The best equipment for hiking in summer

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FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

footwear

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike Gtx Boots

These mid-cut boots offer plenty of protection, even on multi-day hikes, but are lightweight and breathable. A Vibram sole and pronounced lugs help tackle muddy and rocky terrain, and the boots are completely waterproof. They’re made from an anti-abrasion material to resist wear and tear.

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accessories

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Hiking Socks – Full Cushioned, Midweight

Summer socks should be moisture-wicking and comfortable. These are made from 66% merino wool (the rest is stretchy, durable nylon and spandex) for extra-soft cushioning. They also come with a lifetime warranty.

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equipment

Leukotape P Zinc Oxide Backing Tape

An essential backpack for long hikes, this zinc oxide tape can protect blisters or be used as a strap to provide muscle support.

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sportswear

Baltoro Pants by Nimsdai

Nepal-born British mountaineer Nims Purja, who has scaled all 14 of the world’s eight-thousand-metre peaks, is an expert on what to wear on the trail. His brand’s hiking pants are a bit pricey, but they undergo rigorous testing for performance and durability. Wear them for hiking, trekking or even mountaineering.

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contraption

RovyVon Aurora A8 USB-C Keychain Flashlight

This versatile USB rechargeable flashlight has a powerful 650 lumens of brightness (with a battery life of up to 72 hours), measures just 6cm long and weighs only 17g. It also comes with a magnet and clip to attach it virtually anywhere.

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accessories

Osprey Talon Pro 20 Hiking Backpack

Weighing just over a kilo, this hiking backpack is lightweight but packed with specific features – from the injection-molded foam frame for support and torso adjustment feature for comfort to the close fit with plenty of ventilation. It’s also available in a women’s-specific version.

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footwear

Merrell Moab Speed ​​​​2 Shoes

These next-generation hiking shoes offer sneaker-like agility and comfort, with added support and protection for use on technical trails. They’re a great lightweight companion for faster hikes.

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equipment

Flexmat issued

An affordable, all-purpose camping mat that is lightweight and durable, and can also be used as a comfortable seat in the middle of a hike. It comes in three sizes.

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sportswear

Columbia Cirque River technical t-shirt

Ideal for summer hikes on hot days, this synthetic tee is lightweight and moisture-wicking.

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contraption

Platypus Quickdraw 1L Filtration System

When hiking in remote areas, a compact water filter (with 1L reservoir included) is essential. This filter weighs just 100g, packs easily into a backpack for emergency use, and removes 99.99% of bacteria and protozoa from remote water.

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sportswear

Shackleton Ultralight Down Jacket

For cooler mornings or evenings, this relaxed-fit, packable jacket is invaluable. With an 800-fill power, using responsibly sourced goose down, it has a high warmth-to-weight ratio, and the outer shell is a 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric. A comfortable microfiber lining in both the collar and external hand pockets adds a luxurious touch.

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sportswear

Rab Incline Lightweight Shorts

These lightweight shorts are quick-drying, stretchy, have multiple zippered pockets, and because they’re nylon, they’re durable.

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accessories

Arc’teryx Calidum Five Panel Cap

This cap is very comfortable, fits well, and has a soft, wide brim (so it doesn’t lose its shape when stored in a backpack).

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sportswear

Smartwool Classic All Season Merino Baselayer

This base layer is made from a merino fabric (with just 12% nylon for durability) that makes it an ideal year-round staple. It’s highly breathable and helps manage moisture, while also offering warmth and odor resistance.

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equipment

LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles

Featuring an extended grip system and rubber head for increased control, these full carbon poles are lightweight (243g per pole), stiff and fold into five pieces to a length of just 40cm.

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sportswear

Thrudark Veles Jacket

This softshell garment is highly versatile: wind and rain resistant, warm and comfortable. It fits well, snugly against the neck with a compact hood design and the fabric (which incorporates graphene for durability) is lightweight, stretchy, packable and helps regulate body temperature when worn.

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accessories

Sea To Summit Lightweight Carry Bag

Keep your backpack contents secure in these water-resistant recycled nylon bags, which feature a tear-resistant drawstring closure. There are six sizes, from 3L to 30L.

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sportswear

Montane Spirit Waterproof Jacket

A waterproof hiking jacket that you can pack in your backpack in case the weather changes. It is highly waterproof (28,000mm altitude), breathable, lightweight (365g) and made from 75D Gore-Tex fabric.

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equipment

Titan Solo Stove

This sturdy and compact stainless steel camp stove (it measures 20cm high and 13cm wide and weighs 470g) burns twigs very efficiently and can handle any task from cooking to toasting marshmallows.

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sportswear

Fjällräven Abisko Trail Women’s Stretch Trousers

For use on summer hikes, they have an elastic waistband and are made from double-weave, stretchy recycled polyamide fabric for unrestricted freedom of movement and durability.

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contraption

Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro Watch

One of the best outdoor watches I’ve tested. It has a rugged case, great battery life, built-in maps for easy navigation on new trails, a handy built-in LED flashlight, and all the fitness and wellness features you’d expect from a high-end sports watch.