My Favorite Pieces of Hiking and Running Gear for under $30

When you’re spending hours or days on trail, you want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible, while at the same time not overpacking. Every piece of gear I carry was meticulously picked after extensive research and utilization. What is great about the following items is how perfect they are for almost any adventure. Just remember, what works best for me may not work best for you. I should also mention that I am not sponsored by these companies and have paid for each item. The following pieces of gear, in no particular order, are my favorite items I carry and use while backpacking, hiking, or running.

Number 1: Darn Tough Socks

I have tried several hiking and running socks over the years, and Darn Tough socks have become my go-to. They are comfortable, and these Merino wool socks are excellent at wicking moisture. After hiking over 3,000 miles in the same pairs, they did not stretch, lose shape, or get any holes in them. I enjoy their fun designs, durability, and lifetime warranty. If your Darn Tough socks get a hole, simply exchange them online via the Darn Tough website. I carry two pairs of socks for backpacking, interchanging them every few days. I can wash one pair and hang them off my backpack to dry while wearing the other. They have women’s, men’s, and unisex sizes.

Weight: Varies on size and style. The size medium Women’s Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight Owl Hiking Socks weigh 4 oz.

Drawback: The hefty price tag for just one pair. They run between $15 to $30 depending on the style, thickness, and length.

Where to Purchase: Darn Tough Website. Additionally, most outdoor retailers carry them.

Number 2: Neck Gaiters

I like to carry two neck gaiters: one to wear and one to place over my plastic inflatable pillow at night. If it is really cold out, I use one to cover my ears and the second to cover my neck and face. A single-neck gaiter can protect both, but I prefer more material coverage. I love these because of how multifunctional they are. They help keep my hair back and soak up sweat if it is hot out. During one hiking adventure, I lost a glove and used one in its place. There are several brands to choose from. Buff seems to be the most popular. Different material options include wool, fleece, polyester, and cotton. Some neck gaiters also have UPF protection.

Drawbacks: It may not fit well. I have had neck gaiters that felt too tight for comfort. If you can, try them on before purchasing.

Price: $10+ depending on brand and style.

Where to Purchase: These are just a few retailers selling neck gaiters- Buff, Blackstrap, & REI.

Number 3: Swiss Army Knife

This tiny Swiss Army Knife has several useful tools: a toothpick, a nail file with a screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and a knife. I have used every single gadget on trail. The blade is excellent for opening resupply boxes or dicing up foods. The scissors help with cutting bandages and KT tape down to size. I have even used them for trimming my nails. The nail file is great for filing nails and helps remove dirt from under them. If you carry a UDAP No-Fed-Bear Bear Resistant canister, the top of the nail file is a flathead screwdriver that can be used to unscrew the lid. The tweezers help remove splinters and aid in managing one’s rapidly growing unibrow.

Weight: 0.74 ounces

Dimensions: 2.28 x 0.71 x 0.35 inches (LxWxH)

Drawback: Since this knife is small, the only drawback I can think of is the possibility of losing it. The toothpick and tweezers are removable, making them easy to misplace.

Price: $20-$30

Where to purchase: I have found that most outdoor companies carry them such as Zpacks.

Number 4: Zpacks Water Bottle Sleeve

The Zpacks water bottle sleeve allows for easy water bottle access and has become a must have item when backpacking. I find it easy to move the sleeve from one pack to the next with ease and have used the same one since 2020. It has held up nicely for well over 3,000 miles of hiking and I plan to continue using it this coming year. This water bottle sleeve also has a band at the top to secure your water bottle in place.

Price: $29.95

Weight: 0.56 oz

Where to Purchase: Zpacks

Number 5: Kula Cloth

I have to admit, when I first heard about the Kula Cloth, I was skeptical. Reusing a rag to wipe after peeing did not sound appealing but given the cloths benefits, I decided to give the Kula Cloth a try. The selling point for me was how this pee cloth is a ‘leave no trace’ type of toilet paper. I put this antimicrobial pee cloth to the test during my 2023 Pacific Crest Trail thru hike. Not having to worry about whether I brought enough TP or if I was carrying too much was a huge bonus. What I found was that I felt cleaner using the Kula Cloth in comparison to using toilet paper in the outdoors. It had no bad odors after multiple uses and I did not have to worry about burying toilet paper or having to pack it out. The cloth also folds in half to prevent the side you used from brushing up against your pack. Although you will still need to carry toilet paper for number but because of the Kula Cloth, you don’t have to carry as much.

Cost: $20-$23

Weight: 0.5 oz

Where to Purchase: Kula Cloth

Number 6: Dirty Girl Gaiters

Dirty Girl Gaiters are great for keeping those hitchhikers (pebbles) out of your shoes. When I am on trail, the last thing I want to do is have to stop and take off my shoes to empty out whatever dirt or rocks have made their way into them.

Drawback: Unless you are using trail runners that have a built in velcro strip, these gaiters require placing self-adhesive velcro on the back of your shoes. I have found that the velcro will come off easily unless I super glue them on.

Weight: Less than 2 ounces per pair.

Cost: $20-$23

Where to Purchase: Dirty Girl Gaiters

Number 7: Trail Toes

Trail Toes comes in small packets (which I like most), as well as 2 and 4-ounce jars. Trail Toes is perfect for aiding in the onset of blisters, abrasions, or chafing. I generously lather this on hot spots or any part of my body I feel chafe. I mostly use Trail Toes for my feet before a long run or hike to prevent blisters. I have found that a little goes a long way, and if I do have blisters, it will last 4-6 hours before I need to reapply. However, if I do not have any blisters on my feet, as a preventative measure, I only need to apply it once in the morning. I forgot to add this item to my backpack this past summer while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and as a result, my feet paid the price.

Drawback: Non-resealable. I place mine in a small zip-lock bag similar in size to prevent leakage.

Weight: 0.35 oz.

Price: $1.25 for one packet

Where to Purchase: Trail Toes

Honorable Mention

Number 8: Teeny Tiny Chapsticks

I rarely use an entire average-sized tube of chapstick. I usually lose the one I have before it’s finished. I was sitting in the dentist’s office with my daughter one day when they offered her a tiny chapstick. With my mind wandering towards places of adventure, I couldn’t help but think of how great these magical little chapsticks would be on trail. I immediately ordered these magnificent teeny tiny chapsticks online and am so glad I did.

Weight: 0.2 oz.

Dimensions: 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 in

Cost: $13.99 for a pack of 12 (there are other brands to choose from that may be cheaper)

Where to Purchase: Amazon

Do you have a favorite piece of gear that costs less than $30? What are your go-tos? Please let me know in the comments below?