The trail is calling. Well, the trail you can do in a day. The one your dogs can go on, the one you routinely use with your fitness tracker, the one with a beautiful vista or grove or clearing at the end that is perfect for a baguette and a bottle of wine.
Most of you hit that trail because you love the smell of clean air and want your daily dose of exercise. There’s no need to be narrow though — there are the gnarly trails, those in the double digit miles that ascend a thousand feet, the ones you have to embark upon at first light and scramble down in near-dark. You get outside because the getting is good out there.
Our Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for the Day Hiker are about function and joy. The bliss of a hard hike and the endorphins pouring through you; the comfort of a pack that sits perfect and carries the day’s essentials; the tips, tricks, and courtesies that turn a solo experience into a continual community of nature seekers.
Explore Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for Day Hiker below!
Day Hiker Gear Reviews
Gear Test: Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 12L Hydration Vest
Hands-on with the Nathan Sports Pinnacle Pro 12L, we’re seeing how this hydration vest holds up on the trail.
Gear Test: Biolite Dash 450 Headlamp
Testing the Biolite Dash 450 Headlamp where it matters most—out in the wild, where reliability is everything and performance can’t be compromised.
Gear Test: PAKA Women’s Alpaca Thermal Crew
We’re taking the PAKA Women’s Alpaca Thermal Crew on real adventures, putting this warm and breathable layer through its paces.
Gear Test: Darn Tough Treeline Micro Crew Hiking Socks
Out in the elements there’s no room for weak gear—so we’re seeing if the Darn Tough Treeline Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks hold their own.
Gear Test: noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness
With the Noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness, we’re diving into the action to see how this dog harness performs.
Gear Test: Mountain Hardwear Yumalina Active Pull-On Lined Jogger
We’re hitting the trail and beyond with the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Yumalina™ Active Pull-On Lined Jogger, putting these versatile joggers through their paces.
Gear Test: Shimoda Designs Action X50 V2
We’re testing the Shimoda Designs Action X50 V2, a rugged adventure camera backpack built for the wild outdoors.
Gear Test: Turtle Fur Whitman Beanie
We’re braving the elements with the Turtle Fur Whitman Beanie, putting its warmth and performance to the ultimate test.
Gear Test: Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody
We took the Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody straight into the wild to see how it stands up to the elements.
Gear Test: H20 Audio TRI 2 PRO Headphones
We’ve put the H20 Audio TRI 2 PRO Headphones through their paces, testing them rigorously during runs and cycling sessions.
Day Hiker Outdoor Guides
The 10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024
The best backpacking chairs will make camp way more comfortable. Lean back, get comfy, and prepare to find the right backpacking chair for you!
The Best Hiking Boots of 2024
We highlight the best hiking boots after researching and testing. Find the perfect lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight hiking boot for you!
The Best Hiking Sandals of 2024
We highlight the best hiking sandals of 2024 after researching and testing. Open toe, closed toe, or finger-style? Find the perfect hiking sandal for you!
The Best Hiking Shorts of 2024
Hiking shorts are the underrated all-stars of gear. The best hiking shorts kick sweat and chafe to the curb, and keep you trekking mile after mile.
The Best 9 Rain Ponchos of 2024
Rain ponchos are the preferred rain protection of many outdoorsy folks. Why? Cause they’re versatile. Here are the best Rain Ponchos of 2024.
The Best Down Jackets of 2024
The best down jackets will keep you cozy in the wilderness, on the couch, or at the bar. We have tested many, and list the best down jackets for you, here.
The Best Fleece Jackets of 2024
The best fleece jackets are cozy, breathable, versatile, full of zippers and have unique features. We list the best here, and what makes them shine.
Backpackers Guide to Fleece Jackets in 2024
This Guide to Fleece Jackets answers mysterious questions: What is fleece fabric? Is fleece warm? Is fleece breathable? And what’s recycled fleece? Read now.
The 10 Best Puffy Jackets on Amazon
Explore the best puffy jackets on Amazon for unbeatable warmth and style on your outdoor adventures this fall and winter.
Dog Lovers Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking with Your Pooch
When adventuring with your pup, you need to have the right gear for your dog to ensure their wellbeing. Here’s the best gear for dogs.