2023 Gear Guide: Straight Talk, No Fluff

Our Top Picks – Without the Affiliate Links

Alright, let's face it: the world isn't short on gear guides. Flip a rock, and you'll find a dozen. But here's the thing: everyone's got an angle.

Opinions? They're like trail mix – everyone's got their favorite kind. 🥜🍫 So, here we are, throwing our hat into the ring. Feel free to throw yours in, too, in the comment area below.

What's on our Wish List for 2023? We're laying it out straight and simple. No hidden agendas, no affiliate links. Just good old-fashioned, no-nonsense product recommendations. And if you hurry, you might find some Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals!

🥾 Footwear: Where Every Trail Begins

• Trail Runners: Light, breezy, and just right for those well-trodden paths. Salomon and Altra are throwing some serious contenders into the ring, blending support with that much-needed breath of fresh air for your feet.
• Hiking Boots: When the going gets rough, these are the tough ones that get going. Think Merrell Moab Series or Keen Targhee III — your best buds for comfort that doesn’t quit, even when the trail does.
• Mountaineering Boots: Heading into the frosty fray? La Sportiva’s Nepal series has got your back, with the insulation to keep the chill out and the grit to grip those icy paths.

🎒 Backpacks: Your Trusty Trail Companion

• Daypacks: Quick jaunts? Grab a 20-30 liter pack. The Osprey Talon 22 or Deuter Speed Lite 20 won’t let you down, fitting all your day-trip doodads.
• Multi-Day Packs: Longer hauls call for bigger bags. The Gregory Baltoro 65 or Osprey Atmos AG 65? They’re like the SUVs of backpacks, roomy and ready for anything.

🧥 Dress Code: Layer Like a Pro

• Base Layer: Think sweat-wicking wonders like Patagonia’s Capilene or Smartwool’s Merino 150. It’s all about staying dry and comfy.
• Middle Layer: We're talking cozy-town. Fleece or down, like the Arc'teryx Atom LT or The North Face Thermoball, keep the cold at bay.
• Top Layer: It’s you vs. the elements, and the Marmot PreCip or Arc'teryx Beta AR are your best armor—waterproof, breathable, and unstoppable.

💧 Hydration: Don’t Leave Home Without It

• Water Bottles: Simple yet effective. Nalgene for durability, Hydro Flask for temperature control.
• Hydration Bladders: CamelBak’s got this one in the bag. Literally.
• Water Filters: The great outdoors isn’t always a clean water fountain. Enter the heroes: Sawyer Squeeze and LifeStraw.

🍲 Chow Time: Fueling the Fire

• Compact Stoves: MSR PocketRocket 2, small but mighty, ready to cook up a storm.
• Cookware: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist, because even the wildest trails deserve a touch of gourmet.
• Snack Attack: Clif Bars, trail mix, dehydrated delights. It’s all about energy on the go.

🏕️ Shelter: Your Wilderness Fortress

• Tents: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or REI Co-op Half Dome, your lightweight castle under the stars.
• Sleeping Bags: Marmot Trestles 30 or Western Mountaineering UltraLite, because nobody likes shivering at 2 AM.
• Sleeping Pads: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite or NEMO Tensor Insulated, like bringing your bed, but better.

⛑️ Safety First, Fun Always

• First Aid Kits: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7, because scrapes happen.
• Emergency Beacons: Garmin inReach Mini, because it’s good to have a Plan B when you’re off-grid.
• Sun Smarts: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats. Sunburns are so last year.

🔦 Light Up the Night

• Headlamps: Black Diamond Spot or Petzl Actik Core, for when the sun clocks out but you don’t.

🌟 The Extras That Aren’t So Extra

• Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork or Leki Micro Vario Carbon, your knees will thank you.
• Multi-Tools: Leatherman Signal, because MacGyvering is a real thing.
• Fire Starters: Matches, lighters, because it’s not just about s’mores. Okay, it’s a little about s’mores.

🌵⛰️ Gear for Where You Go

• Desert? Sun gear and water's the name of the game.
• Mountains? Think insulation and tough kicks.
• In Between? Light and breezy does it. Adapt, improvise, and overcome.

Having Said All That -

Gearing up is about matching your kit to your adventure. It’s personal. It’s about what works for you and your trail. So gear up, head out, and let the trails know you're coming.

Hike Your Hike - John.