Best hiking gear on Reddit

123 reviews from r/hikinggear, r/hiking, r/socalhiking and 21 more subreddits

123 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

REI

4.3

(12)

"I'd highly recommend visiting an REI or similar and trying some on."

"If you are to splurge on anything I suggest boots."

"The REI tents and gear are really good quality and also more affordable."

"I love my REI brand hiking boots! Completely vegan and made from recycled materials."

"REI has a great return policy if you hit the trails and find they aren’t as good as you had hoped."

"REI makes some petite sizes in their store brands - definitely for pants (first time I ever got hiking pants that fit me!)"

"Consider buying a tent that’s rated for one person more than you plan on having in there."

"REI sells return items as 'used' gear on their site."

"Great place to find used gear at affordable prices."

"Go to REI, or another personal service shop. They can measure you and help you compare a few options."

Decathlon

4.1

(9)

"Just another vote for Decathlon, they’ve got some UK46 stuff."

"Decathlon in Festival Mall or Tiendesitas for the apparel."

"Decathlon"

"You'll find the cheapest gear at Decathlon."

"Light and comfortable backpack suitable for day hikes."

"As others have said, Decathlon is good for cheap stuff."

"Decathlon is cheap and has good sizing."

"Decathlon has from really cheap stuff to decent mid range. Clothes/packs are generally decent quality and quite cheap."

"I don't like the city centre shops because everything is either overpriced or of poor quality. It would be no harm looking at Decathlon online."

Darn Tough

5.0

(7)

"Always Darn Tough or Smartwool socks."

"Darn Tough socks are incredibly comfortable and warm."

"Good quality hiking socks that are worth the investment."

"I swear by Darn Tough socks, they are great for hiking."

"Darn Tough socks on top work well with the liners."

"Highly recommend a rain shell with arm pit vents."

"Another great option for cushioned, dry feet."

Ruffwear

5.0

(7)

"It works perfectly for my dog when we do overnight backpacking."

"A cooling jacket is an essential for my dog."

"Essential in mountainous terrain"

"I love Ruff Wear stuff. The quality is great."

"I have their swamp cooler too and it's awesome."

"I am a huge fan of Ruffwear. We use a palasides pack with a brush guard, as well as their booties."

"It works well and can fit a gallon jug in each pouch."

Walmart

4.3

(8)

"A 0 degree sleeping bag is great for 20-45 degree camping."

"Camping is mostly free besides the food, and Walmart gear has lasted through dozens of trips."

"Walmart has a lot of good stuff for very cheap, including $10 sleeping bags."

"You can find $35 tents that are great for camping."

"The $15 hiking stove is perfect for small propane or butane tanks."

"Good hiking backpacks available for $20."

"Walmart has hammocks and chairs for outdoor relaxation."

"The $5 cooking dish set includes a pan, lid, plate, and cup."

Smartwool

4.8

(5)

"The Smartwool beanie is warm and lightweight, perfect for outdoor activities."

"Cushioned and keep feet dry, essential for hiking."

"Light, moisture-wicking, and durable, they resist odor well."

"Smartwool baselayer is great for keeping warm while moving."

"Smartwool offers great sports bras and base layers for winter."

N/A

4.2

(5)

"Get yourself some trekking poles. They save me pain, keep me safer, and ultimately allow me to enjoy my time outdoors far more than without."

"If you just want a basic hydration pack and the ability to store poles then have a look for a race vest."

"I like an umbrella for rainy hiking in the tropics."

"I hadn't really thought about a pack towel, what size would you recommend?"

"Do you have a camp shovel to use when you go to the bathroom in the woods?"

Lowa

4.3

(4)

"Lowa Renegade in 1/2-1 size larger than your street shoe size with custom insoles, trekking poles and a well-fitted backpack are must-haves in my opinion."

"Solid hiking boots that are comfortable, grippy, and not too heavy."

"Great approach shoes that can be combined with trail running gaiters."

"Avoid: Columbia, Merrell, The North Face, Salomon."

SmartWool

5.0

(3)

"Always Darn Tough or Smartwool socks."

"I wear Hoka's and Smartwool socks on all hikes, I find that they dry up with no added friction after my water crossings during the hike."

"Big fan of merino wool baselayers when it gets cold."

#10

Outdoor Gear

5.0

(3)

"The fall and winter are my favorite times to do those hikes. Less people, less sweat, and in the winter - less rocks."

"Essential gear for hiking in the Canadian Rockies, prepared for all weather conditions."

"Always pack a light rain jacket for hiking in Colorado."

#11

Trekking Poles

4.7

(3)

"A game changer for sore knees and back."

"Bring trekking poles for balance when doing river crossings."

"I’m a fan of trekking poles. If you are too, then bring them."

#12

Sawyer

4.3

(3)

"I really like the Sawyer squeeze for multiday trips."

"I’d just go with a Sawyer or similar screw on filter."

"The Sawyer Squeeze is a great water treatment option, though the mini is frustratingly slow."

#13

Wool Socks

5.0

(2)

"Wool socks will keep your feet comfortable in all conditions."

"A good pair of wool socks is as important as shoes."

#14

Hiking Gear

5.0

(2)

"Good wool socks, usually wool or thermal longjohn undies, hiking pants on top of that, then layers on my top- long sleeved wool base, medium weight fleece, and either a hard shell or a puffy for when I stop moving."

"Moosejaw.com Rei.com Steepandcheap.com Campmor.com Sierratradingpost.com Mountainsteals.com Definitely agree with hestra Or Outdoor research"

#15

Arcteryx

5.0

(2)

"I like Arcteryx pants/capris for hiking."

"The Arcteryx jacket fits like a dream and was a great deal."

