Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? As a lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region, I’ve learned what works – clothing and gear that is well made, durable, and functional.
Learn more about my recommendations here!
Gear Recommendations
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 make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use or wear, from companies that I support.
Rain Gear
Spring and summer in the Great Lakes Region bring rain and thunderstorms. With the rain and storms comes mud – and plenty of it! My go to rain jacket is the Marmot Precip Eco Stretch Rain Jacket. Lightweight, leak-proof, 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. For rain shells and waterproof pants from Outdoor Research, The North Face, Rab, Helly Hansen and More explore Steep & Cheap’s Rainwear Sale. Rain & Outwear Up to 60% Off. Additionally, 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.
- Hands down, my favorite hiking/everyday pant is Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama Pant. Pros: lightweight, quick-drying, thigh pocket, adjustable waist and cinch hems, UPF50. Works well as a casual pant as well -these are the most comfortable and functional pants I own.
- For a more tailored hiking pant, prAna’s Halle Pant is my top choice. With proper care, these pants will last you for years.
- 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!
Take advantage of Backcountry’s Summer Sale: Up to 40% Off.
For the 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.
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 for sun shirts that I’d 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.
Great Lakes beaches are almost always windy! 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.
Hiking Boots & Shoes
Finding comfortable, durable, and well-made footwear can be challenging, and varies widely from person to person. While it’s important to get fitted to find what works best for you, 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 as some prefer, the Moab is plenty supportive and comfortable for long hikes. Waterproofing is a plus for spring hikes in the Midwest. I have found Merrell boots to be both well-designed and extremely durable.
Outdoor Footwear | Trail Runners
For a durable trail runner, I have 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 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.
Outdoor Accessories
I am a huge fan of Smartwool clothing and accessories in any weather. For trail runs, I always choose a merino wool sock with a firm fit to prevent slipping. Smartwool’s Women’s Run Low Ankle Socks with a nearly seamless design to avoid irritation and blisters. Smartwool has a commitment to sustainable production, and a great 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.
Women’s Vests and Insulated Layers
- Smartwool Smartloft Vest with merino wool lining, wind and water resistant. I have worn this vest to hike, bike, run, ski and snowshoe. Layers easily with a shell or as a baselayer for multiple seasons.
- Marmot Women’s LT Vest -a lightweight, insulated vest with zippered pockets and adjustable hem. Perfect spring weight vest over a baselayer.
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 and Osprey Best Sellers.
Take advantage of Osprey’s Sale Packs & Bags.
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). Comfortable fit, ample room for extra layers or snacks for the trail. Pros: curved backpanel designed for ventilation on the hottest of days, built-in safety whistle on the chest strap, overall comfort.
The Talon is also available in a slightly larger 22L pack. The Talon 22 was rated Best Overall by Gear Junkie in 2026.
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.
- For similar options, explore Osprey’s Raptor/Raven Collection.
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. I purchased the tote in black as it does not show wear and tear, but it is also available in iris pink, tan, blue, grey, mint, orange, teal, and brown.
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