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 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 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 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 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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