San Jose hikers hoping to get more social on the trails this summer need look no further. With nearly 3,000 active members, the San Jose Hiking Meetup Group is an ideal way to get together with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to discover trails, make friends and tackle the challenge of a new adventure.
The group has several different organizers who lead hikes of varying levels of difficulty and distance. Scheduled outings range from shorter jaunts to ultra-long treks (35+ miles), so participants of all ages and abilities can pick and choose based on their respective preferences and physical conditions. And according to reviews, group members are known for being particularly pleasant, friendly and encouraging – yet they still know how to turn up the heat and crank out a good workout in the hills.
Whether you’re a newbie who doesn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb or a veteran who is in need of a gear upgrade, we’ve got you covered with our guide to summer hiking essentials below.
Keep a Cool Head
Not only do hats help block harmful UV rays from hitting your face and neck (a must for sensitive skin or active ladies concerned about premature aging), but well-ventilated headgear can also offer relief from the hot summer sun. Outdoor Research’s Solar Roller Hat’s wide brim offers “an oasis of shade” regardless of the sun’s position, yet it’s not overwhelmingly large for those who prefer a more modest mountain look. Other prominent features include OR’s SolarShield Construction, which gives the hat a UPF 30 rating (for those who are counting), plus a toggled drawstring for adjusting the fit, a removable chinstrap for windy conditions and a wicking headband to keep sweat at bay. $32; 2.4 oz.; W’s S-XL; outdoorreasearch.com
Get By with a Little Help for Your ‘Friends’
Good posture is a critical – yet often overlooked – factor during any athletic endeavor, hiking included. Not only does it allow for more oxygen to circulate throughout the body, but a confident carriage also promotes better body alignment and balance, helping to prevent injury while out on the trails. lucy developed the Power Lift Collection with this in mind, giving the extra lift need to keep posture strong. The compressive, body-hugging lucy Power Lift Racerback features a mesh panel at the back for ventilation, plus Breatheoprene®straps and a bra lining with removable cups for the ultimate in support and moisture management in a base layer (for cooler weather) or standalone top (in the mid-day heat). $64; 87% supplex® nylon/13% lycra® spandex; W’s XS-XL; lucy.com
Be ‘Short’ Tempered
The pros know to avoid hiking in cotton-based bottoms at all costs, as they retain moisture and invite chafing. Instead, opt for a lightweight, dirt-resistant, quick-drying and moisture wicking style with lots of pockets to keep items handy. Think functional, comfortable and practical and look for a short that performs well in a variety of conditions. Some products have this adaptability for the outdoors in their DNA. Case in point: Ex Officio’s Nio Amphi Short, which is treated with water repellent and is wrinkle-, sun- and stain-resistant for an easy-care bottom that can take whatever you dish out while on the trails. $60; 100% nylon; W’s 4-16; exofficio.com
Put Your Feet First
Hike in regular running shoes, and you run the risk twisting an ankle, stubbing a toe or getting feet wet, making for a miserable outing. Switch to hiking boots and suffer the hot, stinky, sweaty mess that will inevitably ensue on humid days. The solution? Switch to sturdy trail shoes, hybrids that blend the best of both worlds. Keen’s Tryon WP is one such shoe that is lightweight and stylish, comfortable and supportive, making easy work of even the most difficult terrain. The generous toe box is capped with added protection to prevent toe stubs, while the cut cradles the ankle without limiting range of motion. But don’t let the Tryon’s sleek profile fool you – this shoe is jam-packed with features such as insole technology and a shock-absorbing stability system that prevents torsion over uneven terrain. And best of all, the Tryon is both waterproof and breathable, thanks to the company’s proprietary Keen.Dry membrane. $120; 11.4 oz; W’s 5-11; keenfootwear.com
Get Lost, But Only Temporarily
If you’re like me and your inner compass is…well, non-existent, Bushnell’s products will give you the confidence to test your limits – because getting back at the end of the day is as easy as pushing a button and following an arrow. The Bushnell BackTrack Point >5 utilizes the latest GPS technology for quick satellite acquisition and precision accuracy in a digital compass. It’s ideal for finding your car after a day of hunting, tailgating, finding your way back to your hotel in an unfamiliar city or – like me, venturing off the beaten path while hiking up in the hills. Simply mark your original location (in my case, the car), and the BackTrack points you in the right direction at the end of your journey. Store up to five locations, and access other handy stats such as latitude and longitude coordinates, current time, temperature and altitude. The best part? It’s small enough to stow inside your pack, purse or pocket. $89.99; 3.5"(H) x 2.3"(W) x .88"(D); takes 2 AAA batteries; bushnell.com
Think ‘Breathtaking,’ Not ‘Back-breaking’
If an all-day hike evokes thoughts of schlepping around with a hefty pack slung uncomfortably across your shoulders, it’s time for an attitude change – and a gear upgrade. Today’s packs are technical, performance-oriented tools: Lightweight, custom-fit and (dare I say?) even comfortable. Simply put, the Osprey Sirrus 24 is a gift to hikers that keeps on giving. I tested it on several day hikes, and was amazed at how much it could fit, not to mention the ingenious and efficient way in which all of the compartments are organized. Even when packed to the brim, the Sirrus 24 felt deceivingly light, thanks to the back panel suspension, padded belt and strategically-placed harnesses. It’s even hydration-compatible if you want to purchase a coordinating reservoir, and another bonus is the integrated rain cover, which can easily be whipped out if you’re taken by a surprise storm. $99; 21 x 13 10.25 in; S-L, ospreypacks.com
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