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Hiking and Camping equipment, Recommendations from the Pros

I’m Torben Lonne, editor-in-chief at DIVEIN.com, an online magazine focused on scuba diving, travel and how we can make a positive impact on the environment. As someone who loves hiking, I’m happy to suggest a product for you.

I would have to go with the Merino Wool Hiking Socks made by Danish Endurance, which I have used for years.

These socks were developed and engineered by legendary mountaineer Rasmus Kragh, who was the first Dane to climb Mount Everest without using supplemental oxygen.

He was also known as an ultra-runner for many years, an extreme sport in its own right.

Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks 3 pack $29

The high-quality merino wool is meshed with acrylic and polyamide in equal parts, creating the perfect hiking socks. They are engineered to provide comfort in hot weather by wicking away sweat to facilitate evaporation. You can also wear them in extremely cold weather and they will also keep you warm.

Despite their ruggedness, the socks don’t compromise on comfort and style, with many colorful options available. They also feature cushioning and padding from heel to toe, which helps prevent your feet from getting blisters after using them for hours at a time.

Re-energize on a Hike with a Good Meal

Try all six full-size, lightweight, delicious Next Mile backpacking meals; these meals include chicken & broccoli, beef tacos, deli roast beef, Italian meatball, coconut chicken, and buffalo ranch chicken.

Next Mile Meals – Backpacking Food lets you eat healthily while on the trail. You don’t need a kitchen to cook these meals, all you need is to heat water, add water to the pouch, wait, and enjoy!

Next Mile Meals – Backpacking Food (6 – Variety Pack) $96.00

Charles Jasper’s Tips

I have a few pointers to consider for your gear list you’re compiling. As a security consultant, a veteran, and an outdoor adventure guide through AdventureAide I’ve got a fair amount of experience in these things.  He agrees with Toren about socks.

Smartwool socks (I prefer REI). Cotton kills. Wool is so much better and Smartwool kicks it up a notch. .

Smartwool Men’s Crew Hiking Socks – Light Wool Performance Socks $18.95 pair

Mystery Ranch is great for day packs and even gear haulers for extended expeditions. The only downside is, if you get the military-grade (built for special ops, not the main force, so they’re actual quality) they’re heavier than the hunting/backpacking ones by up to a pound and a half.

And over a 12-mile day, that’ll grate on you. Guess which one I have.

MYSTERY RANCH 2 Day Assault Backpack – Tactical Packs Molle Daypack, LG/XL Forest $199

Boots: it all depends on your trip or your primary hiking spot. Sometimes, low-rise sneaker-like shoes are where it’s at. Others, you might need ankle-height or mid-calf boots! I’m partial to Merrell Moab 2. I have the ankle-height waterproof ones, they’re not Goretex (but they’re available). .

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Earth, $129.95

Also, look into Oboz, my Yellowstone’s lasted me for 10 years (they discontinued the line about 9 years ago so I got them cheap).

A quality lensatic compass, while heavy, is the best analog way to stay found.

Osprey hydration bladders. I feel they’re better than Camelbak now. I love mine.Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir, 1.5L $41.95

Katedyn filters. Lifestraw for emergencies, otherwise, always get the Kat. .
Katadyn Hiker Water Filter, $41.65

Whatever bug spray you get, make sure it’s 100% DEET

A good folding knife — I prefer Spyderco — and while wood/bone handles are sexy and beautiful, I’m hesitant to bring them backpacking because they’re wood/bone handles and often have the high price of craftsmanship attached. Spyderco, while insanely high quality, doesn’t have that problem.

Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight 5.61″ Signature Folding Knife $66.50

For a fixed blade, I’m a SOG man. But if I’ll break the rule, Helle Knives.

A hatchet. Here’s where I break my wood/bone rule, I prefer Karesuando.

Sunglasses: Oakley, Native Eyewear, or Ray-Ban. I use one of each, it depends on the situation. My Natives are excellent for alpine fishing (as are the Ray-Bans).

Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses, Black Green, 55 mm $155

Hero Grill is Compact and Easy to Use

This tiny Hero grill fits into a carrying case and gives you all you need to grill on the road.  Using their plant-based charcoal packs, you simply light it and then begin grilling, it comes with a little spatula-fork and even a thermometer.

