Hike In Comfort And Style On Your Next Great Outdoor Adventure

Going on a hike is a great way to get outdoors or just go camping, soak up some sun and get some healthy exercise. However, in order to safely and comfortably go on a hike, there are a few key pieces of equipment that you will need for a great hike. 

There is no denying that there are a lot of companies out there that specialize in creating outdoor hiking gear—and a lot of different pieces of equipment out there that you can buy and use. But what pieces are really essential and what gear should you really be buying?

We’ve taken the time to find some of the best outdoor essentials and gear for hikers like you. We love that many of these pieces are not only designed with durability in mind, but that they are also eco-friendly, natural and socially responsible as well. Take a look at our top picks below to find the right hiking essentials for you. 

Type of Outdoor Gear | Wander Romper
Benefits | Organic, Lightweight, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly
Color Options | Black, Gray, White
Size | XS, S, M, L, XL
Price | $148

This romper from OUTERKNOWN is the perfect piece for all of your outdoor adventures. If you want a comfortable, yet stylish clothing for your next adventure, then give this romper a try. While this piece may look like its more for a day out to brunch then a day out to hike, it is actually designed for outdoor adventures. This romper is lightweight, breathable and allows for a good amount of movement thanks to its relaxed fit.

This isn’t all we love either. This romper is made out of 100% organic cotton. OUTERKNOWN is committed to using organic cotton because it conventional cotton takes up about ¼ of the world’s pesticide use. Organic cotton not only keeps pesticides away from our plant, but requires less water to grow, meaning buying clothing items like this is a great way to help our world.  

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Type of Outdoor Gear | Slim Fit Trailhead Pants
Benefits | Organic, Recycled, Lightweight, Stretch, Anit-Microbial, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Bluesign Nylon, Made From Recycled Materials
Color Options | Olive, Black, Gray, Blue
Size | XS, S, M, L, XL
Price | $89

A great pair of pants is a must-have for any hiking trip. If you are looking for stylish, yet comfortable pants, then consider this option from Coalatree. These waterproof pants are lightweight, breathable and are made with a four-way stretch material that makes them great for hiking and all types of outdoor adventures. They are even tear-resistant so you can be sure these pants will hold up to all of your outdoor activities.

We love that this brand is not only committed to creating quality products, but that they are committed to using safe and natural materials as well. They use recycled materials to construct this super durable pant material and even use eco-friendly Bluesign nylon that is certified safe for our planet.  

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See Coalatree Trailhead Adventure Shorts Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Workout Top
Benefits | Organic, Natural, Moisture-Wicking, Eco-Friendly
Color Options | Blue, Black
Size | XS, S, M, L
Price | $68

If you are looking for a comfortable, cropped-fit tank top that is great for hiking and all of your outdoor adventures, then consider this ADAY tank top. We love that this top is breathable, lightweight and comfortable. It is also quick-drying and moisture-wicking so you stay dry and comfortable when you are outdoors and working out.

We love this brand because they believe in creating eco-friendly clothing and with this tank top they use their signature plant-based material. This company believes in sustainability and maintaining conscious practices. They not only utilize more energy-efficient practices and to save energy during every step of the way in the creation of their clothing products. They even use recycled plastics in many of their items to help reduce the amount of waste ending up in our landfills.

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Type of Outdoor Gear | V-Neck T-shirt
Benefits | Natural, Breathable, Lightweight, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Made in the USA
Color Options | White, Pink, Black, Gray
Size | XS, S, M, L, XL
Price | $17

Most hikers know and love the brand Carhartt, for their dedication to creating durable outdoor gear. This includes products like this women’s Lockhart short sleeve v-neck t-shirt. This is a comfortable, everyday t-shirt that you can wear lounging around the house or when you head out on a hike. We love that this t-shirt is made out of a cotton and polyester jersey blend that is comfortable, loose and easy to move in. It even features a tag-less label so you don’t have to worry about anything irritating you while you’re out on a hike.

