Summer Hiking Essentials

By Food & Wine
Updated June 20, 2016
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: © The New Primal
With official summer mere weeks away, Mother Nature is beckoning. Before you head out the door for the rugged, wide open terrain, don’t forget to pack a few vital necessities. You know, items that make life a bit easier along those woodsy, mountainous and oceanside trails.  Wherever you’re heading, make sure you prepare with our checklist of essentials.
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Poler Tourist Pack

Credit: © Ray Gordon

From the quirky Portland-based Poler, this versatile fanny pack morphs into a backpack. Featuring a mesh pocket and clip for your keys and two adjustable straps that can stow your jacket or make room for a beach towel. Campdura body fabric, high tensile nylon webbing, embossed leather pull tables and mesh back panel make this easy to tote. $75

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Meow Meow Tweet Insect Repellent

Credit: © Meow Meow Tweet

Here’s an all-natural bug repellent that actually works without all those nasty toxic chemicals. Using plant-based essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, cedar and fir needle, combat pesky mosquitos from the trails to your own backyard. Bonus points: the formula doubles as a spray for your sleeping bag, clothes and even as deodorant spray. $18

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Japanese Folding Knife

Credit: © Kaufmann Mercantile

Since the 1890s, this handsome, hand-forged knife from Japan known as the “Higo no Kami” (a title given to powerful samurais) has fit easily into any pocket. The thin, sharp blade is made of high carbon content and the steel handle is amazingly made from a single piece of metal. A true utilitarian beauty! $24

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Vanguard Binoculars

Credit: © VANGUARD

Zoom in on that distant mountain or that forest creature hiding up in the tree with Vanguard’s easy-to-adjust binoculars. Using premium ED glass and multi-coated lenses, this pair is both waterproof and backed with a lifetime warranty. $400

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The Outsiders

Credit: © The Outsiders, Copyright Gestalten 2014

The aptly titled Outsiders features a cool, industrious lineup of outdoor stars like Patagonia’s Vincent Stanley, self-taught surf photographer Chris Burkard and champion free-skier Ane Enderud, who each look at how the outdoors can tap into creativity and bring about peace, balance and adventure. $44

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Dristore Bags

Credit: © Best Made Company

From Best Made Co, this utilitarian weatherproofing bag made with an airtight press-to-lock seal keeps your valuables dry and intact in the most intense environments (it’s been tested in the subzero arctic and the sultry jungle). The triple-polymer film is touchscreen friendly and each pack includes three bags –one for you and your hiking companions. $16

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Vssl Canister

Credit: © VSSL

Lighten any load with this compact, easy-to-tote vessel (just thank the military grade anodized aluminum tube). The survival stash includes fifteen different tools to start a fire, purify water, mark a trail, and essential gear like a trusty flashlight, an oil-filled compass, wire saw and beeswax candle. $98

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Rite in the Rain Spiral

Credit: © Rite in the Rain

Protect all those deep thoughts from Mother Nature’s elements with these top spiral bound notebooks (100 pages). All-weather pens that magically write on wet paper in freezing temperatures are perfect for writing that first stanza of your poetry. $33

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Yield Design Cup Set

Credit: © Kelsey Heinze / YIELD / yielddesign.co

For outdoor sipping, two handsome, minimalist stainless steel cups from indie label Yield marry Scandinavian and California designs. Secured together by sturdy brass hardware and handmade leather casing, these also make great picnic accessories. $42

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Hudsalve

Credit: © Best Made Company

Made in Sweden and designed for military use in the ‘50s, this multi-use formula used by all-terrain adventurers protects and conditions the face, lips, elbows, hands and feet. Made of beeswax, vitamin E, peanut and coconut oil, consider this an essential. $12

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Coola Sunscreen

Credit: © COOLA

This plant-based line of sunscreen is paraben- free, and it’s even endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association. The lightweight formula uses organic beeswax to boost water resistance while plankton extract rejuvenates and balances skin tone. $32

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The New Primal Grass-Fed Jerky

Credit: © The New Primal

When you need a snack on the trail, reach for some lean, tasty protein. The New Primal Grass-Fed beef jerky is gluten-free with a touch of raw almonds, cashews and dried pineapple juice and honey, and infused with jalapenos and cayenne pepper. $7

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