Unless you’ve been hiding out in the backwoods off the grid somewhere – which might actually happen with some of you guys! – you’ve probably heard of Amazon Prime and Prime Day.
If you haven’t heard of it, here’s everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2020, October 13-14.
The deal is that Amazon – the huge online store that sells everything on Earth and delivers it right to your front door – has an annual humongous sale every year that’s called Prime Day.
The annual Prime Day online shopping event is a major opportunity to nab some bargains on Amazon, and this year – due to COVID-19 – shopping online is more popular than ever!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through my website (at no cost to the purchaser), and also get the inside skinny on sales and such.
Usually the Prime Day sale is held in the Summer – to help reduce the cost of all of those back to school items.
This year – because most people didn’t go back anywhere – the Prime Day sale is in October, which will be a huge savings for holiday gift and entertaining items.
But you need to be a Prime Member to get the savings. Click the banner below for your free 30-day Trial:
Products all across the Amazon site are discounted for Prime members already, and new product discounts will be added every day.
This year Prime Day is October 13-14
I’m not a fan of conspicuous consumption, but everyone needs things for their home, their kids – and of course outdoor gear – and I am a big fan of getting quality items that you need at the best possible price!
Prime Day can help you do that.
Get your Prime free membership so you can get all the deals!
In support of small businesses during COVID-19 and beyond, Amazon is investing an additional $100 million in special Prime Day and holiday promotional programs.
New on Prime Day 2020
Now through October 12, Amazon will offer a $10 credit to use on Prime Day to members who spend $10 on items sold by select small businesses in Amazon’s store.
We were under COVID-19 restrictions almost overnight after I returned from an amazing hiking trip to New Zealand, and though I’ve stayed active, it’s been difficult not to lose fitness and gain Pandemic Pounds!
So I created a 6 Week Training Plan to get back in shape in time for summer trips, if they’re allowed.
I thought you might find some encouragement from training notes and videos from my 6 week training journey. Weekly logs are posted below:
I first used this 8-week training plan in early 2020 to get ready for an amazing hiking trip to New Zealand, which I’m thankful I was able to do before travel was cut off due to the pandemic.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Then I used it get ready for a postponed hiking trip to Kauai that never happened in 2021 (or 2022 or 2023).
In 2022, I kept it closer to home and did some great multi-day trips to hikes on the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains – including the amazing hike to the summit of Old Rag, which was probably one of my most uniquely challenging day hikes of the year.
Finally, in 2023, I used the 8 Weeks plan to get ready for an epic 2-day hike on Mt Olympus in Greece– a trip I’d had to postpone for 4 years due to Covid travel restrictions. (The link goes to my training post from 2023, when I decided what my goal hike for training was.)
If you’re training for a specific bucket list hike or even if you’re just training to get in better shape – and maybe lose a few pounds before the Spring – my 8 week plan could work for you, too .
Spring flowers line a trail in Shenandoah National Park.
This year, I’m hoping to make it to more of my exotic Bucket List hikes, but I haven’t chosen my exotic destination yet, so for the moment I’m focusing my “8 Weeks to Awesome” training goals on hikes that I can drive to from home!
Get The FREE PDF!
Subscribe to get your FREE pdf of the plan!
Everything that you need to start your 8 Week training is included in this post.
But it’s a long read and may be inconvenient to refer to while you’re training.
For your convenience, you can click here to sign up and download your FREE “8 Weeks to Awesome” PDF file.
You might find some encouragement in training notes and videos from previous years’ 8 week training journey.
Keep an eye peeled for the new log entries I’ll be adding each week as the 2024 training is completed 🙂
Most recently updated February 29th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes – – Training Week 5 started with another nice day, and leading another great group...
Most recently updated January 27th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes – – I began this year’s second week of training on Sunday 1/14, leading another...
Most recently updated January 21st, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 2.3 minutes – – I started the Awesome hike training again this first Sunday, with a 30...
Below are all of our posts with info and tips to help you choose the best gear for hiking and all of your other athletics. Some of the posts include links to gear you can purchase.
If you’re specifically looking for some new hiking gear, or something to give as a gift, take a look at our Gear Shop.
