Can the best hiking gear come from Amazon? When searching for hiking gear online, it can quickly become overwhelming with all the offers out there. Yet one reliable source on the internet is Amazon where you can find all the brands you like in one place. So what does the number one online retailer has to offer for outdoor lovers? I am taking you through the best hiking gear from Amazon you need to have for a day hike.
Having the correct hiking equipment is the difference between enjoying your day in the great outdoors or living a nightmare. This is why it is important to choose carefully and avoid the traps of cheaper is better.
When someone says hiking gear, the first brands that usually come to mind are Mountain Warehouse, Cotswold Outdoors, The North Face, Columbia or even Decathlon… in no specific order. But the last place where we think of looking for gear is Amazon. Nonetheless, Amazon is where you can find all your favourite hiking brands under one roof and even sometimes at a lesser price than on the retailer own online shop.
So what can we find on Amazon for a day hike in the British countryside? Everything! From the hiking shoes to the power bank, here is a selection of the 10 essential pieces of hiking gear from Amazon to be all set for your weekend outdoors!
Best Hiking Gear from Amazon: Accessories
From backpack to sitting mat, the best hiking gear from Amazon you need but never knew you could find it all in one place.
1 – Backpack
A backpack is one of the most important pieces of equipment when going on a hike. Not wearing a good backpack could mean having a wrong posture when walking which can lead to shoulder, lower back and knee pain. And it does not take long to start experiencing these types of suffering. A few hours on the trails with no hip belt suffice to trigger the shoulder pain.
When searching for a backpack, the number one recommendation is Osprey. The Californian brand has gained notoriety for delivering products of high quality and durability over the years. The brand has developed a range of backpacks ideal for a day hike: the Skimmer 28 for women and the Skarab 30 for men.
Features:
- Airspace technology back panel to allow air to flow so you won’t end up with a sweat-soaked T-shirt
- Adjustable shoulder straps to ensure a perfect fit for all types of body shapes
- Bucket zip-top for easy access to the main compartment
- Inside mesh pocket for your valuables
- Front shove-it pocket to store items you need on the go such as a rain jacket
- Zip side pockets so you won’t lose your belongings
- Scratch-free zip pocket to protect fragile items such as glasses and phone
- Adjustable hip belt to ensure the weight is not on the shoulders
- Pole and ice axe loops for when you want to do something a little bit more challenging
- Included rain cover which costs £25 on its own so that you are keeping your belonging dry and your money in your wallet
- External hydration sleeve for hydration bladder system which allows you to sip water on the go
- A bit pricy but worth the investment
To know more about the Osprey Skimmer 28, read my review here.
2 – Hydration Bladder
Hydration is vital on a hike. A hiker needs to drink 1L every two hours on average, depending on the temperature. A hydration bladder is ideal to carry as you can drink water on the go through the hose and stay hand free. The reservoir depletes as you are drinking, allowing more space in your pack and alleviate the weight as you get tired.
This hydration bladder is a good find on Amazon.
Features:
- 2L capacity which is ideal for a day hike
- Wide opening so that you can clean it effectively yet also add ice cubes in the reservoir for when the temperatures are rising (yeah, sometimes it does happen in England)
- Clip and unclip tube for easy cleaning and comes with auto shut off valves to avoid leakage when you take off the tube
- Comes with a handle so you can hold it with one hand when filling it with the other hand
- Anti-leakage mouthpiece with a dust cover for more hygiene
- Free bandana
- Affordable price point
To find out more about the different hydration system and their benefits, click here.
3 – Cleaning Kit
Having a hydration bladder is one thing, but having the tools to care for it is better. Poor maintenance of your hydration system can lead to the growth of bacterias and become harmful to health. There are several places where the bacterias can grow: the reservoir, the tube and the mouthpiece.
This is when the TAGVO cleaning kit make an entrance.
Features:
- Comes with 3 brushes: one for the reservoir, one for the tube and one for the mouthpiece
- Four effervescent cleaning tablets to use in the reservoir for additional cleaning and maximum hygiene
- Hanger for the reservoir to facilitate the drying
- Mesh bag to store the accessories so that you won’t lose or misplace any
4 – Thermos flask
A hiker burns around 440 calories per hour depending on weight therefore eating to refuel the body is vital when on the trails. But a cold meal on a cold day is the last thing you want. This is when carrying an insulated food flask becomes handy and the first one that comes to mind is the Thermos Stainless King Food Flask.
Features:
- Keeps your food warm for 9 hours and your liquids cool for 14 hours
- Wide opening mouth to reach your food easily and also to facilitate the cleaning
- 450 ml so you can bring a decent meal
- Comes with an insulated lid which can be used as a serving bowl
- Has a foldable stainless steel spoon to enjoy your food
- Exterior cool to touch and sweat-free so that you won’t hurt your finger
- Available in 8 colours
- 5 years warranty so you get peace of mind
To find out more about the Thermos Stainless King Food Flask, read the review here.
5 – Power Bank
From reading maps to taking pictures and videos, having a fully charged phone on the trails is a necessity. But you need a power bank that won’t let you down as well. Whilst classic power banks such as KIT have really designed models, they can only be charged via USB cable. This is where you need a solar power bank for that extra backup.
