Essential Gear For Your Next Southern Hiking Adventure

The South is made up of gorgeous places that offer stunning vistas everywhere you turn. Rushing rivers, sparking lakes, and misty mountains; rolling valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests—Mother Nature’s beauty is extra apparent when you’re wandering around our little corner of the world. When it comes to enjoying the natural wonders in our own backyard, there’s never been a better time to get started. Mild temperatures and distinct seasons give Southerners all the incentive they need to explore the great outdoors. Be it somewhere nearby or at a national park a little father from home, one thing that can ruin a hike before it has even begun is not having the right gear. If cleanliness is next to Godliness in the home, preparedness is close to the divine when you’re out on the trail. Here are 10 essential items to make sure you pack for your next Southern hiking adventure.  

Snacks

No one likes a hangry hiker. Make sure you’ve got the fuel you need to carry you through your day by bringing along snacks to match the strenuousness of your hike. Granola bars are all well and good, but lately I’ve been loving both Old Trapper Beef Jerky and Chomps for meaty and filling snacks that are also easy to pack and share. When I’m craving a little something sweet, Solely’s organic whole fruit gummies are my go-to.

Mosquito Repellant

Mosquitos (or skeeters are they’re referred to around these parts) come with the territory when you live in the South. It’s never a bad idea to carry a bottle of repellant, but this particular essential is especially important when you’re hiking in wooded or wet areas where mosquitos tend to hang out. There are dozens of great repellant options, but I love this 4-ounce Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil because it’s made with plant-based ingredients, is perfectly packable, and is effective against both mosquitos and ticks.

A Shade Hat

My mom and mother-in-law love to remind me that how I treat my skin now will come back to haunt or help me when I’m their age. To that end, sun protection is a top priority when I’m spending hours outdoors. Even if you’re hiking in an area that’s heavily shaded, UV rays have their way of seeping beneath the thickest of canopies, so a sun hat is a must-pack. I’ve been a loyal wearer of the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat for years, but if that one doesn’t suit your fancy, there are plenty of other stylish and sun-blocking hats to choose from.

Sunscreen

Of course there’s no better protection from the sweltering Southern sun (especially when you’re hiking in the dead of summer) than sunscreen. A moisturizer with SPF is great for everyday wear, but you’ll need to up your protection for this kind of activity. Recently, I’ve been loving Kokua Sun Care’s zinc sunscreen because it’s moisturizing, water-resistant, and it rubs in super easily.

Light Layers

Weather in the South is nothing if not temperamental, so you’ll want to be prepared with appropriate clothing for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. For this, light layers are the move. When I’m hiking during virtually any season that isn’t summer, my three key pieces are a light tank top, a dri-fit long sleeve, and a thin, packable down jacket such as Patagonia’s Nano Puff. I’m also a big fan of zip-off pants, so on cooler days, I can start out wearing full-length pants and pare down as the day warms up. These models from Athleta and Outdoor Voices both zip off in two places and are ideal for a long day of hiking.

Appropriate Footwear

This should go without saying but a big part of your comfort and happiness during a hike is directly related to your feet. Pamper your chosen mode of transportation with the right sock and shoe pairing. A waterproof hiking boot ensures you have enough traction to traverse slippery streams and climb steep rockfaces. Over the past decade, I’ve taken this particular model of Merrell hiking boot everywhere from Thailand to Switzerland to national parks all over the U.S., and they’ve yet to let me down. These affordable hiking socks are also a mainstay in my hiker’s closet.  

A Water Bottle

Hydration is everything when you’re on the trail, so packing a water bottle (or a hydration reservoir/water bladder) is non-negotiable. There are thousands upon thousands of water bottles on the market, but a few things you’ll want to consider are the capacity of the bottle (make sure it holds enough water to get you through the entire hike if you won’t pass filling stations along your route), insulation (if you like your water ice-cold), and weight (so you aren’t lugging around an unnecessary load).

A First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is basically Preparedness 101, so you’ll want to bring along a version of a packable emergency kit for scrapes and stumbles. Whether you buy one that’s pre-packed or put one together yourself, make sure you have essentials like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, allergy relief, moleskin, antiseptic wipes, and gauze.

Rain Gear

Getting caught in the rain can be a welcome reprieve when you’re hiking in stifling heat, but it can also be a major nuisance if you’ve got miles left to go and no way to stay dry. And I say this with experience since I once had the unfortunate experience of hiking the last five miles out of the Grand Canyon soaked the bone in 45-degree weather. Since then I’ve learned my lesson and always bring my Frogg Togg Rain Suit along if there’s even the slightest chance of rain. A packable poncho or rain jacket would also do swimmingly.

A Backpack

You’ll need somewhere to store all your gear as you trek, and a hiking backpack is indisputably the best option. A backpack keeps your hands free, your gear safe, and on extra cold days, your back warm. I’ve been known to drink a lot of water on hikes (and really all the time), so I love that my hiking backpack comes equipped with a hydration reservoir, so I can sip while I stroll. Since it’s made with a women’s-specific fit, I never feel like it’s pulling on my shoulders or causing any strain.  

Bonus: AllTrails App

Navigation is a big part of hiking, but if you’re not the paper map and compass type (and I’m decidedly not), a trusted navigation app like AllTrails is a great tool to have. Since the app gives you the ability to download maps for offline use, you can rest assured you won’t get lost even when you’re deep in the woods with no cell tower in sight.