Hiking is one of summer’s sweetest pleasures, and the right gear makes the miles fly by. Here’s the footwear, packs and apparel you’ll want for summit bids and seaside rambles
FOOTWEAR
HOKA ONE ONE STINSON MID GORE-TEX
Heavy backpacks and rocky trails can punish feet, but not if they’re cradled by the super-plush cushioning of the Stinson Mid. A fat plank of compression-molded EVA foam buffers shocks, while deep, 4mm lugs bite into muddy trail. The waterproof Nubuck fends of a days-long deluge, and a soft, anatomically-shaped cuff supports your ankle without throttling it. Women’s from size 5; men’s to 15. $180; hokaoneone.com
SCARPA RUSH MID
Marry the lightweight agility of a running shoe with a hiking boot’s underfoot shielding, and you get the Rush. The stretchy Sock Fit upper is more breathable and less bulky than a traditional tongue. Heel stabilizers built into the midsole provide security on uneven terrain, and Scarpa’s new Interactive Kinetic System outsole, with two layers of lugs, improves traction in rocky conditions. Men’s and women’s fits from Euro size 35. $135; scarpa.com
DANNER RIVERCOMBER
Famous for supportive, sticky-soled mountaineering boots, Danner put its know-how into a new amphibious shoe with a knitted Cordura upper that resists abrasion and dries superfast. Vibram’s water-specific Wavegrip outsole grips slick rock, and a ported midsole drains water. Yet the heel stability is just as solid as in Danner’s peak-ready models. Men’s sizes (and EE widths) to 14; women’s from 5. $140; danner.com
BLACK DIAMOND MISSION LT APPROACH SHOES
Using BD’s proprietary rubber, this sticky-soled shoe is a scrambling ace that feels sure-footed on slickrock slabs and talus piles. A nylon rock plate and stiff midsole create a secure platform, and a breezy knitted upper vents sweat on scorching days. Equally cool is the styling, which looks good on the trail and great at the pub. Men’s sizes 6-14; women’s from 5.5. $140; blackdiamondequipment.com
ADIDAS OUTDOOR TERREX FREE HIKER PARLEY
Ocean trash gets repurposed in this breathable knitted upper, which conforms to various foot widths to eliminate hot spots and blisters. Underfoot, Adidas’ Boost midsole provides outstanding cushioning and rebound to keep feet feeling sprightly, and the Continental rubber outsole grips wet and dry trails. An ankle- hugging cuff seals out debris. Men’s sizes to 13; women’s from 5. $200; adidasoutdoor.com
OBOZ ARETE MID WATERPROOF
This Bozeman-based company geeked out on foot shapes (analyzing thousands of feet to develop its lasts) to make sure this lightweight hiking boot is comfy and blister-free. Its cushioned, heel-cupping insole is leagues better than the pancakes you find from most brands. A plate under the forefront shields against sharp rocks, and a sculpted cuff allows the Achilles tendon free flexion while scrambling. Men’s 8-14; women’s 6-11. $160; obozfootwear.com
PACKS
GREGORY CITRO 30 H2O
An ultra-breathable back panel invites cross- breezes and makes this daypack tolerable in the hottest climates. The hydration bladder is easier to use than most; keep the drink tube in place, and detach the hose inside to refill the reservoir. Plus, smart storage on the shoulder straps and hip belt secure snacks, a smartphone, even sunglasses—eliminating the need to remove the pack for pit stops. The women’s version is the Juno. $150; gregorypacks.com
THE NORTH FACE NORTH DOME PACK
Here’s the one pack you need for commutes to work, the climbing gym and the crag. Store a laptop or a hydration bladder in the padded sleeve. Open the U-shaped zipper to display your climbing hardware, or exploit the separate compartments for clean and dirty gear. Outer pockets hold a water bottle or coffee mug, and 100 percent recycled fabric scores major sustainability points. $129; thenorthface.com
OSPREY ARCHEON 45
An urban aesthetic and recycled nylon make this pack hip, but technical construction makes it ready for any adventure—on trails or off. A tough frame sheet and aluminum alloy stays support heavy loads during multi-night hikes. A padded, ergonomic hip belt provides all-day comfort. And at 4.4 lbs. (for S/M size) it’s light enough to let you bring some splurges (camp slippers, anyone?). For men and women, in two sizes and multiple colors each. $290; osprey.com
