I’ve Hiked Over 5,000 Miles. Here’s the Gear That Works on Trail, Not Just on Insta

Over the past few years, I’ve hiked more than 5,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the West Highland Way, and plenty more across Europe. And when I’m not out in the woods, I like to scroll the ’gram for inspiration on where to hike next. Most of the people I follow are also part-time dirtbags, but every now and then I raise an eyebrow at what I see popping up on my feed. Hikers cosying up in layeres of insulated clothing. Stiff leather hiking boots. Enamel mugs, point-and-shoot cameras, cast-iron skillets, camping chairs. In other words, all things that are marketed as backpacking kit and which look idyllic on Insta, but in reality weigh you down and make a multi-day camping trip harder than it needs to be.

I learnt all this the hard way, which is why I want anyone embarking on their first long walking trip to go better than my early ones did. I remember one disaster of a hike in Scotland where I slipped and fell on my back, fully strapped into my purple Osprey pack. I lay staring at the sky, wondering if I had the strength to get back up, and what had possessed me to pack a bulky digital camera but no trekking poles.

There’s nothing wrong with a nice photo, or a bit of sartorial flair on trail — it’s why I own a hot pink ice axe. But good-looking gear that doesn’t do its job can leave you uncomfortable, or, if the weather turns, in real danger.

Over the years, I've honed my kit. I like the comfort of an inflatable pillow and a Kindle to read at night, but I've still got my base weight down to 12lbs. I write about brands for a living for Thingtesting, and I want your first long backpacking trip to be a good one.

Here are some of my top picks, with the full list of brands and kit that make my packing list below.

- Pa'lante Packs makes frameless backpacks and sponsors people going for fastest-known times on long-distance hiking trails. I have their skirt, which has external pockets big enough for several Snickers bars.

- My current backpack is a custom-made Atom Packs 40L, which came with me on the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail and the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, and has so far accumulated only superficial wear and tear. You can get it made in pretty much any color combination you like. I got really creative and went for all-black.

- It seems like every outdoor clothing brand is launching a mid-layer made from Polartec Alpha Direct, a super warm, light material that turns you into a self-heating machine if you pop a waterproof jacket on top. Senchi Designs was the OG, and I've got multiple hoodies from them.

- For shoes, I love my Hoka Speedgoats, which are well-cushioned, have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop to support your walking gait, and come in bright, bold colorways.

- Sunburn isn't cool! But Mountain Hardwear is. The Californian brand has been going since the ’90s and makes protective sun hoodies with tie-dye prints. Ridge Merino makes a lightweight merino wool alternative.

- Yamatomichi is a Japanese ultralight hiking brand that's popular with long-distance hikers. They make unisex merino and bamboo shirts in flattering, boxy cuts. I also want to try sleeping in their Alpha tights.

- Cotopaxi uses offcuts to make its wacky, patchworked fanny packs. They can store up to 1.5 litres of GORP (good old raisins and peanuts).

- Since discovering Mexicali Rose Beans, which I rehydrate in cold water with Minute Rice, I rarely carry a stove. But when I do, it's this tiny, iconic MSR model.