proven popular among other avid hikers. All this hiking gear is reasonably priced and should last season after season.
Pros
- Plush underfoot comfort
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Zero-drop design might take some getting used to
At first glance, this wide, flat-looking shoe might look goofy, but trust me when I say it’s one of the most comfortable long-distance shoes you’ll ever wear. Altra’s FootShape toe box, which is wider than standard trail shoes, allows your toes to splay out and provides more grip on inclines and descents.
The zero-drop shoe encourages a more natural stride, helps strengthen muscles in the feet, and can reduce calf fatigue for some people. The Lone Peak has out-of-the-box comfort, comes with either standard or waterproof uppers, has excellent wet and dry traction, and will last a solid 500 miles.
Osprey Skarab 22 Hydration Pack - Men's
Osprey Skarab 22 Hydration Pack - Men's
Pros
- Wide-mouth top lid for easy packing
- Comes with a reservoir
Cons
- Hip belt could be more substantial
For a full-day hiking pack, 20 to 24 liters is a good baseline size, with more than enough space for layers, snacks, and water for longer outings. This pack hugs close to your back with a multi-layer perforated mesh over a foam back sheet for stability without getting sweaty, and stretchy water bottle pockets you can reach without taking the pack off.
This has a wide-mouth design that makes for easy packing, and comes with a 2.5L reservoir. This pack has a minimal hip belt made from webbing, which adds enough stability for lighter loads, but we’re missing the hip belt pockets from the larger-capacity Skarab 30. The Skarab doesn’t come in a women’s version, but for a comparable pack with a women’s-specific fit, we love the Sirrus 24.
Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Vest
Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Vest
Pros
- Includes two soft flasks
- Easy organization for small items
- Designed for runners, so bounce-free fit
Cons
- Too small for hikes where you need more layers
The Salomon Adv Skin 12 was designed for runners, which means you probably have something along these lines in your closet already. This pack pulls double duty for day hikes as well as runs, and has the benefit of being bounce-free for added comfort on jolting descents.
The 12 liters is more than enough space for hiking essentials, including a wind layer, hat, gloves, water, and snacks. It comes with two soft flasks for easy-access water, and is reservoir-compatible for longer outings where you’ll need more water.
This has an incredibly precise fit for a unisex pack, and comes in sizes XS-XL. The front and side pockets are easy to reach without taking the pack off, and the open top and side pockets are convenient for layers and snacks.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Pros
- Ultralight wind and rain protection
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- No hand pockets
The Helium is a time-tested, ultralight rain jacket, available in sizes up to 3XL for men and 3X for women. The men’s medium weighs just 6.3 ounces, only a few ounces more than a non-waterproof wind layer.
Outdoor Research installs a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof, breathable membrane that lets you dump heat through micropore evaporation without letting water in should the skies open up. The high neck and fitted hood provide excellent protection against blowing rain, and a slightly longer hem fits well under a pack without pouring water down the back of your shorts.
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Everyday Racerback Tank Top
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Everyday Racerback Tank Top
Pros
- Comfortable, quick-drying, and durable
Cons
When it comes to hiking tops, you don’t need to buy the most expensive brand-names at specialty stores. Any loose-fitting, sweat-wicking shirt will work just fine. The airy nylon-spandex blend in the Power Flex (also used in the men’s Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt) stayed remarkably odor-resistant, dried quickly, and didn’t cling or stick to my body under a pack.
The longer hemline on both the racerback and the short-sleeve also stays put under a pack’s hip-belt, so you won’t be adjusting bunching fabrics. These are affordable, stretchy, fit true to size, and hold up well for during full seasons of heavy use.
Related: The Best Workout Shirts for Women
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew
Pros
- Stay-put fit
- Durable construction
Cons
Smartwool consistently puts out some of the best hiking socks on the market, and this recently updated sock is no exception. The Hike Light Cushion blends wicking, temperature-regulating Merino wool with sturdy nylon, and the result is a sock that won’t stretch out, shift, or soak through so your feet stays dry and blister-free. Articulated arches lend support, and reinforced toes and heels ensure long-lasting durability.
Tracksmith Session Shorts
Pros
- Durable and comfortable
- Antimicrobial liner
Cons
The Session are my go-to shorts for day hiking as well as backpacking, and they survived a 500-mile trip this past summer in excellent shape. They are made of a barely-there four-way stretch fabric that is durable, stretchy, lightweight, and dries quickly.
They also have an antimicrobial liner that doesn’t cause chafing, and a light, not-too-compressing waistband. The women’s version has a 2.5-inch inseam, and the men’s version comes with a choice of 5- or 7-inch inseam.
Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover
Pros
- Excellent at wicking sweat and moisture
- Warm
Cons
- Could use more pockets
This is one of the best sweat-wicking mid layers I’ve worn. It works well providing insulation while not getting soggy during ascents. Credit to the microgrid construction that saves weight without losing warmth and the ActiveTemp fabric, Outdoor Research’s thermoregulating fabric treatment.
I’d love to see a zipper chest pocket or side pocket on this, but the kangaroo pocket does fine for keeping my hands warm or stashing items I want to keep accessible. It features a high neck for added draft protection, and the moderate cut easily fits over a base layer as well as underneath an insulating or outer layer.
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
Pros
- Easy to collapse and deploy
- Secure locking mechanism
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only one length once deployed
With the longest pair still weighing under 15 ounces, these trekking poles are a sturdy, lightweight option for stability and muscle support on day hikes. These are easy to deploy thanks to the internal cordage and the z-fold construction that locks securely in place and collapses in seconds.
These poles come in four sizes and fold down to 13 to 17 inches, with fully extended lengths between about 30 and 51 inches. While we love carbon, we chose an aluminum set of poles for this recommendation. Aluminum has a minor weight penalty, but is more durable for rocky terrain where you’re more likely to get your pole tip wedged between rocks.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Trail Cap
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Trail Cap
Pros
- Ultralight and packable
- UPF50+ sun protection
Cons
- Foldable smaller brim means slightly less protection
Weighing less than 2 ounces and folding into your pocket, this UPF50+ hat is the perfect on-trail companion. This hat has a sweat-wicking brim for the hottest days and a DWR finish for keeping the rain off your head, as well as a clever “Sunglass Lock” that holds your shades in place.
This is a durable, lightweight trail hat that won’t take up extra room in your pack, but realistically, most running-style caps (or even trucker hats) will do the job on trail.
Just make sure you have a sweat-wicking band and the hat material is breathable. If you’re looking for full-coverage, you can always opt for a bucket-style hat like the Outdoor Research Bugout Brim hat preferred by many alpine hikers and desert hikers.
Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants
Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants
Pros
- Two convenient ways to wear them
- Ease of on-trail movement
- Soft, breathable fabric
Cons
We know, convertible pants are very much giving 1990’s dad-at-a-barbecue vibe. But hear us out: these wicking nylon pants have a soft brushed fabric that feels like cotton but breathes like technical gear, and they have a classically relaxed fit that doesn’t bunch or sag.
These pants zip off into 10-inch shorts, the perfect length for warmer-weather hikes. Kuhl even advertises their zip-off system as “stealth” because we know most people don’t want to be advertising their full-leg zippers. Kuhl doesn’t make these in a women’s model, but the Freeflex is a close model.
What Gear Expert Maggie Slepian Never Leaves Behind
RW: What’s one must-have gear that you always hike with?
M.S.: My grab-and-go piece of gear for day hiking is definitely the Nathan Pinnacle Hydration Vest. I love the way it fits like an extra layer while still having enough capacity for snacks, water, and rain gear. I can run sections of trail without worrying about it bouncing, and it comes in bright, fun colors.
I keep this pack filled with the necessities during my main hiking season, including a light wind layer, a handful of energy gels, and my soft-flask bottles. When I’m ready to go, I just grab it and head out the door.
RW: Which do you prefer: a hydration reservoir or a water bottle? Why?
M.S.: I am definitely a water bottle hiker. When I first started hiking, I only used hydration reservoirs, then quickly discovered I didn’t like digging around in the pack for the reservoir to refill it.
Water bottles stashed in side pockets are easier for me to access, I can easily tell how much water I have left, and they’re simpler to clean than reservoirs, especially if I’m using electrolyte powder. For longer hikes, I use tall, narrow bottles like Smartwater or LifeWater in the side pockets of a larger pack, and for shorter outings, I use soft flasks in the front pockets of a running-style pack.
RW: How do you find new trails to hike?
M.S.: The internet might have its downsides, but the right site can be a gold mine for hiking routes and trails. As with anything online, I recommend carefully vetting all sources, and finding at least one backup for each trail to make sure the map, GPS data, and description are accurate.
My own site has been a true resource for me (thanks writers!), as well as Hiking Project and AllTrails. I also use apps like Gaia, Hiiker, and FarOut for GPS tracks, maps, and trail beta. For hiking locally, guidebooks and local publications are my best resource.
RW: What safety tips do you have for new hikers?
M.S.: Bring the right wicking layers, and prepare to be out longer than you think you’ll be. Always carry enough water to get you through the whole hike, or carry a water filter for longer outings that you know have water sources.
Pack a variety of calorie-dense, easy-to-digest snacks, and be sure to check trail conditions, weather forecast, and let someone know where you’re going. It’s also worth downloading a GPS map in case you get turned around or lose service, especially on longer hikes.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
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