Carhartt is a brand dedicated to making products that people can wear when they are enjoying the outdoors. They also want to make sure they are doing their part to protect the outdoors while they’re at it. They use safe and sustainable practices, durable and natural materials, and are a company based right here in the United States.

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Type of Outdoor Gear | Cushioned Socks
Benefits | Organic, Natural, Breathable, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Anti-Microbial, Made in USA
Color Options | Multicolored
Size | S,M,L
Price | $26

If you are looking for a pair of hiking socks that will last as long as you do, then you want to consider these Darn Tough performance socks. As the name suggests, these socks are designed to be super tough, for all of your outdoor adventures. They are durable, won’t slip, won’t bunch and are actually naturally moisture-wicking. This means the sock will actually pull moisture away from the skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable, even when you work up a sweat.

These lightweight socks will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while still being naturally antimicrobial. This means, the socks will repel bacteria and odor so your skin stays healthy even when you sweat. We love that these sock are made with all-natural Merino Wool that is not only safe for skin contact and made without harsh irritants or chemicals, but it is breathable and comfortable as well. Plus, these socks are handmade right here in the USA at a facility in Vermont.

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See Darn Tough Vertex No Show Running Socks Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Long Sleeve Top
Benefits | Organic, Recycled, Lightweight, Give Back, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Made in the USA
Color Options | Olive, Black, Gray
Size | XS, S, L, XL
Price | $39 

Looking for a comfortable lounge top that you can also taking hiking? Consider this KOTN long sleeve top. This fitted long sleeve top is not only a versatile addition to your wardrobe, but one that you will really love wearing. This long sleeve top is made with a micro-ribbed, all-natural Egyptian cotton. This long staple cotton is safe, natural and stretchy for the utmost in comfort. We also love that this shirt is made using direct-trade practices so you can feel good knowing this cotton was ethically sourced.

If you are looking for a lightweight and long sleeve top that provides the coverage that you want, in a shirt that is still breathable and moisture-wicking, then this top is for you. Take it with you on your next hike, or wear it out to lunch, and you are sure to love what this comfortable piece can offer.

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See KOTN Slender Emerald Glass Vase Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Ankle Rain Boot
Benefits | Lightweight, Fair Trade, Natural Rubber, Waterproof
Color Options | Black
Size | 6-10
Price | $120

If you are planning on going hiking, then you want to make sure that you have the right footwear to take you through your hike. This is where that Alice + Whittles boot comes in. This minimalist black ankle rain boot is great for hikes as well as walks on a rainy day commute and everything in between. We love that this ankle boot combines comfort, functionality and style for a functional boot that you are sure to love.

However, our favorite feature of this rainboot is what it is made out of. The brand’s signature ankle rain boot is made out of natural sap from rubber trees that are sustainably managed from forests in Sri Lanka. This natural rubber boot is lightweight, comfortable and made entirely without any plastic. This means that these boots are not only safe, but they use 80% less energy to make—talk about a pair of boots that you can really feel good about wearing.

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See Alice + Whittles Luxa Sneaker Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Hiking Backpack
Benefits | Adjustable, Padded Shoulder Straps, Responsibly Made, Water Repellent
Color Options | Navy, Orange
Size | One Size
Price | $89 

There is a lot to love about the brand United by Blue. This company is dedicated to making eco-friendly and sustainable products. They are also dedicated to making quality pieces that you are sure to love. This includes products like this United By Blue backpack. We love that this backpack is big enough to hold all of your hiking gear, but it also includes a laptop pocket, so you can use it for work as well. This backpack has adjustable, padded shoulder straps that will keep you comfortable, no matter how long you plan on hiking for.

We love that this backpack has plenty of interior pockets and exterior zippered pockets. However, our favorite feature is that this backpack is responsibly made. The company has a partner in Vietnam that is committed to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. They also use natural and sustainable materials including hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester and micro modal in their products so you can rest assured that you are getting an eco-friendly product that you are sure to love. 

