I’m curious about pieces of hiking gear that are exceptional but don’t get much attention. Which gear do you swear by that you rarely see others using? I’ll start: I love the Rab Valiance down jacket. It’s a great all-rounder with 700 fill power Nikwax recycled down and a Pertex shield with a 10,000mm hydrostatic head, making it capable of withstanding serious downpours while also being windproof. It packs down small, weighs around 700g, and keeps me warm and dry in various conditions. It’s pricey at around £330, but I’ve seen it on sale for about £220. It’s a fantastic jacket that I seldom see on others on the trails.
Military surplus gear is seriously underrated for hiking. It’s functional, durable, and environmentally friendly because it reuses gear that’s often made locally. Plus, if more people started using it, I wouldn’t get so many strange looks for my camo parka and backpack on the trail.
@Ripley
I use a medium ALICE pack and various military uniform pieces. Surplus gear is not only affordable and durable but also well-designed, albeit sometimes heavier. The extra weight is worth it for gear that just works.
@Jensen
I still use my issued Level 6 parka for bad weather, and a surplus FILBE assault pack as my daypack. For hats and gloves, I buy from Newberry Knitting. They make warm, affordable, and slightly itchy wool gear like the originals, right here in the US.
@Ripley
Level 6 parkas are great for harsh conditions. I’ll wear lighter gear unless the weather’s really bad. I’ve been curious about the FILBE pack; could you share more about what you like or don’t like about it? And thanks for the tip on the gloves and hats!
@Jensen
They make some excellent non-military spec items that aren’t itchy—think fleece-lined with leather palms, all made in the USA. Great for anyone who loves American-made gear.
Ripley said:
@Jensen
They make some excellent non-military spec items that aren’t itchy—think fleece-lined with leather palms, all made in the USA. Great for anyone who loves American-made gear.
That’s really useful, thanks for sharing!
I think Teton Sports deserves more recognition. Their 18L Oasis Pack has traveled the world with me. It’s durable, well-made, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It might be too heavy for serious backpacking, but it’s excellent for beginners or casual camping.
Bandanas are incredibly versatile for a dollar each. I use them for everything from a sweat rag to a water pre-filter. I also keep new ones in bags to give to kids on the trail. They’re perfect for a quick fix on the go.
I’m a big advocate for ‘The One’ hoody by Kuhl. It’s an active insulation layer that’s lightweight and provides some resistance to wind and water. It’s surprisingly versatile as a standalone piece or a mid-layer in colder weather, and doesn’t look too technical for city wear.
Fingerless gloves are my go-to for mild cold. They make it easier to handle gear without sacrificing too much warmth.
Pax said:
Fingerless gloves are my go-to for mild cold. They make it easier to handle gear without sacrificing too much warmth.
Absolutely, I always have a pair on hand!
I swear by military ECWCS levels 1 and 2 gear for silk and waffle thermal layers. They’re excellent for maintaining warmth in varying conditions.
Check out Origin Maine’s Wool Ninja Hoodie. It’s originally hunting gear but perfect for any trip. It’s light, warm, and serves as both a hoodie and a face mask, which is great under a quilt.
Don’t overlook the classic woolly British army jumper. It’s warm, durable, and time-tested.
Look into Light Smith and Garage Grown Gear for some unique, high-quality hiking gear options.
The Smartwool neck gator is a game-changer for me. It’s lightweight, keeps you warm without bulk, and is a simple addition that makes a big difference in comfort.