#16

Patagonia

5.0

(2)

"Also, Patagonia nanopuff for an insulated jacket."

"Patagonia (Super Cell Jacket, Nano Puff® Jacket, The Capilene® 2 Lightweight Zip Neck."

#17

Arc'teryx

5.0

(2)

"Incredibly comfortable and not super long, great for low key hiking."

"Lightweight, good wind and humidity protection, allows layering for warmth."

#18

Hoka

4.5

(2)

"I wear Hoka's and Smartwool socks on all hikes, I find that they dry up with no added friction after my water crossings during the hike."

"Shoe brands: Altra, Hoka, Lowa, Saucony, Topo Athletics, Scarpa, Asolo."

#19

Rain Jacket

4.5

(2)

"Always have a rain jacket that's good quality and will actually keep you dry"

"A rain jacket is a good option for wet weather."

#20

Trespass

3.0

(2)

"The gear is reasonably priced for the level of quality offered."

"Trespass gear is cheap but low quality, you might get a season out of it."

#21

Cotswold

3.0

(2)

"Cotswold is the only shop that tends to have staff that are knowledgeable and actually hike/do outdoors stuff."

"Very limited choice and pricey."

#22

Brooks

5.0

(1)

"Get yourself some trekking poles. They save me pain, keep me safer, and ultimately allow me to enjoy my time outdoors far more than without."

#23

Hiking Essentials

5.0

(1)

"Small backpack Water bottle Sunscreen Something in case it rains (shell) Something in case it’s cold (mid layer) Sunglasses Poles Bear spray (buy here) Poles Boots or hiking shoes Snacks"

#24

Gaiters

5.0

(1)

"Depending on snow level, you might also want to consider getting gaiters"

#25

Hiking Clothing

5.0

(1)

"I would have a good wool base layer, insulating layer and a light water resistant shell."

#26

RR

5.0

(1)

"I’ve had my RR hiking pants/zip-off shorts since 1999. And they still work perfectly."

#27

Ben's Bug Spray

5.0

(1)

"Ben's Bug Spray has been keeping the bugs away from my husband and I all summer."

#28

Bear Spray

5.0

(1)

"Don't forget bear spray, a must have."

#29

Wilderdog

5.0

(1)

"We have one from wilder dog that we like a lot!"

#30

Tarptent

5.0

(1)

"~85 inch length and less than 3 lbs with poles, stakes, ground sheet, etc."

#31

Regatta

5.0

(1)

"I have tried Regatta Action trousers which have been a staple for me."

#32

5.11

5.0

(1)

"Their Stryke pants make great hiking trousers and have an adjustable waist."

#33

Big Agnes

5.0

(1)

"All Big Agnes tents and Sawyer water filters are on sale next week at REI."

#34

Osprey

5.0

(1)

"Osprey packs are very popular. The Atmos is the top seller."

#35

Zion Guru

5.0

(1)

"Zion Guru has some really great employees, They were really nice and helpful, I recommend them 100%."

#36

Merino Wool Socks

5.0

(1)

"This is the best value on merino wool socks."

#37

Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

5.0

(1)

"I love my Thermarest Z seat for trail breaks."

#38

Hiking Gear for Dogs

5.0

(1)

"My favorite hiking gear for dogs includes a well-fitted harness, a collapsible water bowl, dog boots for rough terrain, and a lightweight, durable leash."

#39

Smartwool Base Layer

4.0

(1)

"- Base layer of (smart)wool"

#40

Zoleo Satellite Communicator

4.0

(1)

"...a satellite communicator (I use a Zoleo, but most people seem to prefer the G."

#41

Ketl Mountain Apparel

4.0

(1)

"They have hiking clothes and accessories that you might need."

#42

Lighterpack

4.0

(1)

"Lighterpack.com"

#43

Outdoor Gear Lab

4.0

(1)

"Outdoorgearlab.com will help you do some of your own research."

#44

Water Shoes

4.0

(1)

"Cheap Lycra rubber-soled water shoes, baby!"

#45

Backcountry

4.0

(1)

"Backcountry.com"

#46

Nuuly

4.0

(1)

"I’ve been using Nuuly for maternity rentals (100/mo to get six items) in general and they have some puffer maternity coats and warm sweaters."

#47

Emergency USA

4.0

(1)

"Emergency USA mylar blankets are more affordable than the Oceas brand and the same quality."

#48

Hiking Poles

4.0

(1)

"Poles, if you like ‘em. Makes creaky knees less creaky."

#49

Trail Runners

4.0

(1)

"I wear highly breathable trail runners because I get the hot feet."

#50

Amazon

4.0

(1)

"Cheap Lycra rubber-soled water shoes, baby!"

#51

Fi

4.0

(1)

"He wears a Fi collar in case he were to get off leash"

#52

Frogg Toggs

4.0

(1)

"You might consider something like a Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2."

#53

Paria Outdoors

4.0

(1)

"A couple of companies that have good gear that won’t break the bank: 1) Paria Outdoors 2) Outdoor Vitals 3) Granite Gear 4) REI brand gear items 5) Decathlon"

#54

Contra Sports

4.0

(1)

"Now it's better weather try Contra Sports. Their stuff is really good quality."

#55

Backpacking Gear

4.0

(1)

"You seem to be missing a few pieces that I would recommend; headlamp/flashlight, rain cover for pack, trash bag, hat, fuel, lighters, and bit of duct tape for repairs."

#56

Chaco

4.0

(1)

"I wear my Chaco sandals in these instances"

#57

Day Bag

4.0

(1)

"I absolutely love it. It's the perfect casual day bag, especially for the price."

Discover your audience

GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.

If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.

Tell me more

Get started