Here you’ll find a handful of my personal recommendations for outdoor gear, including my favorite packs, baselayers, insulation, rain gear, running and hiking socks, gloves, and outdoor accessories.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use or wear, from companies that I support.
Baselayers and UPF Sun Protection
In the Great Lakes region, weather can change on a dime. For outdoor activities, comfort is all about proper layering, which goes a long way in staying comfortable on the trail, the beach, or anywhere in between. Sun protection is a top priority in the spring and summer months. Below are a few solid options from Backcountry for sun shirts that I recommend.
- Women’s Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-sleeve Hoodie is a buttery soft, stretchy and breathable UPF 50 sun shirt. Pros: Lightweight, adjustable hood for sun protection. Also available in Men’s.
- Women’s Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie. Also available in Men’s.
- Women’s Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie. Also available in Men’s.
For a lightweight windbreaker, the EMS Women’s Tech Wind Shell is light as a feather, wind-resistant, and water-resistant. For beachcombing at night, this shell has reflective detailing.
Great Lakes Beachcombers! | Durable Sandals
If you’re an avid beachcomber like me, Keen’s Newport H2 Sandal is the perfect option for walking on sand, rocks, or wet surfaces. The hybrid shoe-and-sandal design is grippy and quick to dry – ideal for the beach, slippery breakwaters, or wading in the water.
For a lighter option, Chacos Women’s Rapid Pro Sandal is a lightweight sandal that’s perfect for the beach. Orginally marketed for river rafting, this sandal is grippy and durable.The Rapid Pro is also available in Men’s.
Great Lakes Region | Rain Gear
My go to rain jacket is the Marmot Precip Eco Stretch Rain Jacket. This jacket is lightweight, leak-proof, with an amply sized hood. The Precip is available in a vivid blue, bright orange and red – or black or gray for something a bit more subtle. Take advantage of Up to 60% Women’s Footwear and Camp & Hike Essentials – Up to 60% Off.
Hiking Pants
Finding well-fitting, durable hiking pants can be as individual as finding the right shoes or boots. Women’s hiking pants generally tend to lack sizable pockets and additional features that provide extra comfort like gusseted knees.
- Hands down, my favorite hiking/everyday pant is Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama Pant. Lightweight fit, quick-drying, with a thigh pocket, adjustable waist and cinch hems, and UPF50. These pants work well as a casual pant as well.
- For a more tailored hiking pant, prAna’s Halle Pant is my top choice with a lower rise fit, UPF 50 and five roomy pockets! At $98, these pants are pricy, but as durability goes, they are worth every penny. With proper care, these pants will last you for years (I’ve worn the same pair for 7 years!) Other women agree: check out the recent Gear Junkie review of the prAna Halle pants.
- For a softshell pant of a bit heavier weight, I highly recommend Rab Incline Light Pants. Comfort, stretch, wind and weather resistance – these pants have it all!
Hiking Boots & Shoes
Finding comfortable, durable, and well-made footwear can be challenging, and varies widely from person to person. It’s important to get fitted to find what works best for you, though I’m glad to share my personal recommendations. By far, my most well-worn (and well-loved!) hiking shoes and boots are Merrell or La Sportiva.
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid, comfortable boot. While the ankle support is not as rigid or high as some prefer, the Moab is plenty supportive and comfortable for long hikes. Waterproofing is a plus for spring and summer hiking in the Great Lakes region. I have found Merrell boots to be both well-designed and extremely durable.
La Sportiva’s Women’s Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot is my go to for long hikes in any season. This boot is extremely lightweight, with a sturdy design with rigid yet flexible ankle support. Goretex, waterproof, and durable – I have worn my Ultra Raptors for nearly 7 years and they have yet to show significant signs of wear.
Outdoor Footwear | Trail Runners
For a durable trail runner, I have similarly gravitated towards La Sportiva shoes for years for their solid, stable fit. La Sportiva Women’s Wildcat 2.0 GTX Trail Running Shoe is waterproof and breathable, with great traction. The fit of the Wildcat is similar to that of the Ultra Raptor – great for trail runs, rocky trails, or varied terrain.
