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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Finding the right hiking gear can feel like an uphill battle, so we've done the hard work for you.
The straw's microfiltration membrane eliminates bacteria and parasites so you can safely drink from any available water source...seriously. Psst, immunocompromised users or others with special concerns should check with their doctors before using.
Promising review: "I used this on a hike recently; tried different configurations as shown, with the drinking straight out of the river, and out of a wide-mouth bottle. The flow-rate through the LifeStraw is a little reminiscent of drinking a really thick milkshake, which is understandable considering the filter basically gets everything. When I filled up my Nalgene with water from the stream, I could see the sediment start to settle; I even made sure to get some with the straw just to see. Worked like a charm. You just need to remember to blow into it afterwards to clear out the straw." —Kingston
Get it from Amazon for $17.47 (also available in packs of two, three, and five).
Promising review: "This is a great pack. It has decent support and fits the essential items you need when exercising. You can tighten it so that it doesn't move around too much when you are running/walking. It also comfortably fits a water bottle." —N Rubes
Get it from Amazon for $12.69+ (available in five colors).
This has a built-in three-axis compass and barometric altimeter with multiple global navigation satellite systems. The battery life last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac™ battery-saver mode. It monitors your heart rate, activity, and stress and (like all our beloved Garmin picks) it's shock, thermal, and water resistant.
Promising review: "I need four things in a smartwatch: notifications, always on display, battery life, and ruggedness. Things I don't need (that the industry keeps trying to sell me): apps, games, LTE, LCD/OLED screens. Once you've experienced the nirvana of a two-week battery life, mil-spec construction, and a device that isn't designed to beg for your attention every second of the day you'll laugh at other watch users trying to leek a day or two of life from their tiny, fragile wrist cellphones. If you're thinking of getting a new watch and need something that works and plays as hard as you do, get this one. Thanks for making a device people actually need, Garmin!" —Stephen
Get it from REI for $250 (available in two colors).
Be sure to read why one of my BuzzFeed coworkers swears by this sunscreen (#1).
Promising review: "This SPF works wonderfully on my dark skin without leaving the usual chalky film! It is very light and glides on easily. I'm very excited about this product!" —Bridgett
Get it from Amazon for $18.90 (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "This is super comfy and light. It's very easy to put up and wide enough that I was able to have a sleeping bag, two blankets, and my pillow in it. I had room to actually roll around a little; I laid on my back and side very comfortably. I would purchase this item again and from this seller. The hammock arrived on time and in great condition!" —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.97+ (available in three colors).
Promising review: "This product is not only super comfortable, it is also a wonderful example of recycling. It is made from recycled plastic bottles.
I ordered this as protection for my neck, but as their packaging shows, it can be used for a multitude of things. Being seamless, it does not irritate my neck. The stretch factor makes it easy to slip over my head. It is 90% polyester and 10% spandex. I learned about this type of product from my daughter and a different brand. This does the same thing for a great price. There are many different colors, patterns, or scenes to choose from, so there is something for everyone." —Anne
Get it from Amazon for $8.90 (available in 11 colors).
This includes a nylon sheath that'll lock the knife into place. To release it, just squeeze on both sides. P.S., this really is designed to be as safe as possible when you need it out as fast as possible. It has a blunt safety tip with both smooth and serrated cutting edges and a molded thermoplastic rubber for a solid grip, even when your hands are wet. There's a square hole that can be used as a valve wrench for an oxygen tank and a bottle opener on the handle (for slightly more fun reasons).
Promising review: "This is a great value for the money! Mine is permanently mounted to my kayak. The stainless-steel will corrode much slower than carbon steel. It is a pain to sharpen but for an emergency knife – I love it...and I'm picky with cutlery. It's very easy to release – a slight pain to put back in the sheath, but that's only a concern if you are using it regularly. I will probably buy another when this one wears out!" —Vince
Get it from REI for $59.95 (available in two colors).
