The Hiking
Packing List

Two DEET-free picks depending on who needs protection.

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus, 4oz: My go-to for kids. CDC-recommended plant-based formula, repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours, non-greasy. Safe for children 3 and older. Tip: spray the inside of their hoodie before putting it on to protect their head without spraying directly.

Sawyer Products SP576 20% Picaridin, 6oz Continuous Spray: My pick for adults and older kids. Picaridin is modeled after a natural compound found in black pepper plants. Odorless, non-greasy, won't damage clothing or gear, and provides up to 12 hours of protection. Wirecutter's top-rated insect repellent.

Proper sun protection on the trail means covering your face and your neck. Sunday Afternoons makes the best hiking hats I've found for every age and style preference. All are UPF 50+, lightweight, packable, and built specifically for outdoor adventure.

Young Kids (Ages 1-12): Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat: Wide brim all the way around with a 5.5-6" neck flap. Breakaway chinstrap, floatable brim, and three sizes to grow with your child. Stain-resistant, water-repellent, and packs flat.

Older Kids Who Want a Baseball Cap: Sunday Afternoons Kids Sun Chaser Cap: Looks like a standard baseball cap but has a removable neck cape that snaps on and off. Full UPF 50+ coverage with the look they actually want to wear on the trail.

Men: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat: Wirecutter's top pick for sun hats. Wide brim, 6" neck cape, moisture-wicking sweatband, side mesh ventilation, and a Sunglass Lock. Crushable brim folds flat for packing.

Adults Who Prefer a Baseball Cap: Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap: Looks like a standard baseball cap but has a 10" removable ventilated neck cape that snaps on and off in seconds. UPF 50+, made from 100% recycled materials, foldable Clamshell Brim packs flat, and a moisture-wicking sweatband keeps you comfortable on long hikes. Wear it with the cape for full trail protection, without it when you're done for the day.

Women: Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess Hat: Full sun protection that actually looks stylish. Wide 4" brim, 7" neck cape, ponytail-friendly opening at the back, Sunglass Lock, and a floral under-brim print. The hat that earns compliments on the trail.

The number one bestselling hiking boot in the world for over a decade. Famous for out-of-the-box comfort, waterproof membrane, Vibram TC5+ outsole, and mid-height ankle protection.

Women: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: Regular and wide widths. True to size.

Men: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: Multiple widths. True to size.

Kids: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: Same boot scaled for little feet. Reinforced toe cap, anti-stink lining, lightweight EVA construction.

Cotton socks on the trail are a recipe for blisters. Merino wool wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odor. Smartwool has been the standard since 1994.

Kids: Smartwool Hike Full Cushion Crew: Full cushioning, arch support, flat-knit toe seam. Available in patterns kids actually want to wear.

Men: Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew: Dense cushioning for longer treks, crew height to prevent boot chafing.

Women: Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew: Same construction as the men's, sized for women.

We are an Osprey family on the trail. Backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee. They'll repair or replace any damage for any reason, ever. We each carry different styles.

Women: Osprey Tempest 6L Lumbar Waist Pack: My preference for quick access to snacks, phone, and sunscreen without stopping. BioStretch hipbelt, dual water bottle sleeves, and zippered hip pockets.

Men: Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack: My husband's preference for extra storage. AirScape backpanel, hipbelt pockets, water bottle pockets, hydration sleeve, and trekking pole attachment points.

Kids: Osprey Talon Jr Hiking Backpack: Kid-sized version of the adult Talon. Hip belt pockets, hydration sleeve, and a blinker light loop for safety. Built for ages 7 and up.

How we did serious hikes with a toddler. At just under 5 lbs it's one of the lightest framed carriers available. Folds nearly flat, sets up in seconds, and adjusts 6 inches in torso length so both parents can share it. AirScape backpanel keeps it breathable and the Double Halo harness keeps your child secure. Holds up to 40 lbs.

Note: the UPF 50 sunshade is sold separately. Worth adding for exposed sunny trails.

Poles reduce strain on your knees going downhill, improve stability on uneven terrain, and make steep ascents easier. Aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, cork grip with extended EVA down grip, quick-lock adjustment from 26" to 54", and tungsten carbide tips. The tip kit covers every terrain condition. Packs down to under 22" for travel.

Staying hydrated on the trail is non-negotiable. The ThermoFlask 40oz holds enough water for a half-day hike without a refill, keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, and comes with both a chug spout and straw lid. Stainless steel, BPA-free, and leakproof. Large enough to matter, not so large it weighs you down.

On the trail you really don't want to need medical attention. This compact kit covers everything from a blister to something more serious. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze, wound closures, burn cream, and a cold pack, all in a soft-sided zippered pouch with clear compartments. Fits in any daypack and weighs almost nothing. Bring it on every hike.

You never realize you need a Leatherman until you have one. Bring it hiking and you will find a use for it. 14 tools in one compact package including pliers, a one-handed knife, scissors, screwdrivers, a file, and a bottle opener. Made in Portland, Oregon, backed by a 25-year warranty, and clips to your pocket so it's always within reach.

If you end up hiking later than planned, don't rely on your phone flashlight. The Lepro LE headlamp is lightweight at 2.65oz, waterproof, USB rechargeable, and runs up to 15 hours. Six lighting modes including red light for night vision. Adjustable 45-degree angle keeps the beam where you need it.

My go-to sunscreen for any day outside. Leaves a slight white cast but works so well I genuinely don't get burned. Doesn't sting your eyes when you sweat, which matters on the trail. Works for the whole family. Available in a lotion or a convenient stick that glides on for mess-free coverage on faces and noses without stinging eyes. Great for quick reapplication on kids throughout the day.

Sun exposure at elevation is intense. Burned lips by the end of a hike are no fun and easy to prevent. Takes up almost no space.

Long hikes in warm weather are a recipe for chafing. Apply before you hit the trail on thighs, underarms, and anywhere skin rubs. Goes on dry, invisible, and won't stain your clothes. Also available in a Foot Glide version to prevent blisters.

Mountain weather changes fast. A poncho that packs to the size of a soda can and weighs almost nothing belongs in every hiking bag. The Frogg Toggs material actually breathes unlike cheap plastic ponchos, and it's large enough to cover your pack underneath. Available in adult and kids sizes.

Always worth the bag space on a hike. Useful for drying off after a water crossing, wiping down after a sweaty climb, or cleaning up at a trailside stream. Folds down small and dries in minutes.

Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables mean no fumbling for cords on the trail. Charges two devices at once. Great for longer hikes where you're relying on GPS apps and don't want your phone dying before you're back at the trailhead.

Snaps directly to the back of your phone so you can charge hands-free while navigating the trail. Compact enough for any hip pack or backpack pocket.