Popsugar Health & Fitness Hiking What to Bring on a Hike in the Mountains, Desert, or Cold A Pro Athlete on What to Pack For Every Type of Hike 2 October 2019 by Laura Lajiness Kaupke Image Source: Elise Giordano As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Hiking trips are one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're a professional athlete, workout fanatic, or someone who hits the gym every so often. The thing about hiking is that there's a little something for everyone: scenic trails you can meander down on a weekend; epic summits you can train for and plan an entire trip around; and moderate excursions worth integrating into a holiday in the desert, mountains, or seaside. In other words, you don't have to be a serious athlete to hike. No matter your style or skill level, hiking is a great way to burn a few calories, take in some sights, and connect with nature, especially when you need a break from studio classes or the gym. But one aspect you don't want to overlook is what to pack for a hiking trip. Because when it comes to outdoor adventures, gear is everything (though packing a few cute outfits for a mountain holiday doesn't hurt, either). For a quick guide on what to pack for different types of hikes as well as a few recommendations for the best places to plan a hiking trip, freeskier and Eddie Bauer athlete Lexi duPont gave POPSUGAR the rundown. Tips For Planning a Hiking Trip Image Source: Elise Giordano "If you have a big objective like Mount Kilimanjaro [in Tanzania], Rainier [in Washington], or traversing the Sawtooth Mountains [in Idaho], then the hike becomes the focus of the trip. Otherwise, if I happen to be in a mountainous area, I try and squeeze in a few days of hikes," duPont told POPSUGAR. "Having the proper equipment is a must," she added. "If it's a day hike, I travel light with a solid pair of broken-in shoes, plenty of water and snacks, and a light rain jacket because mountain weather can change very quickly." 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