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You’ve probably heard how great hiking is for your health. Research shows that getting active outside not only has all the physical benefits of hitting the gym, but it may also boost your creativity and problem-solving skills in unique ways. In one study, a total immersion in nature (specifically within a group of hikers) resulted in a 50% increase in performance in creative activity.
But if you’ve never been much of a hiker, all that rocky terrain can seem daunting — and so can all the gear you might need. We know what you're thinking: How do I choose hiking boots? Why do I need a compass? What in the world would I do with a headlamp?
Ahead, we’ve got your guide to the handiest gear for a hike — whether it's your first or 50th time hitting the trails.
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The Right Boots
This pair is waterproof and breathable, so they will take you from shorter day hikes to long-haul backpacking trips.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots, $230, available at REI.
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Keep Your Feet Dry
Not all trails are made equal, and the best way to be prepared is to prevent soggy socks before they happen. These breathable shoes are perfect for when your hike takes you to wetter, muddier routes.
Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Shoe, $130, available at Ahnu.
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A Comfortable Pack
Keep all your essentials in a lightweight backpack that doubles as a tote.
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack, $79, available at Patagonia.
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A Way To Stay Organized
Need more places to stash stuff? Small and versatile, this backpack comes with extra pockets — including one that’s lined to protect your sunglasses.
Evrgrn Kickback Pack, $59, available at REI.
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A Way To Stay Hydrated
Don't forget to hydrate! This stainless-steel bottle will keep your water cold, and it comes with an easy-access sport cap.
Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $20.95, available at REI.
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The Perfect Smoothie Bottle
Say goodbye to lumpy smoothies and protein shakes. This bottle comes with a wire whisk that'll shake up your mixes for the perfect consistency.
Blender Bottle Classic, $9.99, available at Blender Bottle.
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Sunscreen
You already wear sunscreen on a daily basis, right? It’s especially vital to load up on SPF when you’re spending hours outside. This lightweight yet powerful one from Neutrogena will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays — even during the most intense (a.k.a. sweatiest) hike. Just don’t forget to reapply.
Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Sunscreen, $10.95, available at Ulta.
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An Old-Fashioned Guide
Your phone’s GPS might not be enough to guide you through every trail; after all, no one wants to be lost in the middle of nowhere because cell service went out. It’s always safer to have a compass (and a map of your trail) on hand.
Suunto A-30 SF Metric Compass, $32.95, available at Suunto.
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Pants You Can Move In
Sure, you could probably get away with your favorite pair of sweatpants, but why not splurge on something that's designed to keep you dry? This pair is made with sweat-wicking fabric.
Athleta Trekkie Joggers, $89, available at Athleta.
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Non-Slip Sunglasses
Built to stay on your face through uphill and downhill treks.
Oakley Moonlighter Prizm Daily Polarized Sunglasses, $180, available at Oakley.
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A Long-Haul Lifesaver
If you know you’re going on a trail that doesn’t offer the best bathroom situation (or any bathroom situation at all), this might become your new best friend. Made from medical-grade silicone that conforms to your body, the GoGirl allows you to go to the bathroom anywhere. While standing up.
GoGirl Female Urination Device, $9.99, available at Target.
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Extra Sun Protection
Perfect for a light day hike, this visor keeps the sun (and sweat) out of your eyes so you can focus on navigating the trail.
Athleta Mesh Visor, $28, available at Athleta.
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An Insect Repellent
There are definite benefits to the great outdoors, but bug bites are not one of them. This bug spray contains DEET, an active ingredient that wards off mosquitos and ticks (which can spread Lyme disease).
Repel 100% Deet Pump, $7.97, available at Wal-Mart.
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Disinfect On The Go
In an ideal world, there would be a (clean) bathroom rest stop along every trail, or at least a place to wash the dirt and dust off your hands. Since we don’t live in that world, there’s always Purell.
Purell Hand Sanitizer, $2.67, available at Target.
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Non-Slip Socks
When you're in the middle of an intense hike, having your socks slipping down your foot can be one of the most annoying feelings in the world. These puppies will stay on your feet and keep sweat at bay.
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Mini Socks, $17.95, available at REI.
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A Worthy Splurge
These four-way stretch trekking trousers are made for optimal mobility and durability, making them a great investment piece for hiking enthusiasts.
Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers. $150, available at Fjallraven.
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For The More Adventurous Hiker
If your trek takes you to some dark places (literally), it’s best to have a good safety net — in the form of a headlamp. This one is washable and weather-resistant. And unlike a flashlight, it’s hands-free.
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp, $19.95, available at Backcountry.
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A Way To Stay Dry
Since you can’t control the weather, make sure your wardrobe is versatile. This rain jacket is suitably waterproof and windproof, but it’s also lightweight and breathable enough for any forecast.
REI Co-Op Rain Jacket, $79.50, available at REI.
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An Emergency Kit
Nobody wants to be caught with a blister, in the middle of a hiking trail, with no Band-Aids on hand. It’s best to have a few essentials with you, just in case you need to take care of minor scrapes, cuts, or even sprains.
Johnson & Johnson All Purpose First Aid Kit, $9.99, available at Target.
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A Sweat-Proof Top
Evie’s special Drirelease technology promises to wick away sweat, keeping you moisture-free even on the hottest of days. Plus, it has mesh panels for underarm ventilation and even has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 to keep you safe from the sun.
Marmot Evie Top, $40, available at Marmot.
Photo: Courtesy of Marmot.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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