We’ve tested hiking gear on all sorts of trails: from rainforest walks in Queensland to the top of Kilimanjaro. Over time, we’ve learnt what makes a real difference on the trail: comfort, durability, and small details that make hiking easier and more enjoyable. I also value versatile gear that lasts – it saves money, reduces waste, and means I can spend more time outdoors instead of shopping for replacements or new options. Here’s the hiking gear I absolutely recommend – tried, tested, and loved.
I’ve also listed the gear we used for hiking Kilimanjaro here.
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Asolo Drifter hiking boots
Why I love them: I didn’t plan to spend that much on hiking shoes, but after twisting my ankle, I needed solid support. When I tried these Asolo boots, the pain was totally gone. They are the best for maximum ankle stability and locking the foot, are waterproof, and the reinforced toes protect well on rocky trails. I took them from Kilimanjaro to Australia, and they’ve proven incredibly durable over the years and my go-to for longer hiking trips.
Our tip: Try hiking shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are a bit swollen – it’ll help you choose the right size for long hikes.
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid
Why I love it: We both love our Salomon shoes – my partner has the Speedcross, and I have the X Ultra Pioneer Mid. We use them for shorter hikes or trails that involve scrambling or a faster pace. These are much lighter and more flexible than my Asolo boots, making them perfect for travelling or when I don’t need the strong ankle support. They offer great grip, are waterproof, and we trust Salomon’s quality to last.
Our tip: I prefer a mid boot to a low one, as it gives a bit of ankle support and protection from water or unwanted creatures.
Breathable long-sleeve hoodie
Why I love it: I wear this top when it’s really hot, and I actually feel cooler than people hiking in short sleeves. The fabric is super breathable, dries quickly, and protects me from the sun (UPF 50+) – I absolutely love it for tropical or summer hikes.
Our tip: Having a hoodie helps protect your neck, ears, and part of your face when walking with no shade under a scorching sun – perfect for sun-sensitive skin.
Lightweight hooded puffer jacket
Why we love it: This Kathmandu puffer jacket is one of those pieces I bring “just in case”. It’s so light and compact that it hardly takes up space, yet it’s perfect for staying warm during a summit break or when the weather could suddenly cool down.
Our tip: Choose a packable model that fits into its own pocket – it’s ideal for hikes or travel when space and weight matter.
Hiking fleece jacket
Why we love it: I love my Quechua MH900 jacket because it’s super versatile across different weather and activities, which means I end up wearing it a lot. It’s lightweight yet warm, breathable, and stretchable – so I stay comfortable whether I’m scrambling up a trail or relaxing at a viewpoint.
Our tip: When choosing your jacket, make sure it fits snugly (but not tight) so it layers well under a warmer jacket or raincoat.
Day backpacks (30L) with a rain cover
Why we love it: We bought our Quechua Forclaz Air backpacks for Kilimanjaro over 10 years ago, and we still use them regularly! They’re comfortable, well-padded on the shoulders, and transfer weight nicely to the hips. I particularly love how the ventilated back panel lets air circulate. There’s space for water bottles, attachment points for poles, and a built-in rain cover; all important things to have for a day backpack.
Our tip: Pick a backpack that matches the length of your hikes – too small and you’ll run out of space, too big and you’ll just carry unnecessary weight. Check the empty weight too; a lighter pack makes a noticeable difference on long days.
Telescopic lightweight hiking poles
Why we love them: These are a must-have when recovering from a knee injury or hiking steep terrain. My Decathlon MH500 (now replaced by the MT500) are lightweight and fold down small, so I never hesitate to bring them – even when I’m not sure I’ll need them.
Our tip: Look for lightweight aluminium or carbon poles with a dense foam or cork grip – they’re much more comfortable on long hikes.
Snake & spider-bite first aid kit
Why we love it: When hiking in Australia, this is a must-have for peace of mind. It’s compact, lightweight, and specifically designed for treating snake and spider bites. I like that it includes proper compression bandages and a clear step-by-step guide, and there’s still room to add a few essentials of your own. I always add a tick removal tool and some blister plasters for long hikes – though I’ve never had blister issues with my hiking shoes (touch wood!).
Our tip: Keep it in an easy-to-reach pocket of your backpack so you can access it quickly if needed.
Garmin Fenix smartwatch
Why we love it: My partner uses the Garmin Fenix on every hike. It’s built for dedicated hikers – rugged, reliable, and designed for wilderness treks with excellent battery life. I have the Garmin Descent Mk2S, which has a sleeker look on my small wrist and is made for scuba diving. We both love having topographic maps, offline navigation, and the ability to upload and follow routes directly from our wrists (no phone needed!) when we hike off the beaten track.
Our tip: Smartwatches are a big investment, so think about how you’ll use yours and choose a model that suits all your activities. That way, you won’t need to replace or double up later.
