Photo: Simon Migaj
Gear culture in the outdoor world can get overwhelming fast. For someone new to hiking, especially someone navigating early recovery, the gear conversation can feel like one more overwhelming decision.
The truth about hiking gear is simple: most of it is optional. A very short list of items genuinely matters for your safety and comfort.
Your feet carry you. Get this one right and everything else is forgivable. Brands like Salomon, Brooks Cascadia, Hoka Speedgoat, and Altra Lone Peak are all solid starting points.
The best gear is the gear that gets you outside. Everything else is just noise.
The act of preparing your kit, checking your pack the night before, is itself a grounding ritual. It is something concrete and forward-looking in a life that is learning to make plans again. Join the community at soberoutdoors.org.