2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Gear Suggestions

2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves
I have been lucky enough to test a lot of hiking gear over the last couple of years. Each time I head out I am usually testing something but there is some gear that I like to wear when I’m just hiking for me. I figured it was time to put a list together of the gear I use most often. Here is my 1st annual 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves.
As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I was given these items so that I could review them. All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with this product. I am not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different. This site uses affiliate marketing links. If you click a button or link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Shoes – La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II

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The Brief:
The La Sportiva Ultra Rapor II is a waterproof, breathable midcut hiker. In testing, it did well with traction in rocky or flat terrain, comfort, and is available in a wide fit.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
When it comes to hiking footwear, I really lean to if they make me comfortable. Not necessarily just the comfort on feet but I need to know that I can take on different terrain and weather conditions without worrying about slipping, falling or getting my feet wet. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor checks all of the boxes for me. The traction is great and makes me feel comfortable on the dirt, bouldering or even in some looser rock. They also do a really good job of waterproofing. Especially in the spring in Colorado, with all of the snow melt and runoff, I need a pair of shoes that walk through water and these are those shoes. Finally, the Ultra Raptor just fit my feet really comfortably. I can hike 8-10 miles in these and not even want to take them off at the end of the hike. They are shoes I would wear just around the house and be comfortable all day. For those reasons, I put the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II on my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Have List.
Read My Full Review Here.
Socks – Fox River

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The Brief:
Fox River has over 25 lines of hiking socks as well as socks designed for hunting and running. The socks also feature many different materials including merino, spandex, acrylic, wick dry, cotton and poly.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
There are so many options of hiking socks out there these days. They all have a lot of pro’s and con’s but for me I love the fact that Fox River has been making socks since 1900. Plus, they make all of their socks in Osage, Iowa and it is nice to get some local manufacturing. The socks are high quality, they have several different options and the prices are usually a bit more affordable, especially some of the multipack offers.
Read My Full Review Here.
Pants – Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible

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The Brief:
The Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible pant is part of a long line of Kuhl hiking and outdoor pants. The Renegade uses lightweight yet durable fabrics to remain scratch and scuff resistant and also is water resistant. There are compartments in the cargo pockets to keep items in place during activities. The Renegade is also rated UPF 50+ for sun protection.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
I have always like the way Kuhl makes pants. They are tough and durable and handle all the rugged mountain hiking that I put them through. What got the Renegade Cargo Convertible on my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List is their versatility. I love all the pockets that allow me to bring smaller packs or even take a short hike without a pack at all. Basically, room for all my snacks! I also love that they are warm enough for the cool spring mornings and when it gets hot in the afternoon, I can shift them into shorts with a couple of zips! They are kind of that perfect shoulder season pant.
Shorts – Kuhl Revolvr

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The Brief:
The Kuhl Revolvr Short is the short version of the Revolver Pant. Made from a soft cotton blend, the Revolvr is lightweight and has flexibility to it. The shorts are quick drying and water resistant to keep you comfortable on your hikes. Plus, it has a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
If I like the pants that Kuhl makes, it only makes sense that I like the shorts as well. The revolver short is one of the newer to join the line and they did a really nice job putting them together. They have the same Kuhl durability and strength and offer an option of inseam lengths for every comfort level. I like the stretchability. I really feel that I have a lot of range of motion in these shorts without getting tight around my hips. They also do a really good job with moisture wicking that keeps me comfortable on the hot summer days.
Read My Full Review Here.
Shirt – Royal Robbins Amp Lite Tee

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The Brief:
The Amp Lite Tee from Royal Robbins is made from recycled polyester. It is moisture wicking and quick-drying. The Amp Lite is lightweight and has four way stretch to the fabric to help the shirt move with you. There is a UPF 50+ sun protection rating.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
Comfort, comfort and a bit more comfort. Those are my three big thoughts on the Royal Robbins Amp Lite Tee. I love the fit of the Amp Lite, it fits through the chest but is also long enough to cover my belly. It is a very lightweight tee and is super soft. I also really love that Royal incorporates so many recycled materials into their clothing without losing anything when it comes to quality. Also, did I mention how comfortable this shirt is?
Read About Royal Robbins Here.
Long Sleeve – Kuhl Engineered Hoodie

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The Brief:
Kuhl’s Engineered Hoody is a long sleeved, breathable and lightweight option. It is odor resistant and moisture wicking and provides UPF sun protection. The shirt is engineered with breathable open knit panels that allow for temperature regulation on your hikes.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
Back to Kuhl for my pick for long sleeve shirt on my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List. The engineered line is my favorite line of shirts that Kuhl has. The Engineered Hoody provides good sun protection, is very comfortable and fits me great. It is the long sleeve I always have with me on mountain hikes to throw on when I get above tree-line. It is also lightweight and the hood is an added bonus on those sunny days!
Read My Full Review Here.
Windbeaker – Outdoor Vitals Nebo

