Here you’ll find a handful of my personal recommendations for outdoor gear, including my favorite packs, base layers, 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 from companies that I support.
Sunshirts and UPF Sun Protection
As we transition to the Fall season in the Great Lakes region, sun protection is as important as comfort on the trail, the beach, or anywhere in between. Proper layering goes a long way for comfort and temperature regulation. As the weather cools, I still prefer a lightweight sun shirt, layered with a vest or light jacket as needed. I’ve shared a couple of my go to sun shirts below. Take advantage of Up to 60% Off Labor Day Sale at Backcountry – Through 9/7.
- 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. Currently up to 30% Off.
- 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.
Great Lakes Region | Rain Gear
As we transition to the Fall season, comfortable and functional rain gear is essential for rainy hikes and outdoor activity. My go to rain jacket is the Marmot Precip Eco Pro Jacket. Lightweight, stretchy with an amply sized hood. You can find this jacket for 30% Off at Backcountry through 9/7.
If you’re looking for a durable pair of rain pants, consider Outdoor Research Women’s Helium Rain Pant. These pants are 35% Off at Backcountry through 9/7.
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: read more in the recent Gear Junkie review of the prAna Halle pants.
Outdoor Gear | 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. This boot is currently up to 30% at Backcountry. 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. The Ultra Raptor is worth every penny, in my humble opinion. I have worn my Ultra Raptors for nearly 7 years and they have yet to show significant signs of wear. This boot is 25% Off at Backcountry through 9/7.
Running Gear | 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. Similar to the fit of the Ultra Raptor, the Wildcat is great for trail runs, rocky trails, or varied terrain. This shoe is currently 25% Off at Backcountry through 9/7.
A second option is La Sportiva’s Prodigio Trail Running Shoe. This shoe is currently 45% Off at Backcountry through 9/7.
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 road running or races. HSA/FSA eligible. This shoe is currently 30% at Backcountry through 9/7. The Hyperion Max 3 is also available in Men’s.
Smartwool offers so much more than just socks! Explore Smartwool’s selection of merino wool running and hiking gear, from hiking socks to tees, hoodies, vests, and jackets. Additionally, Smartwool offers biking socks like the Rugged Ride Print Crew Socks, and bike jerseys like the Women’s Mountain Bike 3/4 Sleeve Jersey. This jersey is so soft!
I am a huge fan of merino wool in all seasons as an excellent alternative to synthetic fabrics, softness, wicking, and ultralight weight. My go to layer in the Fall is the Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Crew.
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 re-purpose your old socks!
Outdoor Gear | Osprey Packs
For a comfortable, durable pack, Osprey packs cannot be beat. Osprey’s focus on sustainable design includes an investment in recycled fabrics, water repellent treatment made without PFAs, and reduced environmental impact. Shop Osprey’s Labor Day Sale – Up to 40% Off Top-Selling Packs – Through 9/7.
My go to pack for day hikes and long rides is Osprey’s Talon 11, with an adjustable hip-belt, two water bottle compartments, mesh front pocket, curved back panel and built-in safety whistle on the chest strap and overall comfort of this pack.
For a biking specific backpack, I recommend the Raptor 10 – 2.5L water reservoir, hip-belt pockets and adjustable shoulder harness.
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 | Osprey Lumbar Packs
If you prefer a lumbar pack, the Savu 2 is a perfect minimalist biking pack with stretch mesh pockets for single or double bottle carry. A slightly larger lumbar pack 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. Both of these packs work well for hikes as well.
Everyday 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.
Mobility Gear | Navee US | Electric Scooters
If you’re looking to get outdoors but interested in a smooth and effortless ride, there are many paved trails throughout the Great Lakes region that are accessible to electric scooters. Although electric scooters are not suited to long distances on gravel trails, they work well on paved trails and in urban areas.
Navee US specializes in high-performance electric scooters, e-bikes, smart motorized golf carts, and eco-friendly personal transit. Navee’s Collection of Electric Scooters include Daily Commute, Long Range, and High Performance options that range in size, range, and max speed.
Explore a range of options at Navee starting at $449.00, including Commuter Scooters, Long-Range Scooters, and High Performance Scooters.
- The GT3 Commuter Electric Scooter is a best seller. With turning indicators, rear tail light, and a 31 mile range with a max speed of 20mph, the GT3 is a great option for commuters or casual riders.
- The Navee GT5 Max | Smart Commuter Scooter has a range of 55.9 miles and max speed of 20mph, and is currently 30% list price.
- The Navee NT5 Ultra Max Dual-Motor Performance Scooter has a 55.9 mile range, is waterproof, with a 40mph max speed. Purchase the NT5 Ultra, get the K100 Pro Free.
- The NAVEE XT5 Pro Off-Road Electric Scooter Off-Road Electric Scooter has a 46.6 mile range, a 31 mph max speed, and waterproof to boot!
Outdoor Gear | AllTrails App
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. From 9/2-9/8, get an annual AllTrails Plus Membership for 50% Off ($17.99 for one year, then $35.99/year). Use code: unlock26. AllTrails Plus allows for offline exploration, including 3D trail previews, offline maps, live share, and wrong turn alerts!
If you’re not sure about AllTrails yet, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
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 the beauty that the Great Lakes region has to offer!
Happy Adventuring!
-Erin