Let us take the guesswork out of where to buy your hiking and trekking gear! In this guide, we share our tried-and-tested recommendations, revealing exactly where we bought our gear so you can hit the trails fully prepared.
Essential Hiking Gear
1. Hiking Shoes
Expert Tips on Choosing and Trying Hiking Shoes
1. Climate & Terrain
Climate:
- Hot Climates: Opt for lightweight, breathable boots to keep your feet cool and prevent excessive sweating.
- Wet/Snowy Climates: Waterproof boots with insulation are essential to keep your feet dry and warm.
Terrain:
- Rough, Rocky Terrain: Choose sturdy boots with excellent traction and ankle support to navigate uneven surfaces safely.
- Smooth Trails: Lighter footwear is sufficient and will help reduce fatigue on well-maintained paths.
2. Size & Fit
Size: Your hiking boots should fit snugly without being too tight. Ensure there is enough room for your toes to wiggle to prevent blisters and discomfort.
Try with Socks: Always try on hiking boots with the socks you plan to wear during your hikes to get an accurate fit.
3. Best Time to Try
End of Day: Feet naturally swell throughout the day. Trying on boots in the afternoon or evening will give a more accurate fit for long hikes.
4. Testing the Fit
Test Walk: Walk on various surfaces to test the comfort and fit. Look for any pressure points or discomfort that could lead to blisters.
Toe Test: Ensure there’s a thumb’s width of space from your longest toe to the end of the boot. This space prevents your toes from hitting the front of the boot on descents.
Heel Lift: Your heel should lift no more than 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) when walking. Excessive heel lift can cause blisters and instability.
5. Break-In Period
Initial Comfort: While some breaking in is necessary, choose boots that feel comfortable from the start. Wear them around the house or on short walks before taking them on a hike.
Additional Tips
- Lacing Techniques: Experiment with different lacing techniques to secure your foot in the boot and enhance comfort. Techniques like heel lock lacing can prevent your heel from slipping.
- Insoles: Consider using specialized insoles for additional support and comfort, especially if you have high arches or other foot concerns.
- Sock Choice: Use moisture-wicking, padded hiking socks to reduce friction and prevent blisters.
- Try Both Feet: Feet are often slightly different sizes. Try on both boots and walk around to ensure they fit well on both feet.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to choose hiking boots that provide the right balance of comfort, support, and durability for your specific hiking needs.
– Trail runners
Best for: Day hikes, hot/dry climates, well-maintained trails
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Hoka | Speedgoat 5 (Men/Women) | Acclaimed versatile high-traction trail shoes. | 210 | Keypower Sports, Hoka SG |
| Salomon | X Ultra 3 Low Aero | Breathable and lightweight, ideal for dry conditions. | 150 | Outdoor Life, Decathlon |
| Merrell | Moab 2 Low Vent | Comfortable and versatile for shorter hikes. | 130 | Outdoor Life, Adventure 21 |
| Evadict (Decathlon) | Race Light Trail Running Shoes | Budget, lightweight trail running shoes. | 80 | Decathlon |
– Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Best for: Day hikes, hot/dry climates, well-maintained trails
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Hoka | Anacapa Low GTX | Very well cushioned, soft and well-built. | 300 | Leftfoot, Hoka SG |
| Salomon | X Ultra 3 Low Aero | Breathable and lightweight, ideal for dry conditions. | 150 | Outdoor Life, Decathlon |
| Merrell | Moab 2 Low Vent | Comfortable and versatile for shorter hikes. | 130 | Outdoor Life, Adventure 21 |
| Quecha (Decathlon) | MH500 | Budget, solid build quality. | 90 | Decathlon |
– All-Purpose Hiking Boots
Best for: Longer hikes, backpacking, mixed climates
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Hoka | Kaha 2 GTX | Super comfortable, durable waterproofing. | 320 | |
| Salomon | Quest 4D 3 GTX | Great for backpacking with moderate loads, offering excellent support and waterproofing. | 300 | Outdoor Life, Decathlon |
| Merrell | Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Excellent, comfortable budget option. | 225 | Lazada |
– Heavy-Duty Hiking Boots
Best for: Rugged terrain, heavy loads, cold/snowy climates
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Scarpa | Kinesis Pro GTX | High-cut and very supportive, designed for tough conditions and heavy loads. | 450 | Outdoor Life, Adventure 21 |
| Vasque | St. Elias GTX | Provides maximum protection and support for extended, demanding hikes. | 400 | Adventure 21, Outdoor Life |
– Approach Shoes
Best for: Technical hikes, climbing approaches, rocky terrain. Buy these if you see yourself scrambling on 3s, 4s, or even some easy 5s… (If you don’t know what this means, approach shoes are probably not right for you!)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| La Sportiva | TX4 | Sticky rubber soles for excellent grip on rocky surfaces, suitable for technical hikes. | 250 | Outdoor Life, Adventure 21 |
| Scarpa | Crux | Versatile and durable for both hiking and climbing approaches. | 220 | Outdoor Life, Adventure 21 |
2. Clothing
Layering:
- 15 to 20°C – Shirt and a normal jacket will suffice
- 5 to 15°C – Fleece jacket and base layers. Wear a shell if windy/rainy.
