The 7 Must-Have Essentials I Take on Every Hike

jessica-zimmerman-hike-essentials-family-travel.JPG

Ever since heading out on our Airstream adventure, we’ve been doing a lot of hiking.

Really, we’ve been doing more hiking for the past few years, ever since I made it a goal to intentionally get outside and experience the peace and gratitude I seem to find whenever I’m in nature.

But now that we’re living in an Airstream, my list of essentials for a good hike has been edited and perfected to include 7 perfect picks.

So today I’m sharing what I take with me on every hike.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-backpack.png

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

If I’m going on a lighter, quick hike, I’ll take this backpack. It’s large enough for me to store water bottles, snacks, and my camera gear, but it’s also lightweight and won’t weigh me down after a mile or two. I’m always a fan of neutrals, so my backpack is a timeless black on black.

Here is the kid’s version.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-water-bottle.png

My Favorite Water Bottle

This water bottle is great for a few reasons. First, it’s black. Duh. Second, it has a narrow spout, so if I’m walking and drinking at the same time, I’m not going to spill all over myself. And finally, it has a little loop so I can easily clip it to the outside of a backpack if I need to.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-waistbag.png

Everywhere Belt Bag

If it’s a longer hike, I’ll strap on this Lululemon belt bag, which I stuff with tissues, sunscreen, granola bars, beef jerky, chapstick, hand sanitizer, bandaids, my gopro, my phone, and any other random thing we need to bring along.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-water-backpack.png

Camelback Water Pack

A longer hike means more hydration required! Carrying this water pack is so much easier than lugging around several heavy water bottles!

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-boots.png

My Lifelong Hiking Boots

These hiking boots are an investment. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d rather buy nice, not twice. My feet aren’t growing anytime soon. Investing in one pair of incredible hiking boots from a reputable company makes more sense to me than buying a new pair every few years. I’ve never regretted buying these classic boots.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-socks.png

The Perfect Hiking Socks

You can have the best hiking boots in the world, but if your socks suck, you’re gonna be in pain! I’ve done my research, and these are the best on the market.

jessica-zimmerman-hiking-essentials-female-pee-funnel.png

Female Pee Funnel

Yes. Really. Ask a group of women what they would do if they could be a man for a day, and I guarantee at least one would say she’d pee standing up. Well, this female urination device lets women pee in the woods with more… directionality? And less mess.

I know how ridiculous this sounds, but if you’ve ever had to pee in the woods, you know how useful something like this really is. Just trust me.
You won’t want to go on a trip without it!

These are my favorite adventure essentials. Happy hiking!