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See United By Blue Westray Short Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Solar Powered Watch
Benefits | Organic, Recycled, Lightweight, Solar-Charged, Eco-Friendly, Sustainable
Color Options | Blue, Multi-Colored Extra Straps
Size | One Size
Price | $89 

Looking for a new watch to take with you on all of your hiking adventures? Then consider this outdoor-friendly solar watch from Fossil. We love that this watch is lightweight, comfortable and great for outdoor workouts. We love that this watch is completely solar powered and can charge from natural time in the sun, so you don’t have to worry about wasteful batteries.

This solar-powered watch was actually part of the brand’s signature Earth Day collection. This watch is Fossil’s first major step into being a more sustainable brand. In addition to keeping the watch entirely solar powered, they also used recycled plastics in order to make the strap. This watch comes with five total straps that you can interchange as you want, and these five bands are made out 16 recycled plastic bottles. This means with the purchase of this watch, you can feel good knowing there are 16 less plastic bottles in our landfills.  

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Type of Outdoor Gear | Sunglasses
Benefits | Tortoise Shell Frames, Amber Polarized Lenses, Full UV400 Protection, FDA Approved, Impact Resistant
Color Options | Tortoise
Size | One Size
Price | $55 

If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses for your hiking adventures, then consider this pair from Knockaround. These great everyday sunglasses are perfect for outdoor activities. They are comfortable, durable and feature polarized lenses that will help keep your eyes safe and protected while you are outdoors. This family-owned business is committed to creating quality products.

Plus, this brand is committed to sustainability. They even have lines of recyclable, eco-friendly sunglasses. This recyclable eyewear set is crafted from polycarbonate, which is not only durable enough for outdoor wear, but one of the most environmentally conscious plastics out there.

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See Knockaround Premium Sunglasses Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Wool Shoes
Benefits | Organic, Recycled, Lightweight, Renewable, Machine Washable, Socially Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Carbon Negative Green EVA, FSC Certified Natural
Color Options | Gray
Size | 5-11
Price | $135 

If you’re looking for a great pair of outdoor shoes that are comfortable and easy to care for, then consider this pair of shoes from Allbirds. These lightweight shoes are super comfortable, and when they start to get dirty, you can just throw them in the washing machine and they will come out looking brand new. We love the breathable, easy-to-care for design of these Allbird shoes. But that’s not the only thing we love about these shoes.

These shoes are made using eco-friendly and safe materials that any environmentally-conscious shopper can feel good about. The sole of this shoe is made out of the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA. This brand also features FDSC Certified natural rubber treads that are not only comfortable and cushioned, but that offer more traction—making them perfect for those outdoor hikes.

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See Allbirds Tree Toppers Review

Type of Outdoor Gear | Outdoor Flip Flops
Benefits | Vegetable-tanned leather, Rubber outsoles to reduce slipping, added foot stability, firm arch support
Color Options | Black, White Navy
Size | 5-11
Price | $80

If you are looking for a great pair of outdoor sandals that are comfortable and great for outdoor hikes when you are planning on getting wet. When it comes to finding a great pair of sandals for hikes, you want to make sure that you are getting a pair with plenty of tread on the bottom so you don’t have to worry about slipping and falling. This is just what you will get with these Hari Mari sandals with their rubber outsoles.

We love these comfortable sandals and the brand behind them. In fact, these sandals are made entirely out of sustainable materials. Hari Mari uses only sustainably-grown textiles and renewable materials whenever they can to create their durable, high-quality and comfortable pieces of footwear.

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See Hari Mari Summer Flip Flops Review

Outdoor Gear Essentials for Hiking That You Are Sure to Love

If you are looking to “gear up” with all of your basic hiking essentials or just camping, then take a look at our recommended products. These hiking essentials are not only great pieces that will help make your next outdoor trail adventure comfortable as possible—but items that are actually good for the planet as well. With these safe, natural and eco-friendly essentials you will be ready to take on any new adventure that comes you way!

Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.

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