Hike Oregon's Gear Favorites
​A Comprehensive Gift Guide For Outdoorsy People
​I often get asked what my favorite gear items are so here is some of my tried and true gear that I have used for years for day hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and car camping. Whether you're looking for gifts for that special hiker in your life or you're making a wish list for yourself, I hope this list gives you some ideas. This list just consists of my favorite items, not all the gear that I carry on trips. If you want to see a full gear pack out list, check out the Hike Oregon YouTube channel where I have videos on what I take for summer and winter day hikes, backpacking trips and my typical car camping set up.
Day hiking items:
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Depending on what season I am hiking in, depicts what backpack I carry for day hiking. In the late spring, summer and early fall I carry the smaller Gregory Citro 25L pack and in the winter and early spring months I carry the larger Gregory Jade 28L pack. I have been a Gregory day pack gal for years now and you can't go wrong with any of their packs.
Regardless of the season, there are a few things that I always carry with me on day hikes that are absolute necessities such as my little foam sit pad, my Kula Cloth, my Zpacks Vertice rain pants and my Outdoor Vitals Tusher rain jacket. And of course for safety and as part of the 10 essentials, I always carry my Garmin InReach Mini, an orienteering compass, a whistle and a small knife and an Anker backup battery to charge my phone if it dies. If you are a camera fanatic like myself, here are some of the things I use to take pictures on my hikes. Camera body- Nikon D-750, Nikon 70-33mm lens (a must-have for zooming into mountains and far away details), Nikon 24-85mm lens (great for general landscape shots), Peak Design camera clip for attaching the camera to your backpack. Some of my favorite clothes to wear on day hikes are my Lululemon Align leggings or my Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants on the bottom and on top I like wearing my Outdoor Vitals Tern merino wool hoodie, and some sort of lightweight jacket like the Outdoor Vitals Vario. In the summer I wear the Outdoor Vitals Altitude Performance Tee with my favorite Purple Rain Adventure Skirt. For footwear in the late spring, summer and early fall I exclusively wear trail runners. I have been rocking the Altra Timp shoes as well as the Altra Lone Peak shoes. For the wetter and colder months I wear the Astral Pisgah boots. |
(an example of what the Nikon D-750 looks like on the Peak Design clip)
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(I am wearing the OV Altitude Performance Tee, the MH Trail Sender shorts and the Altra Lone Peak trail runners)
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(I am wearing the Gregory Jade 28L pack, Lululemon Align leggings, OV Vario jacket and Astral Pisgah boots)
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(Xero sandals and the BV500 bear canister)
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(Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight backpack https://bit.ly/3kIMEaf)
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Backpacking gear:
There are so many backpacking items that I have used for years but I will not mention every single thing in my pack. The length of the trip and how much food I have to carry or if I have to carry a bear canister (BearVault 500) will depict which backpack I carry. If my pack is a little bit lighter due to having to carry less food and no bear canister, I will carry the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60L. If I have carry some extra weight and/or a canister I will carry the Osprey Aura AG 65L pack. This pack itself is heavier but offers more support and structure, making it easier and more comfortable to carry a heavy load (over 35 pounds).
For years I have been sleeping in the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, which for the price and square footage is the lightest weight tent on the market. I have tried many sleeping pads and have liked a few of them, but my favorite one that I use all the time now is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite Max because it's thick and comfy and yet it folds up really small and is very lightweight. I have also tried a few different sleeping bags over the years, but have settled on the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft Down Top Quilt (I have the 0 degree one). It is super puffy but it stuffs down really well and doesn't take up a lot of room in my pack.
Some of my other backpacking favorites are as follows: the GSI Soloist cook pot, my Sea To Summit X-series collapsible mug for coffee, the Eagle Creek Pack It system for my toiletries and first aid stuff, and my Sawyer Squeeze water filter and CNOC Vecto water collection bag. A sports watch is definitely not a must-have but I have had my COROS Vertix sports watch since the summer of 2019 and it has been one of my most tried and true pieces of equipment and goes with me on every trip. A really fun gift that you can personalize are the Hilltop Packs dyneema ditty bags that come in all sizes and can have customized designs put on them!
