What’s too much gear to hike with? What’s not enough? How much gear do you really need?
In this episode of The Ultimate Setup, we hike the same trail with two very different gear philosophies. One setup focuses on carrying only the essentials, while the other prioritizes comfort, performance, and convenience. From packs and clothing to water, footwear, and accessories, we compare both approaches to see how they impact speed, fatigue, comfort, and the overall hiking experience.
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0:00 – Start
0:28 – The different gear setup philosophies
1:16 – The Hike
5:46 – The Summit
6:11 – The conclusion
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Arc’teryx Aerios 35 Backpack: https://arcteryx.sjv.io/c/1442537/1991772/24493?u=https%3A%2F%2Farcteryx.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fshop%2Faerios-35-backpack-9588&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Altra Lone Peak 9+: https://altrarunning.pxf.io/c/1442537/2026922/25235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.altrarunning.c[…]ucts%2Fmens-lone-peak-9-al0a85rg&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Garmin fēnix 8 Pro: https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1442537/614286/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fgarmin-fenix-8-pro-amoled-sapphire-gps-smartwatch-51mm-fiber-reinforced-polymer-titanium-2025%2FJXF9YFFSRK&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Osprey Hydraulics 2L Reservoir: https://rei.pxf.io/c/1442537/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F218582%2Fosprey-hydraulics-reservoir-2-liters&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=15301&pw=290805&ctc=061826hikingyoutube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdarntough.com%2Fcollections%2Frunning-socks%2Fproducts%2Fmens-merino-wool-vert-micro-crew-cushioned-ultra-lightweight-running-socks%3Fvariant%3D44451177103546
Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts: https://rei.pxf.io/c/1442537/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F228079%2Fkuhl-renegade-rock-7-shorts-mens&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Prana Sol Shade Short Sleeve: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8314883-13650531?sid=061826hikingyoutube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prana.com%2Fp%2Fsol-shade-short-sleeve-crew%2F2081571.html%3Fdwvar_2081571_dimension%3DST%26dwvar_2081571_color%3DRiver%2BRock
Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=21729&pw=290805&ctc=061826hikingyoutube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fibex.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-springbok-sun-hoodie
Gerber Dime: https://rei.pxf.io/c/1442537/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F832504%2Fgerber-dime-keychain-multi-tool&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Ombraz Refugio: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=21957&pw=290805&ctc=061826hikingyoutube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fombraz.com%2Fproducts%2Frefugio-ombraz-armless-sunglasses%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoqEzPLtRO1JjFZvsqkhNXmuJX9xanZlYBTuTHUAeT3fKYpgMpOg%26variant%3D47015479116027
Osprey Daylite Waist: https://osprey.pxf.io/c/1442537/1765694/20745?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osprey.com%2Fdaylite-waist-dayltwsts21-788%3Fsize%3DO%252FS%26color%3DMoody%2BBurgundy&subId1=061826hikingyoutube
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus: https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Womens-Newton-Mountain-Regular/dp/B01HEH31OI?th=1&psc=1&tag=Underscoreddefault-20&ascsubtag=061826hikingyoutube
Weekender High Rise 3" Run Short: https://ncls1.com/irk?s=769621&o=sxjd55&subid=cnn.com&bkd=athleta.gap.com&d=https%3A%2F%2Fathleta.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D825529012%26vid%3D1%23pdp-page-content&arid=061826hikingyoutube
Momentum Flex Tee: https://ncls1.com/irk?s=769621&o=sxjd55&subid=cnn.com&bkd=athleta.gap.com&d=https%3A%2F%2Fathleta.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D845692012%26vid%3D1%23pdp-page-content&arid=061826hikingyoutube
Nalgene 16oz Wide Mouth Thrill & Motion: https://go.skimresources.com/?id=87732X1565017&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnalgene.com%2Fproduct%2F16oz-wide-mouth-thrill-motion%2F&xcust=061826hikingyoutube
Neutrogena Sport Active Defense SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray Regular: https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8314883-11553095?sid=061826hikingyoutube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walgreens.com%2Fstore%2Fc%2Fneutrogena-sport-active-defense-spf-70-sunscreen-spray-regular%2FID%3D300444365-product
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https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/outdoors/best-hiking-gear
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-hiking-boots
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/outdoors
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