All Product Lists

Backcountry Hiking (Bear Country)

Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Head Bug Net - Deciding whether to pack a bug net should be based around the time of year that you’re visiting, meaning that as long as temperatures remain steadily above the mid-50s, the bugs can be brutal!
Wag bag - In some backcountry areas, all human waste is required to be packed out using one of these bags. When this is the case, plan on packing one bag for every night that you will be there, as having to reuse a bag twice is never a good idea.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Backcountry Hiking (Unused)

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Head Bug Net - Deciding whether to pack a bug net should be based around the time of year that you’re visiting, meaning that as long as temperatures remain steadily above the mid-50s, the bugs can be brutal!
Wag bag - In some backcountry areas, all human waste is required to be packed out using one of these bags. When this is the case, plan on packing one bag for every night that you will be there, as having to reuse a bag twice is never a good idea.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Backcountry Portaging Products

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Open-Toe Footwear - Hiking shoes are not always practical for portaging in marshy, shallow water, over a beaver dam, or simply for hanging around camp.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
REI Durable Stuff Sack - An REI stuff sack is meant to serve as food storage, as well as a makeshift anchor when filled with rocks. By this, I mean that it’s far more pleasant to fish with an anchor when there’s even a slight breeze, which is why this REI stuff sack and a 50-ft. line of 3mm parachute cord can be universal for both purposes.
Hammock / Bug Net - Tents get hot midday when you’re trying to take a nap, so for this and many other obvious reasons, I recommend packing a lightweight hammock.
Backcountry Pan - To cook fish in the backcountry, this small, lightweight pan is exactly what you need.
Shore Lunch - Shore Lunch is the perfect breading for a backcountry fish fry over the fire!
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Head Bug Net - Deciding whether to pack a bug net should be based around the time of year that you’re visiting, meaning that as long as temperatures remain steadily above the mid-50s, the bugs can be brutal!
Stadium Seat - If you’re feeling bougie and fit, consider buying a stadium seat with under-the-seat buckles for those long days in the canoe. It would be a huge inconvenience while hiking but an extremely nice luxury while canoeing.
Fishing License - This is a reminder to follow all local fishing regulations when visiting.

Coastal Hiking Products

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Day Hiking (Bear Country)

Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Desert Products

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Hawaiʻi Hiking Products

My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Standard Hiking / Hawaiʻi Backpacking Products

Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Standard Mountaineering Products

1L Nalgene Water Bottle & Parka - If I recommended my favorite Osprey 3L Water Bladder, it’s likely that the hose would freeze in the cold conditions. This is why a Nalgene water bottle with a water bottle parka is needed to insulate the bottle, as I’ve had Nalgene bottles freeze on me without a parka.
Smartwool Winter Mountaineering Socks - Heavy Smartwool socks are truly a must on cold winter days.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Cold Weather Neck Buff - This cold weather neck buff is not only for staying warm but keeping the sun off, which is extremely important in reflective snowy conditions.
Glacier / Polarized Sunglasses - Quality glacier glasses with side protection are a must for whenever you’re on a bright snowfield, a glacier, and sometimes even granite. This is why I recommend the Julbo Glacier Glasses or at the minimum these polarized sunglasses, as they are both exactly what I used on my Denali expedition.
Crampons - In conditions such as this, crampons, not micro-spikes, are needed. However, the ones linked here are only one of many styles to consider, as this is really a custom in-store fitted item, so that they work well with your mountaineering boots.
Climbing Helmet - A quality climbing helmet may be the most important item on this list, which are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Long Handled Ice Axe - When picking out an ice axe for the first time, make sure that you know how to choose the correct size for your height.
Soft Shell Glacier Jacket - A soft-shell jacket, along with sunscreen, can be one of the most important methods of sun protection when traversing glaciers and large snowfields, which are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Winter Hat, Gloves, & Jacket - This should be the easiest part of this list to follow.

