Take the Hitch Out of Hiking: The Best Gear to Make the Best Hike
By Kaaden Dull
Getting ready for a hike, even a small one, is a full athletic event in itself even before the actual athletic event. That is, if you’re getting ready the right way. As someone who’s been hiking with my family since I could walk – picture it, adorable tiny hiking boots and all – I’ve had my fair share of yanking on all my gear only to end up in a puddle of sweat 20 minutes later. Now that I’m older, I have fewer hand-me-downs and more say in what I’m hauling. If you’re planning a hike, this is your guide to some of Duluth’s best outdoor clothes to handle mountains all across the U.S.
Location, Location, Location: Picking Your Mountain Range of Gear
No 2 mountains are the same – I’d even go further and say no 2 trails are the same. Your location, the season and even the time of day that you’re hiking all affects what gear you should wear to stay safe and enjoy your time in nature.
The Appalachians
This mountain range stretches over 2,000 miles from Newfoundland, Canada, all the way to central Alabama, USA. These ancient mountains were formed over 480 million years ago now that’s a damn long time. Featuring a generally mild, wet and humid climate during the hiking seasons, the region offers great trails whether it’s a day hike or a thru hike – here’s the best gear to bring.
- Women’s Hiking Shorts – hi-rise waist is good under a backpack hip belt, flexible fabric
- Hiking Tops for Women – breathable side vents, renewable fabrics, built-in bra options
This combo is breathable and moves with you over every root and rock you’ll come across. Perfect for mild climates, this outfit is easy to layer over in the chill and wicks sweat in the Appalachian humidity.
- Men’s Hiking Shirt – soft and adventure ready with Reach GussetsⓇ for mobility
- Men’s Hiking Shorts – flexible fabric with lots of pockets for all your trail snacks
This look fights even the level of humidity that feels like you’re walking through amusement-park sprinklers and prioritizes your storage. If you’re not wearing a jacket and don’t want to rifle through your pack, the Packrat pockets will have your back in these trails.
The Cascade Range
This northwestern range forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – featuring snowcapped peaks and beautiful wildflower valleys. The western slopes lean towards a mild temperature with heavy rain and snowfall, while the eastern slopes have more extreme temperatures and less precipitation. Here are some great picks for whatever slope suits you.
Men’s Outdoor Clothing
- Men’s Pants for Hiking – stretchy, wind and water resistant and lots of pockets
- Men’s Hiking Shirt – flatlock seams for anti-chafing, wicking, breathable
This Cascade outfit is suited for western or eastern slopers. The Hellbent Hiking Pants can withstand heavy rain and snow on the east, while the AKHGⓇ Tun-Dry shirt stays breathable and comfortable under heavier layers for the extreme temps on the west side.
Women’s Outdoor Clothing
- Hiking Tops for Women – lightweight, anti-snag against brush, fast-drying
- Women’s Hiking Pants – microfleece lining, secure pockets, Crouch GussetⓇ for mobility
The AKHGⓇ Sunflare High-UPF Cooling Hoodie keeps you protected from sun and rain, making it a perfect versatile pick for the Cascade Range. The FlexpeditionⓇ Lined Pants keep you mobile and warm when the temperature drops as the altitude rises.
The Rockies
This behemoth range stretches a whopping 3,000 miles. They’re known for their glacial-carved jagged appearance, diverse wildlife and one of the highest concentrations of 14,000-foot peaks. So whether you’re just hopping out at viewpoints along Trail Ridge Road or you’re hiking Mt. Elbert, here’s the best gear for these natural skyscrapers.
Men’s Outdoor Clothing
- Men’s Pants for Hiking – comfortable, durable, hydrophobic, convertible to shorts
- Men’s Hiking Shirts – built for versatility, honeycomb fabric, snag-resistant, wicking
The shorts are the real game changer for this Rocky outfit (no, we do not recommend boxing in them). When you come out of the treeline shade and you’re sweating like nobody’s business, zip off your pants into shorts. The AKHGⓇ Renew Bamboo Short Sleeve Crew is the breathable edge you’ll want when you’re cutting across boulder fields in the high noon sun.
Women’s Outdoor Clothing
- Women’s Hiking Leggings – smooth, ultra hi-rise, anti-chafe, wicking
- Women’s AKHGⓇ Trail Tech Leggings
- Women’s Hiking Tops – cotton blend, wide straps for extra support, longer hem
Forget the red marks and sore spots of other hiking gear with this new look. The leggings come up high enough to sit under your pack waist-belt and keep your thighs from getting raw. The Shelf-Bra Tank provides extra support with wider straps that prevent digging into your shoulders as you conquer the peaks.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains
The nickname “Range of Light” isn’t an overstatement – these high-altitude peaks pack some serious UV. The western slopes have the world’s largest trees and deep river systems contrasted by the steep and dry eastern slope that goes into the Great Basin. Try out this heavy-hitting gear if you’re heading to Cali.
Men’s Outdoor Clothing
- Men’s Outdoor Hoodies – built for long days under direct sunlight, thumbholes, snap-front
- Men’s Hiking Shorts – microscopic jade treatment for cooling, easy-moving, zip pocket
This outfit combines cooling with the ultimate sun protection. Range of Light’s got nothing on this gear.
Women’s Outdoor Clothing
- Women’s Outdoor Hoodies – cool to the touch, wicking, back waist cinch
- Women’s Hiking Skirt – sun protection, elastic waistband, anti-chafing, cooling
This combo keeps you protected from UV and keeps you cool all hike long. The only thing worse than being sore after a hike is being sore and sunburnt – so let’s cross at least one off the list.
Last But Not Least
Of course having great gear is…well, great. But it should always be paired with more than enough food and water, your favorite sunscreen, bear spray (if suggested), a good backpack and first aid supplies. Plan your hike well in advance and check the weather – while you may be damn tough, going out in a blizzard, heat wave or thunderstorm isn’t going to prove anything to anyone (well, maybe that you’re a little crazy but that’s another conversation). Now go out and be wild! Responsibly.