“Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.”
So says Jennifer Pharr Davis, an author and prolific hiker with more than 14,000 worldwide hiking miles under her belt.
As avid fans of the trail ourselves, we know the importance of proper preparation. The following four pieces of hike-centric everyday carry gear will make sure that you get out there and back in one piece, and enjoy every minute of your communion with nature.
Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
Directly or indirectly, the sun powers all life on Earth. And now, it can power your hiking and adventure watch, too. Garmin’s Instinct Solar Watch uses our central star’s power to provide up to 54 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and is built to military standards of durability so you know it will keep you in good stead no matter how tough your adventure gets.
Sunski Treeline Sunglasses
What do we hike for? Adventure. Exercise. Time in nature. But perhaps most of all: The view from the top. And to make sure that you’re able to take in the panorama in full clarity, consider packing a pair of Sunski’s Treeline Sunglasses with you. They’re polarized for maximum protection, and equipped with removable sun shields that let you tailor your EDC to the weather.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Leave your phone at home, but bring your safety with you—that’s what Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 makes possible. GPS-connected and SOS messaging enabled, this compact device will allow you to stay in touch with everyone that matters, all while keeping the rest of the world’s distractions at bay.
The James Brand Redstone Knife
Compact. Lightweight. Perfect for carrying along with you for any outdoor adventure. That’s The James Brand’s Redstone Knife in a nutshell, but the real magic is in the details. Its Sandvik 12C27 steel blade is highly corrosion resistant, and its polypropylene scales are durable and come in a wide variety of colors so you can personalize your hiking EDC.