Going on a Hiking Trip? Stay Prepared During Your Trek With These 15 Essentials, Starting at $8

Updated Apr 15, 2025 1:46 am ET


Young woman wearing backpack hiking through forest on footpath while holding water bottle

Getty Images/Tony Anderson

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Got a hiking trip coming up this spring or summer? Whether you’re a hiking pro or a beginner who’s making their way up the mountains for the first time, you need the right gear. Footwear can pretty much make or break your trip, and you want a pair of shoes that’s both comfortable and durable enough to hold up to uneven terrain. (And if they’re waterproof, even better!) It’s also important to stay equipped with essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and portable fans, as well as a reliable backpack to keep them all stored in.

If you haven’t stocked up on your hiking essentials yet, we’ve put together a list of 15 items, including shoes, accessories and gear, that will make your next trek a breeze.

  1. These number-one best selling Joomra Women’s Trail Running Shoes have removable insoles to support your arches and a thick topline that wraps snugly around your feet so you can easily move through uneven terrain.
  1. If you’re hiking through mud and water, these NORTIV 8 Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots have a water-resistant suede upper and a non-slip outsole that helps you stay on the ground.
  1. These army green tennis shoes are lightweight and have flexible, breathable knit uppers, and the anti-slip rubber outsole provides traction on the trails.
  1. Yes, you can wear sandals while you hike! These Teva Women’s Tirra Sandals are perfect for short hikes during the day. The hook-and-loop closure makes them easy to slip on and the cushioned heel pad offers support while you’re trekking through the trails.
  1. These durable and waterproof Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Boots provide great traction and comfort for hiking long distances, and the rubber outsole is suitable for all types of terrain.
  1. Carry your supplies, extra clothes and more in this Everfun Hydration Backpack, which includes an insulated compartment for your water bottle.
  1. Track your steps, heart rate and fitness insights with this Fitbit Charge Six Fitness Tracker. It has over 40 exercise modes to choose from and you can easily connect it to your devices.
  1. For a more affordable option, sport this fitness tracker watch to check your speed, heart rate and calories burned. It also has the option to switch to “sport” mode while you’re hiking and exercising.
  1. Large enough to hold all of your essentials, this Maelstrom Hiking Backpack includes a rain cover, several pockets for snacks and water and enough space for extra boots, cameras and more.
  1. Stay hydrated during your nature adventure with this Iron Flask Camping and Hiking Water Bottle. With a leakproof lid and stainless steel insulation, it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
  1. This Owala FreeSip Water Bottle features a push-button lid that makes it easy to access your water, and its stainless steel insulation keeps it cold for up to 24 hours.
  1. Keep smaller items at arm’s reach in this cute and practical Maxtop Large Fanny Pack. It comes in 44 colors and designs, each of which has a large main pocket, a back hidden pocket and a front and inner zipper pocket.
  1. If you’re hiking in the sun, keep your skin protected with this SPF 50 Supergoop! Play Sunscreen Body Mist. It’s sweatproof, waterproof and has nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and vitamin C.
  1. You’re definitely going to need a portable handheld fan if you’re hiking in the summer, and this battery-operated one will keep you cool in the hot and dry mountain air.
  2. Keep bug bites at bay while you’re hiking with this two-pack of OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent, which has a non-greasy, 25% DEET formula that provides long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and biting flies.
Lauryn Jiles

Lauryn Jiles

Author McClatchy Commerce

Lauryn Jiles is a Content Commerce Assistant at McClatchy. She is based in South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Lauryn has written for numerous brands and is well-versed in the fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle verticals. She enjoys yoga, coffee, fashion museums, sushi, and traveling.

Kayleigh Drake

Kayleigh Drake

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Kayleigh Drake is a Commerce Content Editor at McClatchy. She’s based in Birmingham, Alabama, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kayleigh has written and edited content for numerous publications, with a particular focus on the food, kitchen, home and lifestyle verticals. When she’s not fulfilling her editorial duties, she loves record shopping, playing guitar, baking and buying entirely too many plants.