These are a few of my favourite things………
These are a few of my favourite things.........
For no particular reason (do I need one?) I was recently thinking about the gear I carry on my hikes and realised that while I regularly change items such as my footwear, sleeping bag, pack and tent, there are some gear items that once I discover and use them, they continue to stay on my gear list with no signs of ever being displaced.
In putting this list together one of the key things I realised with all of this gear, with the exception of colour where applicable, is that these items have remained relatively unchanged since they came to the market. In the world of hiking, that’s a rarity given many manufacturers persist in tinkering for no particular reason and make changes they really didn’t need to make!
1. Buff - Original
As gear goes Buffs are about as versatile as possible. I will carry a Buff ‘Original’ on every hike I do to keep the sun off my head, to keep my head warm, or to filter out chunky bits form the water!
Find out more about this versatile piece of gear here
2. GSI Essential Long Handled Spoon
I’ve been using this spoon for many, many years. It has a long handle, and is comfortable to use both in the hand and when eating. I do own other long handled eating utensils but by far this is my go-to when I need to use a spoon to eat.
Find out more about this utensil of gear here
3. MSR Mini Groundhog Tent Stakes
The Groundhog Tent Stakes come in two sizes and I use both opting for the larger size when camping on soft ground. Having said that I will always carry the Groundhog Mini Stakes typically replacing the tent stakes that come with my tents. Providing you don’t lose them or try to drive them into rock, these stakes will last you a lifetime.
Find out more about this amazing little tent stake here
4. Kuhl Radikl Men's Pants
I wear long pants almost exclusively when I hike, opting to keep my legs protected from the sun, sharp vegetation, flies and other creepy crawlies. These pants are my go-to pants for both the heat and the cold and are soooo comfortable having lots of lovely little features that suit my type of hiking.
Find out more about these pants here
5. Platypus Platy 2.0L Soft Water Bottle
For those times when you need to carry extra water. Unless it’s a really short hike, this soft storage bottle comes with me on every hike and on long hikes it always gets plenty of use.
Find out more about this versatile piece of gear here
6. Arcade Belt
The world’s most comfortable belt, at least in Arcade’s opinion, but I must agree. I own three of these belts in varying colours and will always wear one on the trail but also when I’m at home around town.
Find out more about these belts here
7. Osprey Hydraulics 3 Litre Hydration Bladder
I’m a water bladder user and always have been. Regardless of what brand of pack I wear, I will always use Osprey water bladders. The three litre size is not much heavier than the smaller versions so while I might not fill this bladder up, it provides that versatility.
Find out more about this water bladder here
8. Katadyn BeFree 0.6 Litre
This has been our go-to water filtration option for many years.
Find out why here
9. GSI Cathole Trowel
There are many options for trowels (for digging catholes) on the market but by far this is the best one we have used.
Find out more about this trowel here
10. Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat
When I’m looking for a place to sit to have lunch, I can spend anywhere up to an hour trying to find that ‘perfect’ spot, particularly if it has been raining. While this may be considered a luxury item, I don’t hike without it.
Find out more about this little sit pad here
11. ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sports Mesh 3″ Boxer Brief Men’s
Without a doubt this is the best underwear I have used and am now into year 11 (not the same pair although they have lasted me for years)
Find out more here
Final Thoughts
These ten pieces of gear have been with me for years and are unlikely to change anytime soon unless someone comes out with something really amazing to replace them! As much as I love researching and buying new gear, these ‘favourite things’ are safe in my pack.
Last Updated
11 July 2025