Winter Mountaineering Products (Unused)

1L Nalgene Water Bottle & Parka - If I recommended my favorite Osprey 3L Water Bladder, it’s likely that the hose would freeze in the cold conditions. This is why a Nalgene water bottle with a water bottle parka is needed to insulate the bottle, as I’ve had Nalgene bottles freeze on me without a parka.
MSR EVO Shoeshoes - I have used everything from 8,000m mountaineering boots to everyday hiking shoes in these snowshoes, which hopefully shows that the MSR EVOs are extremely universal across conditions.
Smartwool Winter Mountaineering Socks - Heavy Smartwool socks are truly a must on cold winter days.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Cold Weather Neck Buff - This cold weather neck buff is not only for staying warm but keeping the sun off, which is extremely important in reflective snowy conditions.
Black Diamond Avalanche Beacon - An avalanche beacon is only needed under certain circumstances, but if you think one is necessary, I recommend buying this Black Diamond transceiver, as it’s the best one on the market!
Glacier / Polarized Sunglasses - Quality glacier glasses with side protection are a must for whenever you’re on a bright snowfield, a glacier, and sometimes even granite. This is why I recommend the Julbo Glacier Glasses or at the minimum these polarized sunglasses, as they are both exactly what I used on my Denali expedition.
Crampons - In winter conditions such as this, crampons, not micro-spikes, are needed. However, the ones linked here are only one of many styles to consider, as this is really a custom in-store fitted item, so that they work well with your mountaineering boots.
Climbing Helmet - A quality climbing helmet may be the most important item on this list, which are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Long Handled Ice Axe - When picking out an ice axe for the first time, make sure that you know how to choose the correct size for your height.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Winter Hat, Gloves, & Jacket - This should be the easiest part of this list to follow.

Winter Day Hiking Products

1L Nalgene Water Bottle & Parka - If I recommended my favorite Osprey 3L Water Bladder, it’s likely that the hose would freeze in the cold conditions. This is why a Nalgene water bottle with a water bottle parka is needed to insulate the bottle, as I’ve had Nalgene bottles freeze on me without a parka.
MSR EVO Shoeshoes - I have used everything from 8,000m mountaineering boots to everyday hiking shoes in these snowshoes, which hopefully shows that the MSR EVOs are extremely universal across conditions.
Smartwool Winter Mountaineering Socks - Heavy Smartwool socks are truly a must on cold winter days.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Torrent Trail-Running Shoes for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Cold Weather Neck Buff - This cold weather neck buff is not only for staying warm but keeping the sun off, which is extremely important in reflective snowy conditions.
Black Diamond Avalanche Beacon - An avalanche beacon is only needed under certain circumstances, but if you think one is necessary, I recommend buying this Black Diamond transceiver, as it’s the best one on the market!
Glacier / Polarized Sunglasses - Quality glacier glasses with side protection are a must for whenever you’re on a bright snowfield, a glacier, and sometimes even granite. This is why I recommend the Julbo Glacier Glasses or at the minimum these polarized sunglasses, as they are both exactly what I used on my Denali expedition.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Winter Hat, Gloves, & Jacket - This should be the easiest part of this list to follow.

Individual Products

Alpine Fleece Pants

Alpine Trekking Poles

Apple Air Tags

Backcountry Bathroom Products

Backcountry Bowls

Backcountry Fishing Products

Backcountry Eating Products (Unused)

Backcountry Food

Backcountry Pillow

Backcountry Pots

Backcountry Sleeping Pads

Backcountry Utensils

Backpack Products

Backpack Rain Cover

Backpacking Bags

Backpacking Books

Backpacking Games

Backcountry Stove

Bear Bag & Paracord

Bear Canister

Bear Spray

Climbing Helmets

Cold Weather Base Layers

Compression Sack

Cool Neck Buff Products (Unused)

Dive Gear

Dry Bags

Federal Recreational Lands Pass

Federal Lands Pass (In-Article)

U.S. National Park Pass

Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?

Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!

Glacier Jacket

Glacier Sunglasses

Hammock

Hand Sanitizer

Hawaiian Coffee

Hawaiian Māmaki Tea

Headlamps

Heel Protectors

Hiking Rope Products

Hiking Shoes

Kayaking Products

Lock Products

Micro-spikes

Midweight Base Layers

Mosquito Net

Mosquito Net (Wyoming)

How Bad are the Mosquitoes?

If this is your first trip to Wyoming, you’re likely unfamiliar with how bad the mosquitoes will be. Locals don’t joke when they call the mosquito the Wyoming state bird, which is why I recommend grabbing this cheap bug net before going. You never know where and when you may want it because even midday in the most unsuspecting places, the mosquitoes can be out in clouds!

Nalgene Products (Unused)

Overgrowth Pants Products

Paracord

Passport Protector

Polarizer Products

Portaging Fishing Products

Rain Jackets

Sandals

Sleeping Bags

Snow Saucer

Snowshoes

Standard Pants Products

Stuff Sack

Summer Mountaineering

Sun Hats

Sun Shirts

Sun Shirts (Desert)

If this is your first time visiting, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be, which is why I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt.

The importance of staying protected from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit—especially during the warmer summer months!