Perfect New Gear to Hit the Trails in
This time of year is glorious for getting active outdoors. Whether you’re walking in the park, going for a trail run or are hiking up a mountain, it’s all a great workout. And we have the latest gear for you to have the best hike/walk/run evah. So what are you waiting for? Hit the trail like a mountain goat, yo!
Hit the Trail With Awesome New Outdoor Gear
1. Boots: Merrell’s Capra Bolt ($140). Merrell’s hiking boots have been hitting it out of the park lately. I tried their winter hiking boots a few months ago, and recently they sent me the Capra Bolt and man, I love these, too. With breathable mesh lining, lots of cushion in the heel and a contoured footbed (so comfy and secure) with organic odor control, these just feel great on. You have the perfect amount of stability to move freely but to also grip the ground like a boss. Or like that goat above. And — bonus — they look pretty great, too.
2. Socks: Darn Tough Summit Stripe Micro Crew Cushion ($20). If you’re “darn tough” on your feet, then you might want to try these Darn Tough hiking socks when you next hit the trail. Made of Merino Wool, these dry fast, have a lot of feel-good cushion and are naturally antimicrobial (meaning, no stinky toes). Plus, they’re said to not slip or bunch, so no blisters. We haven’t tried these yet, but the reviews say they make for happy hiking feet.
3. Walking sticks: BungyPump Walkathlon ($79). Tish and I tried a version of these waaay back in the day and now BungyPump has a new model available: the Walkathon. These are super versatile with built-in resistance or the option of locking the poles and transforming them into rigid walking sticks with no resistance. Meaning that when you’re out hiking, you can switch between the resistance and rigid option — maybe starting off with a fixed pole and adding resistance if you want to take things up a notch. If you live in a flat area, the resistance mode is also great to make hiking a little more challenging!
4. Train running shoes: Brooks Running PureGrit 4 ($120). Be the coolest runner (literally and figuratively) on the trails with these Brooks Running shoes (we’re a blog ambassador and an affiliate, btw!) that are super light, breathable, flexible and durable no matter what the trail throws at them. The toe guard on these keeps your tootsies protected and helps you power up steep terrain, while the sole keeps your feet safe from rocks and grips the ground. Oh, and, super cute.
5. Baselayer: Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Crew Top ($74.99). The weather may be getting warmer (hooray!), but the mornings and evenings can still be a little crisp. And, if you’re lucky enough to be hiking up a mountain, you know those higher altitudes can throw wind and cold at you real quick. Which is exactly why a thin, warm and moisture-wicking baselayer like this one is key. It traps your body heat in, while keeping you dry. So soft and cozy, too!
Are you planning to hit the trail? I’m jonesing for some nature time! —Jenn