I started out hiking in trail shoes. I used them in adventure racing and carried them forward to hiking.
Montrail Hardrock - can't find these anymore
When those wore out and I couldn't run anymore I went to
Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex boots
I like these as they fit a bit like a running shoe. They've proven to be durable and the Gore-Tex gives me an hour head start on the drizzle and rain. I take out the factory insoles and drop in SuperFeet.. the orange colored ones.
SuperFeet 7400
The socks, I'll only get one kind. I've used them in 100F and in -20F. They soak up sweat and water, keeping feet dry and wear extremely well.
Wigwam-Ultimax Medium Hiker
Pack
I started out using my adventure racing pack and when I travel internationally I'll still take
Salomon XA 20 - Mine is an older version, circa 2001. And... all beat up and worn out.
Mostly, though I use
REI Lookout 40 - The pack was on clearance and I couldn't be happier with a light pack. Well, I could use an outer mesh compartment such as on the Salomon. I do like the hard plastic insert that gives the pack a nice light firmness. I took it through some nasty brambles and it's held up well. Only thing is that you can't wad it up into a ball and throw it into a suitcase like you can the Salomon. Much more comfortable shoulder straps and belts, naturally.
Head Gear
I'm pretty much bald. Yeah, thanks to all of you who knew when I was 32 that I was going bald and didn't tell me. I hate hats and always have, but they are a must.
My choice is my "floppy hat." A Columbia nylon Booney. Light, breathable, easy to clean, easier to pack.
Cold weather is solved with a cheap orange knit hat. The $5 kind from Wal-Mart. I roll it up, roll it down. Put it on, take it off. I usually pack two. On a long hike (9+ miles) I'll probably soak one of them through.
Top and Bottoms
50F and above I'll wear a quick dry shirt. The Wal-Mart $9 ones work just dandy. Tekgear from Target and Kohls also work nice.
I'm a shorts guys. I'll let my legs get ripped up by briars just to stay cool. I use to have a pair of Columbia zip-offs. They were cotton, but they fit great and I destroyed them after 5 years of using them exclusively for hiking. Have not found anything to replace them properly. I have a couple different pair of quick dry shorts I use. Usually find zip-offs so I can put the legs on should I need them. I like the quick dry stuff (100% nylon or nylon/polyester ). I usually get wet from rain or sweat. A day in Northern Wisconsin includes canoeing and hiking, quick dry nylon is perfect.
Right now I have a pair of Patagonia Nomander zip-offs. Thanks to Ruth for patching the knee after a snow-shoeing fall. They fit OK, but not great. Still looking for that great pair again.
40F to 50F
Still in shorts
The top will be a long sleeve poly/cotton. I've always liked the RRS Long Sleeve from RoadRunner Sports. They don't make the same ones I have anymore. I still have a couple left from my running days (pre-2005). If I had to get another I'd look at RRS Runner's High. Although I could probably be talked into something else. Hint: I really should get rid of the two I have.
40F and below
Winter weather. The legs go on the zip-offs when the temps get to below freezing, in the 20's.
The upper 30's I may still just wear the long sleeve with short sleeve over it.
When the temp is really cold (20's and below) I have my Illuminite half-zip pull-over. I've had this for nearly 11 years and it still works great. I can't find it anymore online, but there are many many different breathable fleece jackets out there. This one was on sale and is one of my prized possessions.
I have a couple pair of pop-top gloves picked up from Gander Mtn. I like the pop-top so I can use my fingers and when I start to warm up. I like the gloves and not the fingers so when really cold my fingers stay warm-ish.
A pair of Manzella liner gloves go under those when the wind and temp really drops. Mine are an older version of those in the link.
In the Pack
Food!
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