![20220822_084505[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/623da3_b03fa04e37fa485a97672277d61e1f4b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_467,h_623,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/623da3_b03fa04e37fa485a97672277d61e1f4b~mv2.jpg)
LET'S GET PACKING
You're only as good as your gear.
With that said, you really don't need a lot to safely hit the trail. If you know where you're going and how long you'll be out, plan accordingly. There are plenty of times when we go for a short hike with nothing but the clothes on our backs (and most of the time wished we would have at least brought a water bottle along).
​
Check out the below lists for recommendations and must haves for hitting the trail, complete with links to help build up your gear!
Support MN Trail Fam
If you're interested in any of the products we share, please consider using the affiliate links when purchasing. These affiliate links provide us with a small commission for sharing the products we love, which in turn helps support the cost of running this website. Thank you for considering!
General Items
GPS location/navigation
AllTrails+subscription
https://www.alltrails.com/invite/EVDXOV
AllTrails referral program “pays” by planting trees, even when you sign up for the free account 😊
I use AllTrails to find trails and help plan my trips as well!
Bug protection (gear)
Sawyer Products Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Trigger Spray
Treat your shoes, outer layers, and tent to protect against ticks.
Sunscreen for the whole family
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive
Solar portable charger
Waterproof and shockproof solar charger
The exact one I have is no longer available on Amazon but this one is very similar. It does the job but I am looking at better options to have on hand while hiking/backpacking – send me a message if you have a recommendation!
Bug protection (self)
Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Spray – Picaridin 20%
This stuff works amazingly! The mosquitoes will still be plenty annoying and might land on you, but they wont bite.
Ashley's Must-Haves
Rain jacket (warmer weather)
Columbia Women's Switchback III Jacket
Waterproof snow boots
Columbia Women's Snow Canyon Omni Heat Winter Boot
Unlike any other winter boots I've had, these do not fatigue my ankles/legs and they keep my feet and toes very warm. They've been hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in single digit and below zero weather and have handled it all well!
Rain jacket (most weather)
Apricoat Adventure 2.0
https://apricoat.com/mntrailfam
I wear this all year round! It does get a bit warm when it’s really hot out, like 80 degrees F +. I typically add a fleece or wool layer when it gets below 30 degrees F.
Hat (3-seasons)
CC Ponycap
Available to wear with a myriad of hairstyles, this is my go-to “ball cap”.
Waterproof hiking boots
Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion - Women
https://xeroshoes.com/go/mntrailfam
These have been my go-to since purchasing spring of 2022. They truly are waterproof. They have a wide toe-base for a natural feel. They are super lightweight while offering great protection.
​
More coming soon!
Check out what we have on hand in our day packs as well as gear for camping and overlanding. We'll work on getting together lists for dirtbiking and snowmobiling as well!