My other go to in my running shoe rotation is the Brooks Hyperion Max 3. Although this is not a trail runner, it is a lightweight option for non-trail runs. Pros: Feather light (fits more like a sock!); HSA/FSA eligible. Cons: This is a pricy shoe, but worth the cost in the happy miles you will run in complete comfort. The Hyperion Max 3 is also available in Men’s.
Smartwool Merino Hiking Clothing
I am a huge fan of Smartwool clothing and accessories in any season. Merino wool is an excellent alternative to synthetic fabrics, and a great choice for summer due to its softness, wicking, and ultralight weight. Check out Smartwool’s selection of merino wool hiking gear, from shorts and hiking socks to ultralight tees and sun hoodies. My favorite running top for the summer heat is the Women’s Active Ultralite High Neck Tank, pictured below in green and teal – lightweight, wicking, and surprisingly soft. Smartwool’s Merino Sun Hoodie is equally as soft and lightweight. Also available in Men’s.
Smartwool Socks & Sustainability
For summer hiking and running, I prefer a low or no-show sock like the women’s Run Brush Print Low Ankle Socks or the Run Low Ankle Socks. If you prefer a higher sock, the Hike Classic Edition Second Cut Ankle Socks are a great option – and they’re made from recycled socks.
As a note, Smartwool is committed to sustainable production, with a program to recycle your old socks. For socks made from recycled fabrics, consider Smartwool’s Second Cut Recycled Collection. Order a Free Sock Recycling Kit, print a label, and send your worn out socks to Smartwool. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste and repurpose your old socks!
Outdoor Gear | Osprey Packs
For a comfortable, durable pack, Osprey packs are my go to. Osprey’s focus on sustainable design includes an investment in recycled fabrics, water repellent treatment made without PFAs, and reduced environmental impact. Find your best fit with Osprey’s Packfinder. Additionally, learn more about Osprey Best Sellers.
Multi-Sport Packs
- My go to pack for day hikes and long rides is Osprey’s Talon 11, with an adjustable hip-belt, two water bottle compartments and mesh front pocket (pictured here after a muddy bike ride). The curved backpanel keeps the pack off of your back on the hottest of days, and I love the built-in safety whistle on the chest strap and overall comfort of this pack.
The Talon is also available in a slightly larger 22L pack. The Talon 22 was rated Best Overall by Gear Junkie in 2026 in the article linked below from Gear Junkie.
Biking Gear | Lumbar Packs
- The Savu 2 lumbar pack – a perfect minimalist biking pack with stretch mesh pockets for single or double bottle carry. This pack also works well for summer hikes if you don’t want to carry a full pack.
- A slightly larger option is the Seral 4 with a 1.5L water reservoir. With room for an e-bike battery and charger and tool organization in the main compartment.
- For a biking specific backpack, I recommend the Raptor 10 – 2.5L water reservoir, hip-belt pockets and adjustable shoulder harness.
Beach Gear | Lifestyle Packs
- Off the trails and on the beach, I carry the Daylite Sling for my beach finds and other essentials. I love the lightweight fit of this sling.
AllTrails Maps
For detailed information on scenic hiking and biking trails throughout the nation, explore AllTrails. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type, with photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE. Additionally, AllTrails Plus allows for offline exploration, including 3D trail previews, offline maps, live share, and wrong turn alerts!
If you are planning to visit a national park, you can purchase the 2026 National Parks Resident Annual Pass through AllTrails.
Recent Articles – Join in my Adventures!
April 1, 2025 by Erin
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
Recommended Adventures
One of my favorite places to hike, bike, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors is Marquette, Michigan, in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. For more information on outdoor recreation, trail systems, scenic views, great restaurants, Upper Peninsula culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, read more in my 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.
Get out there and and enjoy all that the beautiful Great Lakes region has to offer!
Happy Adventuring!
-Erin