Some of my favorite go-to clothes for backpacking that are not mentioned above in the day hiking section are my Columbia PFG sun shirts (I have owned various different colors of the same shirt), my Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, Xero Shoe Z-Trail sandals for camp shoes and/or water crossings. The Tera Kaia Basewear Toura sports bra is the most comfortable sports bra because it doesn't have clasps or weird seems that could easily rub when wearing a pack (use code FRANZISKAWEINHE for 10% off your order). And for a jacket I always take my Outdoor Vitals NovaPro jacket.
For years I have been sleeping in the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, which for the price and square footage is the lightest weight tent on the market. I have tried many sleeping pads and have liked a few of them, but my favorite one that I use all the time now is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite Max because it's thick and comfy and yet it folds up really small and is very lightweight. I have also tried a few different sleeping bags over the years, but have settled on the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft Down Top Quilt (I have the 0 degree one). It is super puffy but it stuffs down really well and doesn't take up a lot of room in my pack.
Some of my other backpacking favorites are as follows: the GSI Soloist cook pot, my Sea To Summit X-series collapsible mug for coffee, the Eagle Creek Pack It system for my toiletries and first aid stuff, and my Sawyer Squeeze water filter and CNOC Vecto water collection bag. A sports watch is definitely not a must-have but I have had my COROS Vertix sports watch since the summer of 2019 and it has been one of my most tried and true pieces of equipment and goes with me on every trip. A really fun gift that you can personalize are the Hilltop Packs dyneema ditty bags that come in all sizes and can have customized designs put on them!
Some of my favorite go-to clothes for backpacking that are not mentioned above in the day hiking section are my Columbia PFG sun shirts (I have owned various different colors of the same shirt), my Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, Xero Shoe Z-Trail sandals for camp shoes and/or water crossings. The Tera Kaia Basewear Toura sports bra is the most comfortable sports bra because it doesn't have clasps or weird seems that could easily rub when wearing a pack (use code FRANZISKAWEINHE for 10% off your order). And for a jacket I always take my Outdoor Vitals NovaPro jacket.
(I am wearing the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap and the Columbia PFG sun shirt)
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(Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2)
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(Honey Stinger waffle)
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(Tubbs snowshoes, winter hiking pants, and REI gloves)
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Snow gear:
Recreating in the snow is not my favorite thing because I get cold very easily, so here are some of my favorite items that help me to stay warm on those cold snowshoe trips. I love the REI merino wool liner gloves for when I don't need something waterproof but my fingers are cold. Darn Tough socks as well as PAKA socks are a must for me inside of my Keen snow boots. I have tried a handful of snowshoes and talked about snowshoes with many outdoor friends and I have come to conclusion that if you're just starting out and are unsure of whether or not you are going to like snowshoeing, it is totally ok to get some cheap snowshoes from Amazon like these ones here. If you know you like snowshoeing and are wanting to explore areas that don't have groomed trails, the MSR Revo Explore snowshoes are pretty awesome. For some durable waterproof pants, I love my winter hiking pants that I have had for years and for layering I like to wear the PAKA Apparel Everyday Base Layer with my Outdoor Vitals Vario jacket on top. For a yummy snack on the trail or a dessert after a hot lunch, I love the waffles from Honey Stinger.
Car camping must-haves:
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Car camping is pretty simple for me because I can generally take most of my every day items from home like a comforter and regular pillow and a small foam mattress to sleep on. But usually when I am car camping I am not in established campgrounds with all of the amenities like picnic tables etc, so that is where these items come in handy. I love the REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer chair and the REI Camp Roll table for when I am doing any dispersed camping. Another item that I never leave the house without when I'm going car camping is the Togo Portable Power Station so that I can have little twinkle lights in my car and I can charge my phone throughout my multi-day trip. If I were going on a longer work trip and I needed to use my laptop, I could easily charge it using this power station as well. When I am car camping I love to cook with my Coleman Triton 2 burner propane stove. It stows away easily and it makes it very simple to cook something quick whether it be boiling water for coffee or throwing together a quick stir fry.
