Finding the right hiking gear can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Picture Tanya and me standing beside you at REI, guiding you through our favorite gear picks and budget-friendly options.
That’s why we’ve started a series of outdoor gear reviews sharing what we love on Colorado trails.
And here’s the thing: we only recommend gear we use and love—stuff we’d treasure (and hide from our kids and husbands).
After all, the right gear is our trusty companion on the best Colorado hikes and the key to success.
Meet the Patagonia Torrentshell, a genuinely top-tier contender among jackets for rain—and it’s a family favorite! My whole crew loved it so much that now we each have our own. Tanya was the latest to join the club after hearing us rave about it. Best breathable, best packable, and best lightweight rainproof jacket? Absolutely. Whether you're scaling peaks or navigating snowy slopes, this rainproof jacket keeps you dry without fuss. It’s the one jacket we all trust in any weather!
Read MoreAs autumn arrives, I want to share what I love to wear for my Colorado hikes. My go-to hiker attire includes cozy layers and fun accessories that keep me comfortable and warm on the trails. After trying so many options, I’ve finally found what works for all kinds of fall weather. I love these pieces so much that I just had to share my favorite women’s fall outfit to inspire your outdoor adventures this season!
Read MoreI’m all about hiking tees, and the Black Diamond Lightwire Tech Shirt is hands down the best for trails! My daughter and I both wore these on the Lares Trek in Peru, and they were perfect hiking wear for ladies. If you’re after hiking shirts for ladies that keep you cool and comfy, this one’s a total winner. Get ready to hit the trails in style!
Read MoreFinding the best-fitting womens hiking shorts can be challenging, but the Patagonia Pro Strider are a game-changer. As a trail runner, day hiker, and backpacker, I've found these good shorts for hiking to be incredibly flattering, comfortable, and durable. With ample coverage and a full-fitting liner, they’re perfect for the trail, gym, or around town. Whether you're seasoned or a newbie, give these womens hiking shorts a try—you might fall in love with them like I did!
Read MoreWe're all about winter hiking in Colorado, but let's face it, nobody wants to spend their time sliding on their butt! Microspikes are our saving grace on those icy paths, keeping us steady and upright. If you're just starting out, Yak Tracks offer a gentle introduction to the adventure. But for long-term stability and fewer butt slides, Kahtoola microspikes are the way to go. Join us as we head into Rocky Mountain National Park and experience firsthand the difference wearing a spike on the trail can make!
Read MoreWe slipped inside the Zenbivy Core Bed overnight on a few summer time camping trips here in Colorado to learn how this unique backcountry sleeping bag acts more like a bed and less like a classic bag. Updated for 2024, see how the Core Bed offers options for staying warm or cool while tent camping. All kinds of sleeping positions relish the slip-free sleeping pad with this sheet and quilt combo.
Read MoreOur favorite hiking daypack, the Osprey Sirrus 24L goes with us on every outdoor adventure. This lightweight backpack features pockets and straps, keeping layers organized for all weather hiking. Keep this daypack stocked with hiking essentials gives you the most flexibility for long snowshoe hikes or short uphill treks. It’s our number one piece of gear!
Read MoreReady to level up your hiking game? Our gloves and mittens are the trail legends of 2023, and they've been our loyal companions on Colorado's epic trails for decades. These aren't just any gloves; they're the unbeatable duo you can trust to keep you warm, cozy, and stylish while you conquer the wilderness. Join us on the trail, and let these mittens and gloves elevate your hiking experience to new levels of warmth and comfort!
Read MoreThe Patagonia Nano Puff is a game-changer in the world of outdoor gear. We love it for its incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for chilly adventures without the bulk. Its eco-conscious design also aligns with Patagonia's commitment to sustainability. With recycled materials and responsible sourcing, this jacket keeps you warm while treading lightly on the planet. Versatile, durable, and stylish, the Nano Puff is a must-have for every outdoor enthusiast. Embrace warmth, comfort, and eco-friendliness - everyone should own one!
Read MoreReady for a game-changer on the trails? Wondering why hiking poles are a must? Discover the secret to pain-free adventures! Say goodbye to knee discomfort with 25% less pressure while enjoying a whole-body workout. Embrace hiking with poles for stability and a 2-in-1 gear deal as they double as tent poles! Join us as we unravel the mystery of hiking poles and share how they elevate our hiking game to superstar levels!
Read MoreHiking Colorado trails requires fortitude, snacks and most importantly, water! When you run out of water on the hiking trail, portable lightweight water filters are your best friend and lifesaver. Check out three must have portable water filters for hiking Colorado trails. Around $50 or under with over 500 bottles worth of clean water per filter, these water filters are perfect for those long Colorado hikes.
Read MoreColorado hiking is awe inspiring, an elevation headache is awful. The best hydration for hiking are found in electrolytes. These hiking electrolytes are real show stoppers keeping the elevation headache at bay. Learn what electrolyte powder is best for hiking Colorado trails. Big on flavor, low in sugar and housed in portable packets and tablets, these electrolyte drinks are perfect for hikes!
Read MoreAre you sick and tired of being cold? Stay warm and toasty on your Colorado winter adventures with heated gear. Snowshoe trails, dog walks, ski runs and sport spectating is downright enjoyable with a warm down heated vest. Don’t suffer. Get yours today and get outside!
Read MoreWe found the best cozy waterproof camping blankets! Find out why these camping blankets for cold weather are the perfect accessory to your sports spectating, concert attending, pinicking adventures. At under $100, these camping blankets cocoon in their own compression sack with shoulder straps to free up hands. Get one now!
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