Promising review: "This jacket is awesome!!! I can't believe I was going to buy a similar one for $200. I wore it hiking in 50-degree weather and I was burning up. Not because of the activity but because this jacket makes you so warm! I was so surprised at how well this jacket keeps me warm. The navy does have a purple tint to it, but one could tell that it's a navy jacket. This is a must-have!" —Adiana Udoh
Get it from Amazon for $56.97+ (available in 13 colors and women's sizes XS–3XL).
Promising review: "I have owned this device for over three months now and its performance is excellent. I've gone over 120 miles with this, hiking through slot canyons in Zion, Utah. Never once has a message failed to send. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to deliver the message but the point is it works. I did an 18-mile solo hike and checked in with my girlfriends every night and got her replies back within minutes. After playing with the default settings I still got around 30 hours on this device on a full charge. I would prefer the buttons to be glow-in-the-dark or come with a backlight because using this device at night can get tricky." —GoneHiking
Get it on sale from REI for $299.99 (originally $350, available in two colors).
...I wish I loved anything as much as five year olds love pinecones.
Promising review: "This water bottle is exactly what I was looking for — it rolls up easy, holds a good amount (I think about a pint), and the sleek design slips nicely into the side pocket of a backpack. I like it! Just one tip: when full of water, hold the hard plastic top as you unscrew the lid, otherwise you'll be wearing the water. :)" —Tobin E.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six colors).
This is waterproof, has three brightness levels, and uses three AAA batteries (which are included).
Promising review: "The best part about the headlamp is that it has a few lighting settings, so it doesn’t have to be only bright bright bright! It can be bright enough without giving you a headache from the white light. The elastic fabric is way softer than my old headlamp — my old one was a bit scratchy, which made it itchy when running at night. This is nice and soft. It works for me. :)" —Cowabunga
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
Promising review: "This is hands-down the best repellent on the market. If there is a mosquito within a mile of me, it will find me. Same goes for tics, spiders, horseflies or any other pesky bug. Unless I have this on. I have a bottle in each of my cars, bottles in my shop building out back, and in the house. IT'S A MUST-HAVE FOR ME IN GEORGIA!" —Lori D
Get it from Amazon for $4.97+ (available in five sizes).
Promising review: "I'm a bartender at a high volume waterfront restaurant. I'm on my feet for eight to 10 hours a day on average. I previously used different gel work insoles until I bought these. There is no comparison. For someone with high arches the support level of these is unmatched, even after hours of standing. I highly recommend these to all my fellow service industry workers." —Fabio
Get them from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes 4.5–17).
Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived on Monday and on Tuesday morning I woke up with a bug bite on my arm. I used this little tool (three times, per the instructions) and documented with photos. Immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
Made of organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin, this wrap can last up to a year even when used several times a week. It's washable and will form to whatever you cocoon inside. Check out a BuzzFeed writer's review.
Promising review: "This is an awesome product. This pack comes in a variety of sizes: the sandwich wrap is pretty large and the medium wraps will definitely fit around a large onion-sized item. It's easy to rinse off and keep clean, plus sticky enough to cling to itself and other items. It feels great to eliminate some of the plastic chemicals and waste from my life." —Lena C.
Get it from Amazon for $21.
Promising review: "I'm a long distance runner. Last year I experienced a very painful bout of blisters while on an 18-mile run. Since then, I have tried all kinds of socks, moleskin, sports lubrication, foot sleeves etc. to avoid getting blisters, to no avail. I skeptically ordered a pair of these to try them out. They are AMAZING! They are the most comfortable pair of socks I have ever worn and I have not had any new blisters since I started wearing them. I would highly recommend them!" —Gloria Ochoa-Bruck
Get them from Amazon for $13 (available in seven colors and sizes S–XL).
Promising review: "This is a lightweight hiking boot that goes above your ankles. They are featherlight and are not warm for the winter without winter socks. BUT, I can run jump, workout and do anything in these. I wear them almost every day! I would highly recommend these. My feet NEVER HURT in these things!" —FrankieBoy
Get them from Under Armour for $130 (available in three colors and men's sizes 8–14).