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(REI Flexlite chair and the Camp Roll table)
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Doggy gear:When I take my dog hiking she wears a Ruffwear harness and leash which are both simple yet sturdy. I especially like the leash because the clip locks and doesn't come undone during a hike like some other leashes have. During the hike I always make sure my pup has water and have found that either a collapsible dog bowl or one of these neat doggy water bottles work great. Along with water, my pup loves treats during the hike and they keep her energy up during longer miles.
When we go car camping I got my dog a nice cushy pad that I can put on the group at the campground and in the car when we are going to bed. And when I need to feed my pup, I opt for a Ruffwear doggy bowl that is lightweight (works great for backpacking too), collapsible and easy to clean. |
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Maps & guides:
Guidebooks, maps and subscription apps are all a part of how I find places to go hiking and backpacking. Since my hiking guidebooks are heavily researched and thoughtfully put together, I will always recommend those and they make great gifts. '52 Hikes for 52 Weeks' is a wonderful guide that takes you on the perfect hike for each week of the year. 'Oregon's Best Views' offers 50 epic viewpoint hikes throughout the state of Oregon. And 'Lakes of the Cascades' is the perfect guide for those who love hikes to alpine lakes, backpacking options as well as fishing opportunities. Additionally, I have smaller guides for both the Eugene, the Florence/Yachats and Oakridge areas. These guides offer 10 hikes within 1 hour of town.
For paper maps that I peruse at home and take on my backpacking trips, I use the Green Trails maps as well as the Adventure Maps. Whether I am going day hiking or backpacking, my Gaia subscription allows me to track my hikes, research routes and find new trails on the phone app as well as on my computer. Gaia is invaluable for me in doing research. It also allows you to see snow depth, new and old wildfires, whether or not the area has cell service and so much more.
For reference guides I enjoy the following tree, wildflower and mushroom books:
For paper maps that I peruse at home and take on my backpacking trips, I use the Green Trails maps as well as the Adventure Maps. Whether I am going day hiking or backpacking, my Gaia subscription allows me to track my hikes, research routes and find new trails on the phone app as well as on my computer. Gaia is invaluable for me in doing research. It also allows you to see snow depth, new and old wildfires, whether or not the area has cell service and so much more.
For reference guides I enjoy the following tree, wildflower and mushroom books:
- Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington
- Pacific Northwest Foraging
- Wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest
- Foraging Mushrooms in Oregon
- And if you're into history you must get the Oregon Geographic Names book!
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Fun everyday items:
Here are some fun items that I use in my every day life as I am running errands, walking my dogs around the neighborhood or just sitting at my desk and that make me smile on a daily basis:
- Yeti cup - they come in all different sizes. I have a 16oz. Yeti that I use for my morning coffee since I am a slow coffee drinker and it keeps the coffee warm for SO long! And my 30oz. Yeti I use during the summer to keep ice water in and the ice doesn't melt sometimes for days!
- Hydroflask - they also come in all different shapes and sizes. I love my 32oz Hydroflask and I carry it with me everywhere! I call it my emotional support water bottle :)
- Paka sweater - this sweater is perfect for wearing during the holidays as it is cozy as well as good looking.
- Baseball cap - there is nothing like a fun baseball cap or trucker hat to go with an outfit. Sunday Afternoons has all sorts of really fun designs!
- Cute fanny pack - I use a fanny pack when I walk my dogs to carry treats, poop bags and my phone. I also carry a fanny pack when I go backpacking to carry extra snacks and to have easy access to my phone. Patagonia makes a really nice fanny pack but if you want something more fun and colorful, Cotopaxi makes cute ones.
- Smokey Bear T-shirt - I actually own 3 different Smokey Bear t-shirts. I am a HUGE fan!
- Sunglasses - I have been wearing Nectar sunglasses for years. They have a bunch of different styles and colors (I like the simple black ones) and the quality is great.