Our only issue is that the charcoal packs are good for only one-time. You have to order more of them from Amazon for $19.00.  So it’s ten bucks a fire, which to some is fine.

HERO Grill Portable Lightweight Charcoal Grilling System $139.95

A Chainsaw in Your Pocket to Make a Shelter or a Fire

This pocket-sized chainsaw uses human power to cut logs, but is sharp enough to cut a big tree branch, using the handles on each end and the sharp teeth.

The hand saw can be sharpened and the device comes with a carrying bag and a flint and steel for making a fire without matches. We tested it and indeed–it does work!

Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain $19.95

Demi Huggers Luggage Strap Holds Luggage Together

The Demi Hugger’s strong, durable strap will safely hold an extra bag to your suitcase while you are traveling.

The velcro strap is wide and flexible, so it can fit into just about any bag or pocketbook.

The Demi Hugger will give travelers an extra hand as their extra bags can be strapped safely together to the handle of their suitcase.

Demi Huggers Luggage Strap $32.00

A Trekking Pole that Helps you explore Uncharted territories

The Leki Makalu Lite Cor Tec Trekking Pole is ideal for navigating steeper terrain. It has an edgeless, rounded grip that is perfect for holding.  These are sturdy and well-built hiking poles. Try hiking with these and you’ll realize why nearly everyone in the Alps uses poles like these!

Made of 80% natural ground cork, the COR-TEC grip is more durable than the average trekking pole. The locking mechanism of the pole is easy and reliable, offering more efficient adjustments than the raised speed dial.

LEKI Makalu Lite Cor Tec Trekking Pole $119.95

Gregory Mountain Products Pack with Built-in 3 liter Hydration System

 This Gregory Mountain Products backpack’s ow profile ventilation system uses leaf-spring design to fit perfectly on your back. Moisture-wicking technology provides comfort and performance. Padded components with ventilation for long-lasting comfort. You can sip off the rubber bite valve and drink water on your hiking route.

A 3-liter hydration bladder is included with an integrated drying hanger.  Gregory Mountain Products’ packs come in some great colors, including orange, Tahoe blue, mineral yellow and black

Gregory Mountain Products Citro 30 Liter 3D-Hydro Men’s Daypack, $142

A Small Back Pack Great for short Travels

Featuring roomy, inward pockets that save your day, and durable materials that save the world. The smaller Day Owl Backpack is scaled down to complement smaller bodies and fits a 14” laptop.

This two-pound backpack works well for people who like to pack lightly. The bag is made of recycled polyester and has a leather grip. This is a step up from a traditional backpack, definitely more classy!

Day Owl backpack $149.00

Earthkind: An Effective Mosquito Repellent

Earthkind’s Stay Away Mosquito Spray is unscented and offers long-lasting protection from mosquitoes. This mosquito spray keeps bugs away for 14 hours, and it is water-resistant and non-flammable.

Made with CDC recommended Picaridin, a bioidentical version of a long black pepper plant, this repellent is kid-friendly and can be used by pregnant women. No DEET.
Stay Away EarthKind Picaridin Mosquitoes Travel Insect Repellent – Unscented Spray, (4 Pack) $26.99

Rescue Your Cell-Phone from Water Damage

Absorbits Wet Cell Phone Rescue Pouch can save your phone from water damage while on a hike. The dryer bag is equipped with patented Bone-Dri Technology that removes moisture from your mobile device in a matter of hours.

The pouch is reusable and fits most cell phones. Having an Absorbits moisture remover pouch on hand can save you time and money when dealing with a wet phone.

Absorbits Wet Cell Phone Rescue Pouch $11.99

Even in the Middle of Nowhere, Good Coffee isn’t far Away

The AeroPress Go travel coffee press makes smooth, delicious coffee without bitterness, unlike slow brewing methods and French Presses. The AeroPress Go features a small size that makes 1-3 cups per press. Features a mug and lid that double as a traveling case. Perfect for traveling, camping, and boating.

The AeroPress Go brews hot coffee or espresso in a minute. Brews cold brew coffee in two minutes.

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press $31.95