Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Newer version here: youtu.be/F3zdvnXnBBQ
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After hundreds of miles testing gear, I'm sharing the 10 essentials I actually carry on day hikes. This isn't the 1930 list rehashed, it's what keeps me safe, comfortable, and capable of staying overnight if a rescue delays to morning. I cover shoes (Hoka Speedgoat 5s sized wide and half-up), satellite communicators (Garmin inReach Mini 2 for two-way texting and SOS), packs, and the lightweight survival kit I bring on every hike. No one paid me to recommend this stuff. It's just what works.
00:00 Hiking Essentials Overview
01:34 Footwear & Socks
02:37 Multi-Tool & Communication
03:56 Backpacks & Hydration
07:15 Navigation Tools
10:43 Power & Lighting
12:32 Food & Clothing
16:50 Sun Protection
18:58 Safety Gear
23:27 Emergency & First Aid
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Newer version here: youtu.be/F3zdvnXnBBQ
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After hundreds of miles testing gear, I'm sharing the 10 essentials I actually carry on day hikes. This isn't the 1930 list rehashed, it's what keeps me safe, comfortable, and capable of staying overnight if a rescue delays to morning. I cover shoes (Hoka Speedgoat 5s sized wide and half-up), satellite communicators (Garmin inReach Mini 2 for two-way texting and SOS), packs, and the lightweight survival kit I bring on every hike. No one paid me to recommend this stuff. It's just what works.
00:00 Hiking Essentials Overview
01:34 Footwear & Socks
02:37 Multi-Tool & Communication
03:56 Backpacks & Hydration
07:15 Navigation Tools
10:43 Power & Lighting
12:32 Food & Clothing
16:50 Sun Protection
18:58 Safety Gear
23:27 Emergency & First Aid
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