If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection – take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
Some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, and other marketing affiliations, I earn from qualifying purchases. I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.
Of course you should like how they look, and they should feel good when you try them on – but beyond that, what are the most important things to look for?
Meadow Trail at NCMA Park
Some boot features to consider:
Are they waterproof?
Do they have cushioned shock-absorbing heels?
Do they have grippy soles?
If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.
What you put on your feet is without a doubt your most important piece of hiking gear, so you’ve got to get it right!
Hiking boots or trail running shoes (not regular road running shoes) are your best hiking footwear options.
Aside from fit, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of trail you’ll be on, and how long you’ll be on it 🙂
You’ll need some good tread on your boots for this one…
Getting the right outdoor gear and clothing can make the difference between a happy hike and a miserable or even dangerous one.
There’s a lot of advice out there on what gear you’ll need and which products are the best.
On this page, you’ll find my picks for outdoor gear, clothing, and other stuff you might need for your hiking adventures.
If you’re looking for some travel pointers or ideas for your next adventure, check out my Travel Resourcespage.
For full service active tours at great prices, see myAdventures For You! page.
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, and other affiliations, I earn from qualifying purchases. See full Disclosure page here.
Don’t forget your hat! Click to purchase
Usually people say they won’t endorse anything they’ve not used personally.
That’s a good practice, and I’ve tried to do that as much as possible with my picks for you.
P
That said, I tend to buy decent quality stuff and hang onto my gear until it falls apart, so I haven’t been able to try out all of these brands yet.
But I’ve read the descriptions and/or looked over them in a retail store, and I feel confident recommending these products to you.
HIKING GEAR LIST
My selections below are a result of weeding through many products to give you a sample selection of reliable gear choices for any budget.
For a more in-depth discussion of what to consider for each type of clothing, take a look at my Day Hike Gear Guide.
You can also see some info about less expensive – but still good to have – bits of gear on this post.
NOTE: The photos and grids below show my top picks for you from a variety of brands through Amazon. (Click any photo for more info or to purchase. You can also use the Search bar to find more options.)
PANTS AND LEGGINGS
Decades ago when I was shopping for hiking gear, there wasn’t much available for girls and women that would stand up to actual hiking and sweating on the trail.
Everything seemed to be made of flimsy pastel fabric, and some even had ruffles. Eeeww.
Fortunately, my daughter and I were small enough to be able to get what we needed in the Boys’ department.
Today there are so many options – both in women’s and men’s – for pants, shorts, leggings and even hiking skirts that trying to choose the right ones will make your head spin.
What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Pants
The main thing you’re looking for is comfort and mobility. (Looking good won’t seem so important if your thighs are chafed raw, so when in doubt go for the larger size!)
Hiking leggings – click to purchase
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.
I’m personally not a fan of this practice because non-athletic leggings aren’t breathable, and I don’t think anyone needs to see that much detail of my butt.
That said, wicking running tights or athletic leggings can work for hiking, especially in cooler weather.
I also always opt for hiking pants rather than shorts because even in very hot weather, long pants help protect my legs from getting scraped up or bitten by insects – and offer sun protection, too.
MID LAYER (INSULATING)
Men’s fleece – click to purchase
There are three basic categories of insulating layers: a thin fleece to hike in on colder days, a thin synthetic jacket, and a down puffy jacket for really cold weather.
(I also sometimes top this off with a rain shell too for an extra layer of wind protection.)
Even on a warm day, you should pack an insulating layer.
Women’s full zip fleece – click to purchase
On colder days, you’ll need more layers to put on and take off as the day (and you) warm up or cool down.
You’ll need to gauge the outside temperature and how hard you’ll be exercising to know how many layers you want to start with.
When you sweat and then stop for a break, you’ll get cold very fast.
That’s when it’s good to have a jacket or a fleece handy.
I like a fleece layer with a full zipper, so I can just inzip it if I don’t want to take it all the way off.
BASE LAYER
Your base layer is what you wear right next to your skin. In any season, it should keep your skin as dry as possible (e.g. use a wicking fabric), provide insulation and ventilation.
