We’ve learned that owning the right outdoor gear can make trips better. More gear isn’t necessarily better. It’s all about the right gear.
Between weekend camping, hiking, van trips, and trying to fit everything into limited space, we’ve become pretty selective about what actually earns permanent space in our setup.
These are the things we’d immediately buy again because they consistently make being outside easier, more comfortable, or less frustrating.
Clothing That Actually Earned Permanent Space
Long-Sleeve Sun Shirts
Sun shirts became one of those things that we take on almost every trip because they work in so many situations. We have both the Outdoor Research Sahara Shade Hoodie and the Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Hoody. What we both like about them:
- sun protection without feeling too hot
- useful for hiking + camp
- lightweight enough for repeated use (we have been know to wear these multiple days in a row)
- easy to layer
Darn Tough Socks
I used to think expensive hiking socks were completely unnecessary until we started hiking more regularly and realized how much of a difference they actually make. Since transitioning to Darn Tough socks, I have had fewer issues with blisters and they hold up really well over time. They’re one of those things that ended up being worth paying more for once instead of constantly replacing cheaper pairs.
Smartwool Base Layer
A lot of our trips involve big temperature swings, especially in the mountains or desert, so good base layers end up getting used way more than we expected. They’re great for cold mornings, easy to layer throughout the day, and honestly useful far beyond just winter camping.
Altra Timp 5
The Altra Timp 5s quickly became one of Will’s go-to shoes for hiking because they feel comfortable even on longer days outside, and the wider toe box makes a noticeable difference once your feet start swelling on trail. They’ve handled everything from rocky trails to muddy sections really well, and he still doesn’t feel desperate to take them off the second a hike ends. Why we like the Altra brand in general:
- comfortable on longer hikes
- roomier toe box
- trail versatility
- lots of space for my bunions (my podiatrist even recommended them)
Danner Boots
Some trips need trail runners or hiking shoes. Some need boots that feel more reliable and have some ankle support. I like these Danner boots for their durability and ankle support, they have good grip on rougher terrain and an added bonus is they’re cute!
The “Not Exciting But Always Packed” Category
Wipes
Wipes aren’t glamorous, but they’re always useful. On long travel days and in between real showers these wipes are perfect for freshening up. They’re also great to have on hand to give our dog a quick clean up.
Hiking Poles
I used to think hiking poles were unnecessary until we started doing longer hikes and steep descents regularly.
The biggest surprise was how much they helped on the way down, not up. They’re also great for reducing some of the impact on your knees and feet during longer hikes. We own these and these and like how we can adjust them to fit our height and they break down for compact storage.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is one of those pieces of gear we hope we never truly need, but it gives us a lot more confidence on remote hikes and road trips where cell service disappears quickly. Being able to share our location, and access SOS features makes longer or less-traveled adventures feel a little less stressful.
