The Best Hiking Gear 2023
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Debbie Gabriel
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and explore the mountains, but it also comes with its own challenges and risks. The heat, the sun, the bugs, and the unpredictable weather can all affect your comfort and safety on the trails. That’s why you need to equip yourself with the best summer mountain gear that can keep you cool, dry, protected, and prepared for any situation.
But what kind of gear do you need for summer mountain adventures?
Here are some of the essential items you should consider:
Salomon X Ultra 4 Hiking Shoes – £130
If you are looking for a hiking shoe that can handle various terrains and conditions, you might want to check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex. This is the latest version of Salomon’s popular X Ultra series, which combines the comfort and agility of a trail runner with the stability and protection of a hiking shoe. We tested this shoe on a recent hiking trip to Grindelwald, Switzerland.
The Best Bits
Excellent traction: The X Ultra 4 has a Contagrip MA outsole that provides superb grip on wet, dry, loose, or rocky surfaces. The lugs are deep and well-spaced, allowing for good mud-shedding and braking. The rubber compound is also durable and resistant to abrasion.
Supportive: The rigid chassis wraps around the heel and midfoot, offering great stability and control. The shoe also has a SensiFit system that hugs the foot snugly and securely, preventing unwanted movement and slippage. The toe cap and heel counter add extra protection and support.
Waterproof: This shoe is excellent at keeping the foot dry in wet conditions. The membrane is breathable and prevents overheating or sweating. The tongue is also gusseted to prevent debris and water from entering the shoe.
Lightweight: Weighing only 380g per shoe (size UK 8.5). This makes it easy to move fast and agile on the trails, without feeling weighed down or tired.
InTheSnow Verdict
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is an impressive hiking shoe that can do everything from day hikes to long backpacking trips. It offers excellent performance, lightweight, great traction, water resistance, and support. Suitable for various terrains and conditions we found this a versatile and reliable choice. We would recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a rugged and capable hiking shoe that can handle challenging terrain with ease.
1000 Mile Fusion REPREVE Walking Socks – RRP £18.50
Looking for a pair of walking socks that are comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly? Then you might want to check out the 1000 Mile Fusion REPREVE Walking Socks. These socks are made from recycled materials and feature a double layer design that prevents blisters and adds extra padding.
The Best Bits
Blister-free guarantee: The 1000 Mile Fusion REPREVE Walk Socks have a double layer construction that eliminates friction between the foot and the shoe, reducing the risk of blisters. The inner layer is made from Tactel, a soft and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps the foot dry and comfortable. The outer layer is made from REPREVE, a recycled polyester that is durable and resistant to abrasion. Having walked for many miles in these socks their blister free guarantee held up!
Padded comfort zones: These socks have extra padding on the heel, toe, and Achilles tendon areas, providing cushioning and protection. The padding also adds volume and warmth, making these socks suitable for 3/4 season walking. We also found the arch bracing that supports the foot and prevents slippage a really well thought out design feature.
Eco-friendly: Made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles that are transformed into REPREVE yarn. This reduces the environmental impact of the socks and helps to conserve natural resources. The socks also have a low carbon footprint, as they are manufactured in Europe.
InTheSnow Verdict
The 1000 Mile Fusion REPREVE Walk Socks are a great choice for anyone looking for a pair of walking socks that are comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly. They offer a blister-free guarantee and extra padding for cushioning and protection. Made from recycled materials that reduce their environmental impact we think these socks are a must have for any hiking trip.
Maier Sports Tajo 2 Hiking Pant – RRP £109.95
Versatile hiking pants need to be comfortable and functional, having tested out the Maier Sports Tajo 2 Hiking Pant we found them to tick all the boxes. These pants are made from a bi-elastic fabric that stretches in four directions, allowing for a high level of mobility and comfort. They also have a zip-off function that lets you convert them into shorts, depending on the weather and your preference.
The Best Bits
Zip-off function: The zip-off function that lets you easily remove the lower part of the legs without taking off your shoes. This adds versatility and convenience to the pants, as you can adjust them to different temperatures and situations. The zippers are also hidden by flaps, so they don’t look like zip-off pants when worn as full-length trousers.
