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The best equipment for a hiking holiday

    From strolling the boulevards of Buenos Aires to trekking in the Canadian Rockies, hiking is good exercise as you test your mind and soul.

    To maximize the joy that comes with vigorous bipedal activity, it’s important to plan. Whatever the activity, it is always wise to carry a first aid kit. Adventure Medical Kits makes sport-specific and ultralight, waterproof options. Or toss your own in a Ziploc bag.

    Even if your itinerary includes pinxtos at a seaside cafe in Spain, a trailhead food truck, or a blueberry patch, pack an emergency snack (Honey Stinger’s gluten-free and kosher Almond Pumpkin Nut & Seed Bar packs 14 grams of protein). Electrolytes like Tailwind’s small packs of Electrolyte Powder help you rehydrate and re-energize.

    For the rest, you need different tools for a trail run than for a multi-day hike and for a rough day hike you need different equipment than for an afternoon of city exploration. Here are a few basics in each category to get you started (all items are available in men’s and women’s versions unless otherwise noted):

    Hard surfaces require a supportive, comfortable shoe with some traction, but not a heavy, thick tread. For women, Dansko’s new Peony Walking Sneaker ($140) is based on the same arch technology and shock-absorbing heel cushioning as their clogs, beloved by chefs. It also features a lightweight yet durable rubber outsole with a minimalist tread and 100 percent recycled mesh linings and uppers. For men, the Arc’teryx Norvan LV 3 GTX ($200) is a trail runner, but even with a 4-millimeter sole, the lightweight, low-profile, waterproof, and tastefully designed shoe is comfortable for walking around town.

    Apple’s Series 8 watch (starting at $399) handles the rigors of travel well with its shatter, water, and dust resistant casing. And it offers fitness tracking that not only measures steps and heart rate zones, but also takes an EKG, measures your blood oxygen and allows you to adjust intervals. It also supports international roaming, so you can call and text wherever your data plan is supported.

    In a city, it’s nice to have a small, secure, form-fitting backpack. Gregory’s Nano Switch Sling ($55) checks all the pockets with five zippered pockets to maximize the 3.5 liters of space, including a small on the shoulder bag’s padded shoulder strap for items like Air Pods. Compression straps at the bottom make for a lightweight jacket.

    Stainless steel water bottles can weigh you down, which is why the MIR Climate+ 20 oz Wide Bottle ($40), made with 25 percent less stainless steel than other bottles of its size, feels so lightweight yet offers double-walled vacuum insulation to keep drinks icy cold without to leak.

    Summer weather is increasingly erratic, so be prepared for rain. Montane’s new Minimus Lite ($239) running jacket is 7.1 ounces, waterproof and breathable. The full hood protects your head from a downpour and two spacious zip pockets for keys, cash and credit cards. And it’s still packaged the size of a bean burrito.

    Trail running shoes need to find that elusive sweet spot between a rugged, durable sole while being light and nimble enough to navigate rough terrain quickly. The HOKA Speedgoat 5 ($155) hits the nail on the head. It’s half an ounce lighter than the previous Speedgoat 4, but still has a chunky, lugged Vibram sole and enough cushion to make it feel like a magic slipper.

    Few things are more distracting on a trail run than a backpack that rubs or bounces. The Rab Veil 1 ($45) eliminates that problem. A 1.5-inch-wide Velcro strap secures the ultra-light, breathable running belt around your waist. A central zip pocket securely stores your phone and car key, while two side pockets store snacks. A horizontal pocket on the outside of the zip pocket is for your water bottle. Everything gets a bounce-free ride.

    Flylow’s fun new Hawk Running Shorts ($80) are as comfortable as they are quick-drying, with a PFC-free water-repellent nylon outer fabric and airy mesh liner. An elasticated waist and drawcord keep them up, and a zip pocket at the back is big enough for a phone. Mesh side pockets for storing energy gels.

    Say what you will about style, but knee-high compression socks stimulate blood flow and reduce recovery time. Vim & Vigre’s 15-20mmHg (Moderate Compression) Pinecones Socks ($38) are made with a blend of nylon, Australian merino wool, and spandex that keep your calves, ankles, and feet feeling swaddled and protected. The pine cone print adds fun to an often painful undertaking.