The Big Blue foldable portable phone charger on Amazon is the perfect choice.
Features:
- Foldable so easy to carry
- Water and dust resistant
- 3 USB charging ports so you can charge our and your friends’ phones at the same time
- Can clip it to your backpack/tent
- Compatible with most mobile phones (Iphone, Samsung…)
6 – Sitting Mat
Sitting on the cold ground, the wet grass, a damp log or a muddy field and have a wet backside for the rest of the day, you know that? It’s one of the most common beginner’s mistakes. Everybody thinks of taking hiking boots and a backpack when going on a hike, but not a sitting mat. This inexpensive investment can make the whole difference to your lunch break.
And Amazon has what you need: Portable waterproof seat.
Features:
- Lightweight, so you won’t feel the difference in your backpack
- Waterproof to prevent water penetration so you stay dry
- Made in insulated fabric to keep you away from the cold ground
- Foldable so that it won’t take much space in your rucksack
- Comes with a pouch to store it and protect it from scratches and tear in the backpack
- Comes in a pack of 2
- Affordable price point
Best Hiking Gear from Amazon: Clothing
Having the accessories in place is one thing, but being comfortable on the trails also pass by the outfit. Let’s have a look at the best hiking gear on Amazon for clothing.
1 – Rain Jacket
Staying dry is essential when on a hike. It will guarantee you to be comfortable but also not to fall sick. Quality matters. Stay away from the “water-resistant” labels. They are suitable for drizzle but won’t survive when the heavens open. Only choose a “waterproof” rain jacket of quality to avoid disappointments and disagreements.
When it comes to quality, Outdoor Research is the brand of choice and their Apollo rain jacket is a must-have.
Features:
- Waterproof so that you stay dry
- Windproof so you won’t get cold
- Stretch fabric to allow freedom of movement
- A breathable fabric which means you won’t be all sweaty
- Zip front pockets which imply you won’t loose your belongings
- Adjustable hood so it stays in place even when it is windy
- High price point but worth the investment if you want something of quality
2 – Hiking footwear
This is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to hiking and your biggest investment as you cannot carry on if your feet are hurting. Depending on your preferences and the terrain you might choose to go for a pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots. What is the difference between both? Hiking boots have a higher ankle to offer more support. They are ideal when you are accomplishing more challenging hikes, including climbing and scrambling.
For hiking shoes, the winner is the Salomon X Ultra 4.
Features:
- Waterproof so you hike under stormy weather or cross a stream and your feet stay dry
- Conta Grip MA technology to allow a superior hold on descent even when wet
- Lightweight, so you can walk longer without feeling tired
- A hybrid between trail runner and hiking shoes so you get the comfort and the support all at once
- Extra space for the toes so you can be comfortable
- High price point but worth the investment
For hiking boots, the Jack Wolfskin Wilderness Lite are to go-to ones. Winner of the T3 Award 2021, they are the perfect example that you can get the quality without compromising on the design.
Features:
- Waterproof so you can walk in puddles or streams and your feet stay dry
- Vibram sole technology for a good grip on steep terrain even in wet conditions
- Warm so perfect for mid-season and winter hikes
- Tight lacing system for maximum support
- Designed for multi-day mountain hikes
- High price point but worth the investment as winter boots
3 – Socks
I always say it: “it’s silly to have the best shoes in the world if it is to place awful quality socks in it“. Trust me when I say that poor socks can make a lot of damages to your feet. I had to stay away from hiking for 2 weeks just because I used the wrong socks.
Since my unfortunate experience with cheap socks, I made not only a major shift and invested in a pair (or 4 actually) of good quality socks. This is to say that the recommendation for socks is Feideer. I hiked 42km (26 miles) with them on my feet and did not get any blister or redness such as hiker’s rash. Nothing!
Features:
- Moisture-wicking fabric and breathable so your feet stay dry and cool
- Cushioned pressured points to prevent blisters
- Thicker bottom for maximum comfort
- Ankle elastic to avoid the socks from moving or dropping while walking
4 – Gaiters
The last one of the best hiking gear from Amazon are the gaiters. Very useful when hiking in the UK due to the “charming” weather, they help protect your clothes and shoes from the damages of the mud and keeps you dry when crossing over sloppy fields.
On Amazon, you can find the Bluefields gaiters. They are perfect for your countryside walks on a British weather day.
Features:
- Waterproof so you and your clothes stay dry
- Easy to clean in the machine to ensure their durability
- Can be rolled so they don’t take space in the backpack when not in use
- Snakebite protection for forest walks
- Easy to put on with a front velcro opening so you can get back on the trails in no time
Final Thoughts on the best hiking gear from Amazon
Having the best of the hiking gear on the market all in one place makes a huge difference in the time you spend looking for these items on different retailers websites but also in the money you spend, as you won’t need to pay for multiple delivery fees.
Look no further and get your best hiking gear from Amazon!
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[…] To read my review of the Salomon X Ultra 4, click here. […]