Below you’ll find a list of gear that I typically have with me depending on the activity I’m doing. I won’t list anything here that I personally do not own. I put my trust in these products to ensure my trip out on the trails is memorable and safe.
There are a few things that are important to me when I buy gear for the outdoors. 1. it has to be functional/practical and add to my enjoyment of my adventures, and 2. it can’t break the bank. I’m a weekend outdoor enthusiast, and not a pro-hiker setting out on multi-day/week treks. My purchases need to make sense for my budget and for the level of pursuit I’m chasing.
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Hiking
Hiking Boots: I’ve been a long time fan of Merrell hiking boots and shoes. I find I don’t need high top boots so much anymore, so my last couple of purchases I’ve gone with the walnut colored Merrell Hiking Shoe. I love these for their comfort and stability.
Water Bottle: If I’m not bringing a backpack of some sort, then I’m typically going on a shorter hike, but in any case I’ll still need water. I don’t take any chances with dehydration in the hot summer sun in SoCal, so I’ll ususall bring my Costco-purchased 20 oz insulated water bottle, or for slightly longer hikes my 40 oz IRON FLASK Sports Water Bottle. It’s doubled walled insulation keeps cold water very cold for many hours!
Hats: I don’t typically wear baseball hats, as I find they don’t provide the sun coverage that I need. I often go with a large straw hat or my waterproof foldable wide brim sun hat. This style is perfect for packing in a backpack, as it can easily fold over on itself.
Sleeves: For those days where it’s too hot for long sleeves, or you need protection from scrapes along single track trails, Sun Protection Arm Sleeves are a great option. Easy to pack in your backpack for any time you need them.
Hydration Backpack: Go with comfort on this one. Find an option that fits you well, has good support, and can carry everything you need (including enough water for your hike) while on the trail. I have a couple of these – a larger and smaller option. The smaller option, which I go with 75% of the time is my Miracol Hiking Backpack with 2L Bladder.
Hiking socks: like with hiking boots, I tend to go a little fancy with hiking socks. Those 5-10 mile hikes are where these really pay off. Darn Tough are as reputable as they come in the hiking world. Your feet will thank you!
Biking
Tire & Tube: I often go for many miles on trails, sometimes by myself, so I don’t take chances when it comes to flat tires. I go with a triple layer protected King Trail tire, fitted with slime filled tubes. In addition I carry an additional slime filled tube for those unlikely scenarios where I encounter a flat.
Tube repair kit: I try to avoid having to repair a tube while on the trails. That’s why I invest so heavily in good tires and tubes. However, I still plan for it, and do keep this tube repair kit in my saddle bag at all times. I mostly bought it for the tire removal tool, because I’ll most likely just do a replacement and later on I’ll attempt to fix the tube at home.
Oh, and don’t forget a mini tire pump. I carry this one.
Safety items: I don’t do night rides, but I always have a bright front light, and flashing red back lights on my bike. You never know when you might need them. Also, and this is really useful for you single track riders, I equip my bike with a Timber Mountain Bike Bell. This easily let’s you turn the bell on/off when you need it. It rattles continuously to warn trail users up ahead that you’re on the way.
Tech Stuff
I won’t go into a lot of detail on these items, but I do take these items with me depending on what I’m doing on the day.
iPhone for selfies and quick pics
Shokz bone conduction headphones
Health & Safety
Pepper spray – this is legal where I live. Don’t assume it is without checking wherever you are.
Sunscreen
Other stuff
MalsiPree Dog water bottle – makes quick water breaks very easy, and no water is wasted.