Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? As a lifelong Midwesterner, I’ve experienced the outdoors in all seasons and conditions. Over the years I’ve learned what works – clothing and gear that is comfortable, breathable, 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, wool 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.
Mud Season!
Spring in the Great Lakes Region brings rain and thunderstorms. With the rain and storms comes mud – and plenty of it! Recently I purchased a Marmot Precip Eco Stretch Rain Jacket in twilight blue, and I can vouch for its quality. Lightweight, leak-proof, and best of all – just enough stretch for ease of movement. 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 an Extra $40 off orders $200+, sitewide. 4/25-4/28.
Hiking Pants
Finding well-fitting, durable hiking pants can be as individual as finding the right shoes or boots, in my opinion.
- 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.
- I am a huge fan of Columbia pants for hiking and everyday wear as a durable and reasonably priced option. My everyday pants include the All Season Bootcut Pant and the Leslie Falls Pant – these pants are not waterproof, but repel moisture effectively, with adjustable cuffs and UPF50 for sun protection.
- For a more tailored hiking pant, prAna’s Halle Pant is my top choice. I have worn the same pair for 7+ years; with proper care, these pants will last you for years.
- For a softshell pant of a bit heavier weight, I highly recommend Rab Incline AS Pants. Comfort, stretch, wind and weather resistance – these pants have it all!
Take advantage of Backcountry’s Spring 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.
Baselayers and Sun Protection
For outdoor activities, comfort is all about layering. In the Great Lakes region, weather can change on a dime. Wearing the right baselayers goes a long way in staying comfortable from wooded trails to the beach.
- Women’s Crater Lake Long-sleeve Hoodie is a buttery soft, stretchy and breathable UPF 50 sun shirt. Pros: Lightweight, UPF50, adjustable hood for sun protection.
- Kari Traa’s Saane Sunshirt with pockets and thumb-holes – perfect for the beach or the trail.
- Viska Sun Hoodie: quick drying with back pocket and UPF50.
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
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.
A hiking boot I have worn religiously (and LOVED!) for nearly 5 years is La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II Mid-Leather GTX Hiking Boot. I can’t say enough positive about this boot. A solid choice with ample ankle and arch support, roomy toe-box, lace-closure locks, lightweight, with grippy soles for any type of weather. I have hiked hundreds of miles in my Ultra Raptors and they have yet to show signs of significant wear.
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot is a solid, comfortable boot. While the ankle support is not quite as rigid as La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor, the Moab is plenty supportive and comfortable for long hikes. Waterproofing is a plus for spring hikes in the Midwest (mud season!) I have found Merrell boots to be both well-designed and extremely durable.
Merrell Women’s Antora 3 Mid-Waterproof Hiking Boot is a lightweight, grippy, waterproof hiking boot comfortable for long hikes. Considerably lighter than the Moab, but offers similar comfort on long hikes.
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 or varied terrain.
For a more casual trail runner/sneaker option, consider Merrell’s Antora 3 Trail Running Shoe . I wear this shoe more for casual everyday use – after 3-4 years of regular wear, these shoes have held up wonderfully.
Outdoor Accessories
I am a huge fan of Smartwool clothing and accessories in any weather. As a trail runner, for years I was miserable running outside in the winter – until I discovered Smartwool! Wool blends are constructed for softness and light weight, comfortable in any season. For trail runs and hikes on cooler spring days, Smartwool’s Merino Gloves fit the bill – lightweight, warm and breathable. As a bonus, the thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible if you’re always snapping photos like me!
- For trail runs, I always choose a wool blend sock for breathability. Women’s Run No Show Sock is a merino wool sock with a firm fit to prevent slipping. Pros: 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.
Women’s Vests and Insulated Layers
- Marmot Women’s Echo Featherless Vest is lightweight yet warm without the bulk for spring rides and hikes. Pros: Water resistant, zippered pockets, drawstring cord. Wear on its own or layer beneath a shell – a personal favorite of mine!
- Smartwool Smartloft Vest with merino wool lining, wind and water resistant. I have worn this vest to hike, bike, run, ski and snowshoe. Pros: 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. Pros: perfect spring weight vest over a baselayer.
Outdoor Gear | Osprey Packs
For a comfortable, durable pack, Osprey packs are my go to. In the past ten years, I have purchased five Osprey packs – both for work and recreation, each of which have exceeded my expectations. 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Everyday Gear | Lifestyle Packs
- Off the trails, I carry the Arcane Tote Pack for my laptop and other accessories. I love this tote! Pros: Minimalist styling, tuckaway straps, shoulder strap that converts to a backpack. 16″ padded laptop sleeve, internal zip pocket, key clip, and large zippered front panel pocket. I purchased the tote in black as it does not show wear and tear, but it is also available in toffee orange, blue, and botanic green.
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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!
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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, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out 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
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