CAMELBAK ZEPHYR VEST
Not even a long, hot summer packed with running and hiking can stink up this hydration vest: Its mesh is treated with a Polygiene antimicrobial finish that keeps odors from taking hold. Body-mapped ventilation dumps sweat, and streamlined storage holds a smartphone, trekking poles, snacks, rain jacket and conformable flasks that keep water (and everything else) within easy reach. In men’s and women’s fits. $150; camelbak.com
MOUNTAINSMITH 2020 DRIFT
When a backpack seems like overkill, reach for this streamlined waist pack: The five-liter main compartment holds just enough supplies for an hour-long hike, beach-cruiser ride or bouldering session. Collapsible holsters on both sides secure two water bottles, and compression straps snug up the load to keep contents from bouncing. Inside, a bright yellow lining makes it easy to spot your stuff. One unisex size. $50; mountainsmith.com
BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE 8
Blending features of vests and backpacks, this ultralight (12.5 oz.) opton is optimized for skyrunning: Its body-hugging suspension keeps the pack from bouncing when speed- hiking, and taped seams minimize chafing. A stretchy pocket on a shoulder strap holds a windshell, collapsible poles tuck into the sides, and the 8-liter main compartment is made of Dynex fibers that are 10 times stronger than steel by weight. Unisex fit in three sizes.
$140; blackdiamondequipment.com
APPAREL
RHONE RODE JACKET
Proving that an adventure-ready shell needn’t look out of place on city sidewalks, this jacket pairs an urban silhouette with Polartec Neoshell fabric that’s ultra-breathable and weatherproof. A stretchy internal gaiter at the wrists keeps rain from dripping inside if your arm is raised to grab a hand-hold or hail a taxi. The adjustable hood stays put in high winds. And the chest pocket serves as a stay-dry bunker for your passport or phone. Men’s only. $298; rhone.com
BUFF TREK CAP
Featherweight and unoppressive on scorching days, this sweat-mopping cap shields your eyes without hemming you in. The four-way- stretch fabric accommodates all hair styles, the laser-cut perforations let sweat and heat dissipate and the adjustable strap lets you cinch it tight against hat-snatching wind gusts. And the side panels provide UPF 40+ protection. One unisex size, available in six colors. $30; buffusa.com
ELEVENATE MOTION DOWN JACKET
Attractively wavy baffles define this summerweight puffy, which uses synthetic insulation in the high-compression zones (across the shoulders and elbows) but 750-fill goose down everywhere else. Add in silky-soft shell fabric, and you’ve got a supremely comforting warm layer that looks great, too: The striped trim at the hem and cuffs lend it subtle style. For men and women. $250; elevenateusa.com
OISELLE FLYOUT WOOL SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT
The fabric makes the tee—and this short-sleeve crewneck gets its magic from a unique Merino/ synthetic blend: The wool is next to skin, where it feels soft and comfortable in all but the hottest temps. And the outer polyester layer dissipates sweat for faster dry times and tougher durability (pack straps won’t abrade it). And with clean, simple seam lines, the Flyout fits in at work and on the trail. Women’s only. $64; oiselle.com
OUTDOOR RESEARCH EQUINOX CONVERTIBLE PANTS
For summer 2020, O.R. overhauled its zippy pants to remove the dork factor. An angled zipper avoids the dreaded “hoop” effect when worn as shorts. Streamlined cargo pockets secure a smartphone and other necessities. And the stretchy, blue-sign-approved nylon is tough enough for continuous wear: It repels stains, dries fast and moves wherever you do. For men and women. $99; outdoorresearch.com
SAXX NEW FRONTIER 2N1 SHORT
Yes, you can hike commando. Because after designing what might be the best performing men’s underwear (with a sweat-wicking “ballpark pouch” that’s supportive during sports), Saxx advanced to outerwear: Its first hiking short combines the skivvies’ best properties with a rugged, stretch-woven fabric that stands tough against granite boulders and untamed scrub. Available in three colors and five sizes from 30 to 38. $95; saxxunderwear.com