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The Brief:
The Nebo from Outdoor Vitals is an ultralight (4 oz.) windbreaker that is designed to block the wind but remain breathable to make sure there is no overheating on windy hikes. It’s light weight makes it easy to keep in a pack and it can be used as a top layer or as part of a layering to insure the wind doesn’t give you a chill.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
A good windbreaker is a must have in any pack in the spring and summer. Those nice early season days can often be warmed by strong winds and my favorite way to combat those winds is the Nebo from Outdoor Vitals. This is an ultralight option, so it is a great addition to any pack and won’t weigh you down. I love the size options and tight hood that keeps the wind away from your head. The Nebo is great for those mountain hikes as well.
Read My Full Review Here.
Raincoat – Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

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The Brief:
The Helium jacket from Outdoor Research is a must have on the rainy days. The ultralight jacket (6.2 oz) is easily packable. The 100% Nylon 30D ripstop makes for a durable and protective layer. It is a great fit for spring and summer hikes that are a little warmer with rain in the forecast due to its breathability and water resistance.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
Just like a wind beaker, a rain jacket is a must have in the spring and summer. Outdoor Research Helium knocks it out of the park. The lightweight jacket is always in my pack ready for any rain that might pop up. I have also used this jacket in slushy spring snow to keep me dry and once in a light hail/graupel event. Each time, I stayed nice and dry and the jacket held up great!
Read My Full Review Here.
Sunglasses – Costa Lido

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The Brief:
The Lido sunglasses from Costa Del Mar use polarized lenses and offer a wider fit for those, like me, with a bit bigger head. They frames have flex to them to help with the fit and the nose pad is adjustable to help with maximum comfort.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
Can I add something to the list just because it makes me look cool? Well, the Costa Lido definitely increase my cool points but more importantly their polarization is a must have when hiking anywhere near water. They do a great job against the intense Colorado Sun and I bring them on every hike. But also have them with me every day in the car or just walking around the city.
Read My Full Review Here.
Pack – Osprey Sportlite

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The Brief:
The Osprey Sportlite comes in 15, 20, 25, and 30 liter versions. The pack features stretch side pockets for water bottles, trekking pole loops, quick release upper compression straps, and an adjustable sternum strap with a rescue whistle. The packs also offer key clips and zippered interior pockets to keep smaller items organized and easier to grab. Plus, a lot more features to make your hike comfortable.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
I hike with and have a lot of Osprey packs. I have always liked the way they make packs. They are durable and long lasting. They also put a lot of effort into design and features that I have come to really enjoy and rely on. That all being said, I think the Sportlite EF 25L might be my favorite daypack that I have hiked with. It is the perfect size for more for anything up to a 10-12 mile day hike. Plus, the Sportlite comes in the new extended fit line so it allows more people to enjoy the outdoors. Being my favorite day pack is definitely enough to land on my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List!
Read My Full Review Here.
Accessories – Sawyer Sunscreen, Bug Spray

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The Brief:
Sawyer is known for their water filter systems but have also offer sunscreen and bug spray among other products. The Sunscreen is an SPF 30, non greasy and breathable lotion. The fragrance free lotion doesn’t use Avobenzone, Paraben, and Dimethicone and is enriched with aloe and vitamins. The 20% Picadirin insect and tick repellent is DEET free, safe for the whole family and won’t harm clothing or gear.
Why its makes my 2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves List:
As someone with blonde hair and a reddish (graying?) beard, I have never had a good relationship with the sun. I don’t really tan but instead alternate between a snow hare and lobster tint. Since I am quick to burn, I always use sunscreen. I have alternated between the sport sprays and the lotions for a long time. The sprays left me feeling sticky and the lotions leave me feeling greasy. Either of them also seem to run, especially into my eyes as I sweat climbing up a mountainside. This all ended when I tried the Sawyer Stay Put Sunscreen. It went on clean without feeling greasy, it didn’t run into my eyes and it protects my skin. Checks all of the my boxes and makes me feel safe and comfortable.
As far as the bug sprays go, when I use the Sawyer bug spray I don’t get bug bites. That is the one and only test for me! It keeps the bugs away better than any other product I have used out there and that is good enough for me! If you haven’t tried sawyer because it isn’t in the grocery store aisle, check out the buttons below. They really do a great job and the company does a ton of charity work, especially bringing clean drinking water to countries in need.
Buy Sunscreen Now
Buy Insect Repellent Now
More from the Fatman
For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!