Hiking trips [1] are one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're a professional athlete, workout fanatic, or someone who hits the gym every so often. The thing about hiking is that there's a little something for everyone: scenic trails you can meander down on a weekend; epic summits [2] you can train for and plan an entire trip around; and moderate excursions worth integrating into a vacation in the desert, mountains, or seaside. In other words, you don't have to be a serious athlete to hike.
No matter your style or skill level, hiking is a great way to burn a few calories [3], take in some sights, and connect with nature, especially when you need a break from studio classes or the gym. But one aspect you don't want to overlook is what to pack for a hiking trip. Because when it comes to outdoor adventures, gear [4] is everything (though packing a few cute outfits for a mountain vacation [5] doesn't hurt, either).
For a quick guide on what to pack for different types of hikes as well as a few recommendations for the best places to plan a hiking trip [6], freeskier and Eddie Bauer athlete Lexi duPont [7] gave POPSUGAR the rundown.
Tips For Planning a Hiking Trip
"If you have a big objective [9] like Mount Kilimanjaro [in Tanzania], Rainier [in Washington], or traversing the Sawtooth Mountains [in Idaho], then the hike becomes the focus of the trip. Otherwise, if I happen to be in a mountainous area, I try and squeeze in a few days of hikes," duPont told POPSUGAR.
"Having the proper equipment is a must," she added. "If it's a day hike, I travel light with a solid pair of broken-in shoes, plenty of water and snacks, and a light rain jacket because mountain weather can change very quickly."
Eddie Bauer Cairn Mid Boot
Eddie Bauer Cairn Mid Boot [10] ($126, originally $180)
2 Liter Upgraded Leak-Proof Water Bladder
2 Liter Upgraded Leak-Proof Water Bladder [11] ($10)
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Lightweight Rain Jacket
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Lightweight Rain Jacket [12] ($69, originally $99)
RXBar Variety Pack
RXBar Variety Pack [13] ($24 for 12)
What to Pack For a Desert Hike
DuPont said to always pack, "a CamelBak loaded with water and snacks, a blister kit for walking long distances in hiking boots, a hat and sunscreen, and a bathing suit in case you find a cool watering hole along the way."
CamelBak Octane 9 70 oz. Hiking Hydration Pack
CamelBak Octane 9 70 oz. Hiking Hydration Pack [14] ($100)
Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot
Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot [15] ($140, originally $200)
UST Blister Care Kit
UST Blister Care Kit [16] ($10)
Eddie Bauer Exploration UPF Wide Brim Hat
Eddie Bauer Exploration UPF Wide Brim Hat [17] ($28, originally $40)
Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen For Face and Body
Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen For Face and Body [18] ($22)
Bare Baked Crunchy Veggie Chips, Variety Pack
Bare Baked Crunchy Veggie Chips, Variety Pack [19] ($20 for six bags)
Eddie Bauer Preston Polarized Sunglasses
Eddie Bauer Preston Polarized Sunglasses [20] ($41, originally $59)
Dolfin Team Solid V-2 Back Competitive One-Piece Swimsuit
Dolfin Team Solid V-2 Back Competitive One-Piece Swimsuit [21] ($46-$50)
What to Pack For a Mountain Hike
According to duPont, her mountain hiking essentials are "lots of water and snacks, a blister kit, an extra layer, a light rain jacket, bug spray, and sunscreen."
Eddie Bauer Radiator Fleece Snap Mock Neck
Eddie Bauer Radiator Fleece Snap Mock Neck [22] ($53, originally $75)
Eddie Bauer Cenote Bladder
Eddie Bauer Cenote Bladder [23] ($12, originally $17)
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Trail Tight Leggings
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Trail Tight Leggings [24] ($83, originally $119)
TOMS Waterproof Hazel Leather and Harbor Blue Techy Nylon Mesa Boots
TOMS Waterproof Hazel Leather and Harbor Blue Techy Nylon Mesa Boots [25] ($150)
Power Up Trail Mix Variety Pack
Power Up Trail Mix Variety Pack [26] ($14)
Nike Essential Water Repellent Hooded Rain Jacket
Nike Essential Water Repellent Hooded Rain Jacket [27] ($90)
Outdoor Voices x Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Outdoor Voices x Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots [28] ($130)
Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce
Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce [29] ($7, originally $10)
Trader Joe's Dried White Peaches
Trader Joe's Dried White Peaches [30] ($18)
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer, 3.2 Ounce
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer, 3.2 Ounce [31] ($40)
What to Pack For a Hike in the Cold
When hiking in the cold, DuPont said to pack "lots of layers and a bigger backpack to hold them when you start to get your sweat on, a first-aid kit, food and water, and a thermos filled with a warm beverage."
Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Hooded Jacket
Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Hooded Jacket [32] ($174, originally $249)
Eddie Bauer Midweight FreeDry Merino Hybrid Baselayer 1/4-zip
Eddie Bauer Midweight FreeDry Merino Hybrid Baselayer 1/4-zip [33] ($63, originally $90)
Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings
Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings [34] ($63, originally $90)
Eddie Bauer Leather Palm Mountain Gloves
Eddie Bauer Leather Palm Mountain Gloves [35] ($49, originally $70)
Eddie Bauer Bygone 30 Pack
Eddie Bauer Bygone 30 Pack [36] ($83, originally $119)
Yeti Rambler Bottle 18 oz
Yeti Rambler Bottle 18 oz. [37] ($30)
S'well Bottle Night Sky Roamer Reusable Insulated Water Bottle
S'well Bottle Night Sky Roamer Reusable Insulated Water Bottle [38] ($55)
Harmony House Backpacking Kit
Harmony House Backpacking Kit [39] ($50)
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit [40] ($29)
Planning Your Next Hike
"My favorite place to hike is pretty much anywhere in Washington because there is everything from super easy to extremely hard," duPont told POPSUGAR. The athlete also recommends the volcanoes of Guatemala for fast and furious vertical incline with epic views, anywhere in British Columbia for endless variety (note: she highly recommends bear spray in this area), and Mount Kilimanjaro. "With enough training and a proper guide service, anyone can get to the top," she said.
Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray & Holster
Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray & Holster [41] ($34)
Eddie Bauer High Route Grid Fleece 1/4-Zip
Eddie Bauer High Route Grid Fleece 1/4-Zip [42] ($69, originally $99)
Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops Boot
Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops Boot [43] ($126, originally $180)
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Lined Pants
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Lined Pants [44] ($69, originally $99)
Eddie Bauer Point6 Light Hiker Crew Socks
Eddie Bauer Point6 Light Hiker Crew Socks [45] ($22)
Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket
Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket [46] ($139, originally $199)
Eddie Bauer Multidana
Eddie Bauer Multidana [47] ($14, originally $20)
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants [48] ($56, originally $80)