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
Felix Gray Roebling Sunglasses Review
Felix Gray Roebling: Style, glare reduction, and excellent shade in a compact pair of sunglasses. Get them for all your city excursions.
Ombraz Dolomite Armless Sunglasses Review
Ombraz Dolomite Armless Sunglasses review: Ample sun protection with premium materials, wide coverage, and striking style. Oh, and no sidearms.
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Review
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 review: Durable design, ample storage options, and impressive structural support are the true pillars of this iconic hydration pack.
Sunski Headlands Review
Sunski Headlands Review: Simple, effective, and polarized, an affordable, do-it-all solution to active sunglasses. Get them for the ease of use, keep going back for the Lifetime Warranty.
BioLite PowerLight Mini Review
BioLite PowerLight Mini review: the Swiss Army Knife of camp lanterns. A versatile, practical light that is ideal for use in a variety of applications.
Patagonia Quandary Shorts Review
Patagonia Quandary Shorts review: stretchy, durable adventure shorts that have ample pockets and breathe with the best of them.
Patagonia Baggies Review
The Patagonia Baggies thrive in the “chill” department. They are no-fuss, good-looking, surprisingly quick-drying shorts that you can wear for days on end.
Deuter Speed Lite 20 Review
A do-it-all medium-sized lightweight day pack that can handle a multitude of outdoor adventures.
Osprey Stratos 24 Review
Osprey Stratos 24 review: feature-filled backpack with robust suspension, well-placed pockets, and more carrying capacity than its 24-liter package lets on.
Lems Boulder Boot Review 2020
Lems Boulder Boots: lightweight, durable, and comfortable zero-drop boots that wear well on trail and on pavement. They pack away amazingly small, too.
Day Hiker Outdoor Guides
The Best Outdoor Holiday Gifts for 2020
We showcase the best outdoor holiday gifts for 2020. Packed with stocking stuffers and showstopping gear for the outdoor adventurers on your shopping list.
The Best Hiking Boots of 2020
We highlight the best hiking boots after researching and testing. Find the perfect lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight hiking boot for you!
How to Repair Holes in Your Camping Gear
Taking gear outside means a few rips will occur. We explain how to repair camping gear, whether it’s holes a tent, sleeping bag, clothing, or sleeping pad.
REI Wedding Registry: How to Create One, Find One, and Add Gifts to One
The REI Wedding Registry is the most popular option for outdoor couples. See how to create one, how REI returns work, and what gifts you should include.
The Winter Guide to Baselayers
When it’s cold outside, you need clothing to keep you warm. Enter baselayers, long underwear, or thermal clothing. The Winter Guide to Baselayers is all about layering effectively in the coldest months of year.
Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide!
Haven’t finished your shopping? This Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide includes incredible products from unique brands. Look for extra discounts as well!
The 10 Best Rain Pants of 2020
Rain pants are a necessity for foul weather hiking. But what pair to get? We break down the 10 best rain pants on the market to find the right pair for you.
The Best Voices and Brands in Plus Size Outdoor Clothing
Plus size outdoor clothing hasn’t been acknowledged by the outdoor industry. We highlight the voices and brands that stand up for plus size outdoor clothing.
The Best Down Jackets of 2020
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.
How to Use Waterproofing Spray and Wash for Jackets, Tents, and Footwear
Raindrops keep falling on my head…but since I re-waterproofed my gear my eyes won’t be turning red! In short, modern waterproofing rocks. We’re able to march up mountains in gear that’s both waterproof and fairly breathable. What a time to be alive. Yet this waterproof-ability is a privilege, one that’s easily taken for granted. I’ve […]