    Designed in Finland, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro (starting at $549) is sleek, rugged, intuitive and has a 40-hour battery life. With global navigation satellite system tracking, navigation is more accurate over a wider geography than devices that use GPS. For trail runners, the most important functions are elevation measurements and weather tracking; the ability to import and export routes from other apps; and important data such as heart rate, speed, distance and recovery time.

    When hiking on rough terrain, ankle support and a more aggressive tread are essential. The Oboz Bridger Mid ($190) offers both and requires minimal break-in, which is unusual for beefy hiking boots. The waterproof nubuck leather upper makes walking in a rain shower or crossing a stream less intimidating.

    The Cotopaxi Inca ($130) is made from recycled fabric scraps and has patchwork quilt flair. The 26 liter backpack is ideal for an ambitious day trip. Six zip pockets distribute essentials throughout the pack, including a stretchy phone pocket on the padded straps. There’s an internal hydration sleeve plus two generous water bottle pockets, and the padded and breathable back panel and shoulder straps, combined with the adjustable shoulder, waist and chest straps keep the pack where it should be.

    Sturdy, lightweight and streamlined are important qualities for poles, especially if they fit in a suitcase. Mountainsmith’s Andesite ($100) carbon sticks with carbide tips weigh 6 ounces per stick and have comfortable foam handles that minimize blisters. With two telescoping sections instead of three, they compress to 32 inches.

    A cult classic among hikers, Patagonia’s stretchy Nano Air Light Hybrid Hoody ($299) has 40 grams of insulation in the front that reduces the chill, but the back and sides still breathe through air panels made from 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop shell. The zip closes the insulated hood close to the face, keeping the neck and head snug in the wind. It all compresses down to the size of a Nalgene bottle.

    You may never take it out of your pack, but it’s always wise to carry a hands-free headlamp in case of an emergency. The rechargeable Petzl Tikka Core ($60) offers 450 lumens of floodlight, weighs less than 3 ounces and stows discreetly in a zippered pocket in the waistband.

    When you’re trekking long distances, it’s nice to have a breathable, lightweight boot with a tread that’s suitable for well-trodden terrain. Salewa’s Pedroc Pro Powertex Mid ($200) boot is built for fast hiking, so it’s flexible yet supportive. It is also waterproof so feet stay warm and dry.

    You don’t have to lug a sleeping bag or tent with you when you trek from inn to inn. Patagonia’s 28-liter, 100 percent recycled nylon Altiva ($149) is beautifully minimalist, with a front-loading gear that can hold a day or more of gear and snacks. The floating mesh back panel allows for airflow, there’s a hydration sleeve inside and a waterproof fly for walking through the rain. Zippered hip pockets keep small treasures safe and external attachment points secure trekking poles. If 28 liters doesn’t feel right, the same pack is available in 14, 22 and 36 litres.

    Quick-drying underwear is a must for a long trek. Royal Robbins’ ReadyDry Essentials line of women’s underwear, tank tops, and men’s bras and briefs (starting at $20) are made from a blend of recycled polyester and an upcycled yarn made from coffee grounds and recycled polyester. You only need two pairs of these light, comfortable, quick-drying, sweat-wicking and most importantly, odor-wicking underwear.

    Poles train your arms, keep you in balance and protect precious joints. Leki’s Makalu FX Carbon ($229) folding carbon poles weigh 8.9 ounces per pole and have three telescoping sections that split them down to just 15 inches long, making them easy to pack in a suitcase for an adventure abroad.

    Besides shoes, a hat that keeps the sun off your face and neck is the number one priority on a long trek. Stephanie Carter, the founder of Wallaroo Hat Company, is half Swiss, grew up in Colorado, married an Australian, and her own hiking resume includes the Tour de Mont Blanc and the Camino de Santiago. Who better to design a comfortable, packable hat that offers maximum UPF 50 protection? Wallaroo offers multiple styles, but the Charlie fedora ($53) has a roomy 2.75-inch brim, folds up like a taco, and can be worn in a cafe or on the go.

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