The purpose of wicking fabric is to pull moisture away from your skin.
Merino wool is a great choice and comes in different weights for any season. It also keeps on insulating you even when it’s wet.
Mens Merino mid-layer – click to purchase
As an alternative, synthetic fabrics dry fast so you won’t wear a cold layer on your skin, risking hypothermia.
Which reminds me – stay away from cotton: it’ll get wet and heavy, and is slow to dry.
I’ve also used wicking thermals to double as a base layer and camping jammies.
JACKETS
I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).
This is one of those items that every hiker needs, but does unfortunately wear out over time and has to be replaced.
If you hike in some really wet places with torrential rains, it’s also a good idea to keep rain pants in your pack.
Pick some with zippers running the whole length so you can put them on quickly, without taking your boots off.
My picks include a sampling of warmer jackets for cold weather and lighter ones for layering.
Some of the jackets below are waterproof and will also serve as rain jackets.
Each one offers something a little bit different and will fit different budgets and hikes in all types weather.
PACKS
High on the list of “must-haves” for your hike is a decent daypack or backpack.
Not only do your packs take care of your gear, they also can make or break your comfort level while out on the trail.
There are countless variety of good packs out there to choose from to get you started.
BOOTS OR SHOES
Hiking boots may be the most important item in your hiker’s kit.
If you don’t choose your boots correctly, you may be in for a lot of pain – and also the expense of getting a new pair!
Women’s mid-range boot – click to purchase
There are lot of choices now for outdoor footgear.
Trail runners, hiking shoes and hiking boots are all equally good and it really comes down to where you’re hiking, personal preferences, and the weather.
I prefer hiking in boots but I choose as light as possible for the season.
For boots, I prefer mid-rise because I have strong ankles. Waterproof boots are good for wet days and winter hikes.
Mens waterproof hiking boot – click to purchase
For shorter day hikes I might pick trail runners or hiking shoes.
If in doubt, it’s better to wear boots – especially when the terrain is rocky, the weather is wet, or you’re carrying a heavy pack.
When you get your boots, make sure you try them on wearing thick socks that you would wear for hiking.
Then walk around a bit, and make sure you have a little bit of room in front: if your toes hit the front, downhill trails will hurt you.
Remember, feet swell when you’re hiking, so make sure the boots aren’t too snug.
For more detail on how to choose the right boots, and more boot recommendations, see this article How to Choose the Best Boots.
And if you’re still looking for gear and gifts, take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
You’ll find gifts with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed mugs and water-bottles, and other fun things to give as a gift.
ONE LAST THING….
Amazon logo
There are some other Idratherwalk.compages about gear and other hiking stuff that feature Amazon products.
If you’ve been eyeballing something on the pages below, you should take another look to see if anything you want is on sale!
Are you looking for gifts for hikers or other outdoors types, but don’t have the cash to spring for pricey gear and gadgets?
And maybe you waited a little too long to brainstorm something creative and epic?
Don’t worry – sometimes the gifts they’ll really appreciate are the simpler, less expensive things. Practical gifts are easy to find when you’re short on time, too.
I’ve made a short list of ten practical hiking gifts or inexpensive cool gadgets for hiking that would be welcome gifts for the outdoorsy people on your list.
Info on how to use and where to find the best gear for your day hikes, thru hikes, camping trips and other outdoor sports.
If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed items or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection – take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.
Fortunately, my daughter and I were small enough to be able to get what we needed in the Boys’ department.
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.
There are three basic categories of insulating layers: a thin fleece to hike in on colder days, a thin synthetic jacket, and a down puffy jacket for really cold weather.
On colder days, you’ll need more layers to put on and take off as the day (and you) warm up or cool down.
Your base layer is what you wear right next to your skin. In any season, it should keep your skin as dry as possible (e.g. use a wicking fabric), provide insulation and ventilation.
As an alternative, synthetic fabrics dry fast so you won’t wear a cold layer on your skin, risking hypothermia.
I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).
High on the list of “must-haves” for your hike is a decent daypack or backpack.
There are lot of choices now for outdoor footgear.
For shorter day hikes I might pick trail runners or hiking shoes.