I've worn glasses since elementary school — I feel like I've tried every frame available and I'm always on the hunt for unique designs. Maho is one of my faaavorite shops for exactly this reason; their frames are so original! They're sturdy, work well, and look great on.
Get them from Maho for $125.
Promising review: "This is an awesome pack! It looks fantastic and it's good quality — the zippers aren't weak and it has wide pockets. Our foster boy was happy to have this on. The straps were a little long but once adjusted we just tucked them in and...voila! I've had both strangers and friends constantly ask where we got it because it looks so great!" —DelgadoATX
Get it from Chewy for $31.33.
This pair of underwear can be worn all day. It has enough absorption to hold up to two tampons worth of blood. They look and feel like regular underwear. Just hand wash them in cold water and use them again and again!
Promising review: "Even though I’ve read about how the technology works many times, I’m still convinced these things are magic. They don’t leak, they don’t smell, and they don’t feel wet. I’m absolutely delighted — I’ve been uncomfortable for the past 12 years (yay periods!) but these have made it more bearable." —Julia R.
Get them from Thinx for $34 (available in six colors and sizes XXS–3XL).
Promising review: "This is perfect for urinal use as an FTM trans guy who doesn't care about realistic STP use. I love it, it's way better than other 'female' stand-to-pee devices. I can easily use this one through my jeans' zipper and my boxer briefs — no spillage, small place to aim, or having to pee slowly. I am very happy with it, plus it fits in my men's jeans pocket just fine." —Thomas
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five colors).
Promising review: "I've had this power cell for almost a year. I left it on my car for a few months in variant weather and never charged it or used it. This morning I plugged it in for maybe 45 minutes and after it was one-half charged. My phone went down to 3% and I got terribly lost in an unfamiliar place and needed to use Google Maps and I knew that would kill my phone. I plugged in my phone to the charger and walked for over twenty minutes, using my phone, and got to where I was going. I then left my phone to charge more and it charged up to 80% before running out of juice. I am very impressed that even after sitting without use in a hot car for so long, this thing still worked great. I feel like it was definitely worth the money and I am so glad I bought it." —Holly P
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in four colors).
Promising review: "I have tried at least five water bottles and this is by far the best! The design is ingenious. It is compact because the top folds up to become the bowl. There is a valve that allows the water to fill the bowl when you squeeze the bottle. Simply close the valve to allow your dog to drink, and then release the valve so any water left can go back into the bottle. I love this feature because I frequently hike with my dog and need to conserve her water. When my dog is in the dog park, her friends always want to drink from her bottle even though the park has a water station. I simply added a clip so I can attach it to my backpack or belt loop. I highly recommend this product!" —Maryann A.
Get it from Amazon for $16.97 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I have incredibly sensitive skin and I have always gotten blisters when we go to theme parks, unless I use moleskin. I just discovered this this year and I used it every day on our Disney trip and I had NO blisters! It was so nice just having my sandals on without having moleskin all over my feet. It is not slippery and it doesn't irritate my skin. It's just great! I will definitely have this with me every time I hit the parks!" —Angelia MGC
Get it from Amazon for $8.
I actually own these! I have this exact pair, in this very color, because I wanted a sturdy boot to go with my floral dresses this summer. These are a GIFT for people with sweaty feet. They're so lightweight and breathable I can wear them when it's hot out and still feel completely comfortable. It's grand.
Get them from Forsake for $139.95 (available in five colors and women's sizes 5–11).
Promising review: "Even with the great reviews, I was convinced there was no way this would touch the stank in my son's shoes. While headed to town as a family we were struck with the stench of his shoes. It was so bad we turned the car around, drove 10 minutes back to the house, chucked them into the yard, and went to buy him new shoes (which also stunk after he wore them once). He lost the new shoes in three days, which was just enough time for this spray to arrive. I was forced to try this with the nasty yard shoes. OMG: After one soak in this stuff the smell was GONE! I sniffed hard to find that underlying stank that I was sure would be there. Gone. He's been wearing the newly revived demon shoes for a week at summer camp, spraying every day before he puts them on, and the smell is still GONE. Completely!" —Broncodriver
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.