Take to the trails with this top-rated hiking gear

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The simple joys of hiking don’t require much, but if you’re taking to the trails for a long time, this practical gear will make your outing safer, more comfortable and more fun.

For hands-free hydration

This compact day pack stores your hydration system in a sleeve, and you can route your mouthpiece and tube through it for easy sipping. You can keep all your goodies in its myriad pockets, and you’ll stay cooler with its moisture-wicking mesh back panelling.

Gregory Maya 10 women’s backpack, $120, altitude-sports.com

For UV protection

For safer sun, this trendy bucket hat offers a 50+ UPF (the clothing equivalent of an SPF), and it’s made with lightweight and breathable synthetic fibres. Compress the cap and store it in your pocket when you’re in the shade.

Arc’teryx Sinsola hat, $70, arcteryx.com

For roaming tricky trails

Take control of your uphill treks with these grippy shoes. They feature rubber outsoles that grab slippery terrain, and the design supports your outer foot joints to improve stability, without impeding movement.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex women’s light trail shoes, $179.95, mec.ca

For birdwatching

Keep your eyes on the sky with these binoculars, which feature a wide field of view to help spot faraway wonders. They’re compact and easy to stash, but come with a convenient carrying case, too.

Pentax 8×21 Up Navy binoculars, $80, bestbuy.ca

For blocking the wind

Resist the chill with this dreamy patterned windbreaker, which features front pockets and a drawcord hood. When the weather clears, this jacket can be folded up into the hood and clipped onto your pack, ready for when you need it.

Roots Journey Packable men’s windbreaker, $88, roots.com

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.