Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? As a lifelong Midwesterner, I’ve experienced the outdoors in all seasons and conditions. Over the years I’ve learned what works – clothing and gear that is comfortable, breathable, well made, durable, and functional.
Learn more about my recommendations here!
Gear Recommendations
Here you’ll find a handful of my personal recommendations for outdoor gear, including my favorite packs, hiking layers, insulation, wool socks, and outdoor accessories.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I believe in or personally use, from companies that I support.
Hiking Boots
Finding comfortable, durable, and well-made footwear for outdoor activities can be challenging, and varies widely from person to person. While it’s important to get fitted to find what works best for you, I’m glad to share my personal recommendations. By far, my most well-worn (and well-loved!) hiking shoes and boots are Merrell or La Sportiva.
A hiking boot I have worn religiously (and LOVED!) for nearly 5 years is La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II Mid-Leather GTX Hiking Boot. I can’t say enough positive about this hiking boot. A solid boot with ample ankle and arch support, roomy toe-box, lace-closure locks, lightweight, with grippy soles for any type of weather. I have hiked hundreds of miles in my Ultra Raptors and they have yet to show signs of significant wear.
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid, comfortable boot. While the ankle support is not quite as rigid as La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor, the Moab is plenty supportive and comfortable for long hikes. Waterproofing is a plus for spring hikes in the Midwest (mud season!) In my experience, I have found Merrell boots to be both well-designed and durable.
Merrell Women’s Antora 3 Mid-Waterproof Hiking Boot is a lightweight, grippy, waterproof hiking boot that is comfortable for long hikes. The Antora is considerably lighter than the Moab.
Outdoor Footwear | Trail Runners
For a durable trail runner, I have similarly gravitated towards La Sportiva shoes for years for their solid, stable fit. La Sportiva Women’s Wildcat 2.0 GTX Trail Running Shoe is waterproof and breathable, with great traction. The fit of the Wildcat is similar to that of the Ultra Raptor, which works well for trail runs or varied terrain.
For a more casual trail runner/sneaker option, consider Merrell’s Antora 3 Trail Running Shoe . After 3-4 years of regular wear, these shoes have held up wonderfully.
For the Beachcombers! | Durable Sandals
If you’re an avid beachcomber like me, Keen’s Newport H2 Sandal is the perfect option for walking on sand, rocks, or wet surfaces. The hybrid shoe-and-sandal design is grippy and quick to dry – ideal for the trail or the beach.
Outdoor Accessories| Wool Blend Socks
I am a huge fan of Smartwool clothing and accessories in any weather. As a trail runner, for years I was miserable running outside in the winter – until I discovered Smartwool! For trail runs and spring and fall hikes, I like to wear a lightweight breathable glove. Smartwool’s Merino Gloves are light as a feather, but warm and breathable. These gloves are a blend of a jersey material with merino wool, which is very soft and warm. The thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible if you’re always snapping photos like me!
- For trail runs, I always choose a wool blend sock for breathability. Smartwool’s Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Sock is a merino wool socks that fits with trail running shoes, with a firm fit to prevent slipping. For a higher sock for running or hiking, consider Smartwool’s Run Cold Weather Crew Sock, with a nearly seamless design, making it easier to avoid irritation and blisters.
- Looking for socks made from recycled fabrics? Consider Smartwool’s Second Cut Recycled Collection. For a light-cushioned hiker, the Hike Classic Edition Second Cut Crew Socks are my go to.
Smartwool Recycling Program
Smartwool has a commitment to sustainable production, and a great program to recycle your old socks. Order a Free Sock Recycling Kit, print a label, and send your worm out socks to Smartwool. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste.
Women’s Vests and Insulated Layers
- Marmot’s Women’s Echo Featherless Vest is lightweight yet warm without the bulk. Water resistant and durable, with zippered pockets and a drawstring cord to block out the cold. Light enough to wear on its own or layer beneath a shell – a personal favorite of mine!
- Smartwool’s Smartloft Vest has merino wool lining, wind and water resistant – this vest is warm yet breathable. I have worn this vest to hike, bike, run, ski and snowshoe. Amazingly warm and layers easily with a shell or as a baselayer.
- Mountain Hardwear’s women’s Stretchdown Jacket is my go to for winter hikes. This jacket is extremely lightweight, breathable, and moves with you. I have the hooded Stretchdown in blue, but the jacket also comes in heather, white, dark blue, and black.
Baselayers
For outdoor activities, comfort is all about layering! Here in the Great Lakes region, the weather can change on a dime. It is not uncommon to experience several seasons in a day. Wearing the right baselayers goes a long way in staying comfortable on the trail. My goal is always to find baselayers that are both lightweight and soft. Most of my baselayer tops are from Mountain Hardwear.
In the warmer months, the women’s Crater Lake Long-sleeve Hoodie is a buttery soft, stretchy and breathable UPF 50 sun shirt. This hoodie is so light I can wear it comfortably even on the hottest summer days. For a slightly heavier baselayer with UPF 20, consider the Women’s Echo Printed Hoodie. I have the Echo in two colors, and it is a regular staple of mine for hikes in any season.
Outdoor Gear | Osprey Packs
For a comfortable, durable pack, Osprey packs are my go to. In the past ten years, I have purchased five Osprey packs – both for work and recreation, each of which has exceeded my expectations. Osprey’s focus on sustainable design includes an investment in recycled fabrics, water repellent treatment made without PFAs, and reduced environmental impact. Find your best fit with Osprey’s Packfinder. Additionally, check out Osprey Best Sellers.
Multi-Sport Packs
- My go to pack for day hikes and long rides is Osprey’s Talon 11, with an adjustable hip-belt, two water bottle compartments and mesh front pocket (pictured after a muddy bike ride below). This multisport pack has a comfortable fit with plenty of room for an extra layer and snacks for the trail. My favorite features of the Talon and other Osprey packs is the curved Airscape backpanel designed for comfort and ventilation, and built-in safety whistle on the chest strap.
The Talon is also available in a slightly larger 22L pack. The Talon 22 was rated Best Overall by Gear Junkie in 2026.
Lumbar Packs
- The Savu 2 lumbar pack is a perfect minimalist biking pack that includes stretch mesh pockets for single ordouble bottle carry. This pack also works well for summer hikes.
- A slightly larger option is the Seral 4 with a 1.5L water reservoir. This pack has room for an e-bikebattery and charger as well as tool organizationin the main compartment.
- For a biking specific backpack, I recommend the Raptor 10 with 2.5L water reservoir, hip-belt pockets and shoulder harness. Explore Osprey’s Raptor/Raven Collection.
Everyday Gear | Lifestyle Packs
- Off the trails, I carry the Arcane Tote Pack for my laptop and other accessories. I love this tote! It is minimalist in its styling, featuring tuckaway straps and a shoulder strap that converts to a backpack. It also has a 16″ padded laptop sleeve, internal zip pocket, key clip, and large zippered front panel pocket. I purchased the tote in black as it does not show wear and tear, but it is also available in toffee orange, blue, and botanic green.
Recent Articles – Join in my Adventures!
Recommended Outdoor Adventures
One of my favorite places to hike, bike, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors is Marquette, Michigan, in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. For more information on outdoor recreation, trail systems, scenic views, great restaurants, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out my 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.
Get out there and and enjoy all that the beautiful Great Lakes region has to offer!
Happy Adventuring!
-Erin