Hiking Equipment

What sort of gear do you need for hiking day trips? That depends on when, where and how far you intend on going down the trail. Altrec.com offers a complete line of hiking equipment and light trail running equipment to keep you prepared for unexpected delays and unanticipated side trips.

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Good Hiking Shoes or Boots

Whether you're going for a mile or an entire afternoon, every good day hike depends on a good pair of supportive and comfortable light hiking shoes or backpacking boots. Lightweight hiking shoes designed with athletic-styled elements might be all you need for short hikes on smooth summer trails. While some of these shoes feature cool, low-slung profiles, these designs can potentially leave your ankles unsupported on uneven ground, especially under the added weight of a fully-loaded, large-capacity hydration pack. If you're planning on alpine trips on broken terrain or looking for a shoe that can double as backpacking footwear, consider the heavier and higher ankle protection associated with conventional lightweight backpacking boots. Unlike many early backpacking and climbing boot designs, many new backpacking and moderate hiking boots feature waterproof fabric uppers with a lighter and more breathable profile than full-leather upper backcountry boots. Some of the most popular lightweight hiking shoe and midweight boot brands include Adidas, Nike ACG, Montrail, Merrell, Salomon and The North Face.

A Backpack or Lumbar Pack

Duration, season and reason are the three primary factors you need to consider when purchasing a day hiking backpack or compact lumbar pack. Most lumbar packs are ideal for short, low impact hikes that last less than four hours. Some lumbar belt designs feature water bottle holsters for easy, ergonomic access, but few belt packs offer more than 32-ounces of hydration capacity. If you hike in hot and cold climates or need space for extra clothing layers, most compact backpack designs give you the combination of hydration reservoir space and room for extra essentials. While multipurpose school or commute backpacks can easily transition to short trips up the trail, consider a specialized pack design with more options if you plan on combining skiing, climbing or fly fishing with your day hikes. Opt for larger capacity packs (2,500 to 4,000 cubic inches) on daylong outings, especially if you're pushing the limits of daylight hours or traveling from the tree line to high alpine and back again. Added space often translates to enhanced versatility and better value, especially when that unused space doesn't take up much excess pack weight. Favorite pack brands among day hiking enthusiasts include Arc'teryx, DaKine, Camelbak, Deuter, Patagonia, Osprey, Ultimate Directions and The North Face.

All the Essential Stuff You Need for Your Backpack

How long and how far are you headed down the trail? This question often determines the contents and quantity of outdoor goods and supplies in your backpack or lumbar pack. A good place to start is with the ten essentials: Maps, sunglasses, a compass, a whistle, a knife, a first aid kit, a flashlight with spare batteries, extra food and clothing, a candle and waterproof matches. Other options should include sunscreen, a Garmin GPS unit and anything you think is worth bringing along on your wilderness adventure.

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