Bi-elastic fabric: This hiking pant has a bi-elastic fabric that stretches in four directions, allowing for a high level of comfort and mobility. The fabric is also lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The fabric also has a water-repellent finish that protects it from light rain or splashes.
Functional features: There are several functional features that make them ideal for hiking and trekking. They have four zippered pockets that provide secure storage for your essentials. They have an elastic waistband with a belt that ensures a snug and comfortable fit. They have articulated knees that enhance the freedom of movement. They also have reflective details that improve the visibility in low-light conditions.
InTheSnow Verdict
The Maier Sports Tajo 2 Hiking Pant are a great choice for anyone looking for a pair of hiking pants that are versatile, comfortable, and functional. They offer a zip-off function that lets you convert them into shorts and a bi-elastic fabric that adapts to your movements. They also have several functional features that make them ideal for hiking and trekking.
Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack – RRP £145
Any hiking trip needs a daypack – we tested the Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypacks and found it to be very comfortable, ventilated, and feature-rich. These are two similar models from Osprey, with the Stratos being designed for men and the Sirrus for women. They both have a capacity of 24 liters and a weight of around 1.3 kg. They both feature a suspended mesh back panel that provides excellent airflow and support and a rain cover and an adjustable torso length.
The Best Bits
Suspended mesh back panel: The Stratos and Sirrus Daypacks have a suspended mesh back panel that creates a gap between the pack and your back, allowing for maximum ventilation and comfort. The back panel also has a rigid frame as well as an adjustable torso length that lets you customise the fit according to your height.
Functional features: We found the top-loading main compartment with a zippered lid pocket and an internal hydration sleeve super helpful. There is also a front vertical zippered pocket that provides easy access to your essentials. They have two side stretch mesh pockets that can hold water bottles. There is also an ice axe loop and a trekking pole attachment system that lets you stash your poles without taking off your pack.
Rain cover: The rain cover is so handy and will protect your pack and its contents should the weather take a turn for the worse! It is stored in a bottom zippered compartment that can also be used for extra storage when not needed. The rain cover is easy to attach and detach, and has reflective details for visibility in low-light conditions.
InTheSnow Verdict
The Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypacks are great choices for anyone looking for a daypack that is comfortable, ventilated, and feature-rich. They offer a suspended mesh back panel that provides excellent airflow and support, and an adjustable torso length that lets you customize the fit. They also have several functional features that make them ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities, such as a rain cover, an ice axe loop, a trekking pole attachment system, and hip belt pockets.
COROS VERTIX 2 Carabiner Watch
If you are looking for a carabiner that can hold your VERTIX 2 watch securely and conveniently on your harness, belt loop, or backpack strap, you might want to check out the VERTIX 2 Carabiner. This is a specially designed accessory that lets you clip your watch to your gear when you don’t want to wear it on your wrist, such as when climbing, scrambling, or bouldering.
The Best Bits
Lightweight and durable: The VERTIX 2 Carabiner is made from aluminum and polyamide, making it lightweight and durable. It weighs only 40g, which is barely noticeable on your gear. It also has a strong and reliable gate that can withstand repeated use and abuse.
Easy to use: We found this really easy to use and operate. It has a 12mm gate opening that can fit any gear loop or strap. It also has a screw stop that prevents overtightening or loosening of the gate. To attach your watch to the carabiner, you just need to detach the quick-release strap and fit the bottom pin into the bottom of the carabiner. Then, slide the watch into place until it clicks securely. To remove it, just press the release button and slide it out.
Protective and functional: The VERTIX 2 Carabiner protects the back of your watch from scratches and impacts, as it covers the optical sensors with a red polyamide body. It also leaves the digital dial and buttons exposed, so you can still access the menus, maps, and data screens of your watch.
InTheSnow Verdict
The VERTIX 2 Carabiner is a great accessory for anyone looking for a carabiner that can hold their VERTIX 2 watch securely and conveniently on their gear. It is lightweight, durable, easy to use, protective, and functional. It is ideal for climbing, scrambling, bouldering, and other activities where wearing a watch on your wrist may not be optimal or comfortable.
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
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