Summer is here, and if your plans include a day or a week of hiking, these carefully chosen items are worth adding to your pack. Many are available through major retailers for convenience.
© Forme
Ankle Guard Socks from Forme are an excellent choice if you have weak ankles or want extra support on uneven trails. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, these socks use biofeedback-inspired construction and multiple light layers to encourage proper alignment and stabilize foot and ankle muscles. The design applies gentle tension to the medial arch to help keep muscles engaged, potentially reducing pain and inflammation during long days on the trail. They’re available in White Multi and Black Multi.
© Wholesome Hippy
Keep bugs at bay with Wholesome Hippy’s Skeeter Spray, a moisturizing lotion spray that offers scented, natural protection. The formula blends aloe leaf juice, coconut oil and jojoba seed oil with citronella and a eucalyptus oil blend for a pleasant aroma and effective repellent properties. It spreads easily, feels lightweight on skin, and is formulated to be gentle enough for children and sensitive skin.
For first-aid essentials, the Active Skin Repair Double Pack is compact and versatile enough for a hiking kit. It combines a spray and hydrogel containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally occurring compound produced by white blood cells. Made in an ISO 9000 certified facility in California, this medical-grade, non-toxic formula treats minor cuts, blisters, burns, rashes and insect bites without common irritants. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, and labeled safe for pets, children, and pregnant or nursing women. The brand also emphasizes climate neutrality and charitable giving.
© Visor Skincare
Protect your skin and the environment with Visor Skincare’s reef-safe sunscreen. This oil-free formula is free of parabens and added fragrances, and it comes in a travel-friendly size ideal for trail use. The ingredient list focuses on beneficial actives: vitamin C to reduce dark spots, jojoba for its antiseptic properties, meadowfoam to lock in moisture, hyaluronic acid for hydration and anti-aging benefits, shea butter for softness, lecithin to support collagen, and diatomaceous earth to help reduce pore clogging. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in recyclable materials.
For coffee on the trail, try compostable Steeped Coffee Bags that work like tea bags filled with ground coffee. These single-serve bags are lightweight, easy to pack, and require only hot water to brew a fresh cup. The coffee is ethically sourced and freshly roasted, with roast options ranging from light to dark, plus decaf. The convenience makes them a great choice for campers and hikers who want quality coffee without bulky gear.
© Coalatree
If you prefer pull-over sun protection, the Sunray Sun Shirt for women from Coalatree Eco-Minded Goods is a lightweight, UV-resistant hoodie with natural zinc properties. It dries quickly, packs small, and offers four-way stretch and reinforced seams for durability. Available in several colors and patterns—Sky Blue, Herring Bone, Hexagon and Mountain Line—it’s a practical layer for hot, sunny hikes. Coalatree also makes the Kachula Blanket, a multifunctional, water-resistant blanket made from recycled materials. It’s great for impromptu picnics and doubles as a poncho when its hood is snapped on, so you’re prepared if the weather changes.
These items combine practicality and comfort to make summer hikes safer and more enjoyable. Pack a few of them and you’ll be ready for everything from sun protection and bug defense to first-aid and a hot cup of coffee on the trail.