- -5 to 5°C – Down Jacket and base layers. Wear a shell if windy/snowing/raining
- -15°C to -5°C – Wool base layers, Down Jacket and Shell
- -25°C-15°C – Wool base layers, Fleece, Down Jacket and Shell
- Under -25°C – Wear a Belay Jacket/Down Suit with Wool base layers
– Tops
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking Shirts
Cold Weather (below 10 degrees)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Uniqlo | HeatTech Ultra Warm Long Sleeve | Budget synthetic layers that are great for non-Antarctic cold conditions. | 40 | Uniqlo (Note: only select stores) |
| Smartwool | Classic Thermal Merino | High quality renowned Merino Wool base layer. Excellent for sweat wicking. | 140 | Amazon |
Insulating Layers:
Fleece Jackets (Down to 5c without additional jacket)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| North Face | Mountain Versa Micro Jacket | Lightweight stylish mid-weight jacket. | 95 | North Face, Amazon |
| Rab | Ascendor Summit Hoody | High quality, excellent technical fleece for mountain adventures. | 120 | EpicTV (ship from EU) |
| Quecha (Decathlon) | MH520 Fleece Jacket | Budget affordable option, well-built and comfortable. | 35 | Decathlon |
Down Jackets:
For low temperatures (up to -5°C). Get beefier ones with 700/800 fill power if you are going to harsh winter conditions (under -15°C)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT500 Trekking Down Jacket | Affordable well-built Down, 660 Fill Power. Up to -5c. | 100 | Decathlon |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT900 Padded and Hooded Jacket | Beefy Down at an unbeatable price. Really. Up to -15c | 150 | Decathlon |
| Rab | Electron Pro (Male), Neutrino Pro (Female) | One of the best down jackets, period. 800 fill, Up to -15c | 480 | Lazada |
Outer Layers:
Waterproof Hard Shell
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Quecha (Decathlon) | MH900 Hiking Lightweight Waterproof Jacket | Affordable but good quality, gets the job done. | 90 | Decathlon |
| Marmot | Minimalist Jacket Men’s | Reliable, well-built waterproof shell. | 350 | Campers’ Corner |
| Arc’teryx | Alpha SV | The most durable hardcore alpine shell you will need. | 1250 | Campers’ Corner |
– Bottoms
Base Layers: Lightweight, quick-dry pants
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Uniqlo | HeatTech Ultra Warm | Budget synthetic layers that are great for non-Antarctic cold conditions. | 40 | Uniqlo (only certain stores) |
| Smartwool | Classic Thermal Merino | High quality renowned Merino Wool base layer. Excellent for sweat wicking. | 140 | Amazon |
Outer Layers: Shell Pants
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT500 Waterproof Over Trousers | Affordable, can be zipped open from the sides. | 100 | Decathlon |
| Marmot | Minimalist Pant | High-quality waterproof shell with ankle zippers, perfect for snowy conditions. | 220 | Campers’ Corner |
3. Trekking Equipment
Trekking poles
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT100 Comfort | It works. | 15 | Decathlon |
4. Sunglasses
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Quecha (Decathlon) | MH580 – Polarising Category 4 | Cat 4 sunglasses are good if you are in snowy conditions. | 50 | Decathlon |
5. Backpacks
– Daypacks (20-30 liters)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Osprey | Daylite Plus 20L | High-quality trusted brand, but honestly any comfortable backpack will do for a daypack. | 85 | Lazada |
– Backpacking Packs (50-70 liters)
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Osprey | Rook 50/Renn 50 | Reliable, well-built hiking bag, relatively affordable as well. | 200/290 | Lazada |
6. Hydration
Hydration bladders
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Camelbak | The 3L SAF one | Literally just buy this. Very cheap and just as good as any other Camelbak. | 26 | Emart |
7. Sleeping bag
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT500 15°C Sleeping Bag | Basic, but it gets the job done. Not for cold climates. | 45 | Decathlon |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT500 5°C/0°C/-5°C Synthetic/ Polyester | For colder climates. | 80/90/120 | Decathlon |
| Rab | Neutrino Pro 500 Down Sleeping Bag -15°C | For winter conditions on high altitude treks. | 800 | Lazada |
| Feathered Friends | Snow Goose ES -40°C/ Snowy Owl -60°C | The very best, and very overkill unless you’re in Antarctica/Mt. Everest. | 1600/1850 | Feathered Friends (US) |
8. Lighting
Headlamps
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | 300 Lumen – HL500 USB V3 | It works. | 40 | Decathlon |
| Petzl | Tikkina 250 Lumen | Name brand alternative, very reliable. | 50 | Amazon |
9. Accessories
– Gloves
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) | MT500 Trekking Gloves | Basic gloves but very affordable. | 13 | Decathlon |
| Black Diamond | Mission LT Gloves | Shell gloves for more serious mountainous expeditions. | 130 | Outdoor Life |
– Socks
| Brand | Model | Description | Price (SGD) | Where to Buy |
| Quecha (Decathlon) | Hike 900 | Budget alternative, but it works just as well in freezing conditions. | 20 for 2 pairs | Decathlon |
| Smartwool | Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks | Awesome for cold weather, wicks sweat well. | 70 | Amazon |
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