Snow Peak is a Japanese outdoors company that’s one of our go-to hiking brands because their gear lands directly in the form-meets-function sweet spot. While these pants may actually be designed for fly fishing, they perform pretty darn well on the trail, too. They’re on the more technical side: The nylon dries in a flash and the cut is slim enough that you won’t get them snagged on brush. The zippered thigh pocket fits your phone or trail map without flopping around as you hike, and they look polished enough for a post-hike pint.

These cargo shorts may look like a fashion piece—and a summer staple at that—but they’re surprisingly trail-ready. The oversized fit feels breezy, not bulky, and the water-repellent finish means you won’t get soaked if you’re hit with a surprise shower. The massive mesh pockets are big enough to stash snacks, sunscreen, or even a small water bottle. Just remember: shorts on the trail = more airflow and more tick checks.

This might be the breeziest shirt I’ve ever worn—and I’ve tested a lot. It’s fitted, super lightweight, and made from Merino wool, which is fast-drying, anti-stink, and feels so soft on your skin. Also to get very geeky about it, the shoulder seams are offset, which is more comfortable when you’re wearing a backpack. Heads up: the hem is shorter than your average tee, which works great if you’re trying to avoid excess fabric riding up under your hipbelt.

On some trails, sun protection is critical, and a lightweight, moisture-wicking long sleeve is one of the best ways to get it without slathering on SPF every hour. This one from Janji has UPF 50 built in, and the polyester/spandex blend has a cool-to-the-touch feel that’s genuinely refreshing in high temps. The hood is roomy enough to fit over a hat for extra coverage, and the thumb holes keep your sleeves from riding up while you’re hiking (or running, or scrambling).

When I’m looking for a midlayer, I want something streamlined and sleek so it can fit under any other layers I pile on top. This grid fleece from Helly Hansen is just that. It has a fit that is slim and athletic without being restrictive, and no hood to bunch up under your shell. Plus, it’s not too thin or too bulky—just the right in-between weight to provide warmth when you need it but still breathe easy so you won’t need to shed it as soon as you start working.

Arc’teryx gear isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly, but there’s a reason why it’s so well-regarded in outdoor circles. This rain jacket is constantly ranked among the best of the best, and it’s the only one I’ll reach for if there’s any rain in the forecast. It’s as waterproof as it gets, with a slightly tented hood that sheds water without it dripping in your eyes. And despite it all, it still manages to be packable enough to bring on a long day hike or backpacking trip.

I love the look of almost every pair of shades from District Vision, but the Kazu Tourer is the most trail-ready. The design draws inspiration from alpine mountaineering glacier goggles from the ‘60s and ’70s, but adds enough modern touches to make them reasonable for everyday use. The integrated side panels block out peripheral light, which is especially important in the snow, but it’s subtle enough that it won’t make you look like you’re ready to summit Everest. They’re also super well-ventilated, so they don’t fog up or get slippery when you sweat.

Playing music out loud on the trail is a faux pas, but these futuristic shades let you listen privately, thanks to built-in open-ear audio. I mostly use them for running, but they stay put and offer great coverage, so I trust them for hiking too. And you don’t need to use the headphones for them to be impressive—the lenses change tint with the swipe of a finger so you can adjust to the light conditions on the trail. Once I tried these sunglasses, I wondered why other brands weren’t following suit. But keep in mind you’ll need to charge them to adjust the lens tint.

I beg of you, please don’t wear your XT-6’s hiking. They won’t be nearly comfortable or grippy enough for serious trails. (Save them for the ‘fit pic.) The X Ultra 5 Mid, on the other hand, is a real hiker—stable, grippy, and surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. I tested this a new iteration of a long-standing crowd favorite on muddy upstate trails and appreciated how secure they felt. Note: They run a bit narrow, so wide-footed folks like me should go for the wide version. There’s also a low-cut model if you want less ankle coverage.

While the best trail running shoes are a good option for hikers, these Merrell shoes are a bit stiffer and more protective. Don’t let the heft slab of cushioning fool you—the foam is dense enough that you won’t be struggling to balance. I’d go with the non-waterproof version for better breathability, unless you’re regularly hiking in wet or muddy conditions.

Hydro Flask bottles are basically the Patagonia fleece of water bottles: ubiquitous, reliable, and classically good-looking. But they’re not known for being lightweight. However, the Trail Series version sheds some ounces (25 percent, actually). It still keeps your water cold for hours and fits in standard backpack sleeves.

This water bottle has a built-in filter so you can fill up to your heart’s delight in any stream you pass without worrying about parasites or floaties. At 22 ounces, it’s not quite enough to cover you for a full-day hike, but it’s perfect for topping off on the go or stashing in your pack, especially if you’re hiking where water is plentiful. Personally, I like to carry a larger bottle (like the Hydro Flask) or a hydration pack and use the collapsible version of this Lifestraw bottle to refill it.

If you like to track your hikes, you can do it on this watch, which I wear for all my outdoor activities. Compared to bulkier GPS watches, this one is surprisingly light and comfortable—even under layers—and the screen is easy to read in direct sun. You can also use it to navigate: Just upload your GPS route before the hike and set it to navigation mode. I’ve used it on multiple hike and bike tours, and this feature has definitely kept me from wandering off-route.

You probably won’t need a headlamp—until you really, really do. This one’s compact, micro-USB rechargeable, and has enough lumens to light the way if your hike runs later than expected (which, for me, is most of the time.) I keep mine in my pack at all times because it’s so small I forget it’s there until it saves the day. Trust me: This is one of those items you’ll never regret bringing.