Best Gear of 2025: Top Picks from Southwest Hikes
Discover the best hiking and backpacking gear of 2025, handpicked by Southwest Hikes. These trail-tested favorites are built to perform in wild places. We update this list as we get to know new gear throughout the year!
Welcome to the official roundup of Southwest Hikes' top outdoor gear picks of 2025!
These are the standouts — the gear we’ve tested, loved, and trusted on the trail. Whether it’s ultralight, built-to-last, or just shockingly good at what it does, everything here earns its place through real-world use in the mountains, deserts, and forests of the Southwest.
We update this list regularly as we test more gear, so bookmark this page and check back!
🏆 2025 Pick: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest Backpacks
Why we picked them:
The Southwest Pack lineup from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a go-to for rugged Southwest terrain — and for good reason. Built from Dyneema, these packs are super tough, ultralight, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for every adventure you can dream up.
What really sets them apart is the wonderful external pocket system — no mesh to snag on, very durable. The streamlined design keeps your load tight and your profile clean, even when bushwhacking or scrambling through tight slot canyons.
- Made from ultralight Dyneema® Composite Fabrics
- Available in 40L, 55L, and 70L volumes
- Waterproof roll-top closure
- Reinforced, abrasion-resistant exterior pockets
- Built in Maine by a thru-hiker-founded brand
Trail-tested in the Gila, Escalante, the Colorado high country, and beyond. Take a look at our review here.
View the Southwest Pack lineup at Hyperlite
🏆 2025 Pick: Katabatic Gear Tincup Down Jacket
Why we picked it:
Katabatic’s Tincup Down Jacket hits the sweet spot for serious hikers and backpackers — ultralight, ultra-packable, and shockingly warm for the weight. Built with top-tier materials and Katabatic’s usual attention to detail, it’s the kind of piece that disappears in your pack until you really need it — and then delivers every time.
- 900-fill hyperdry goose down
- Weighs under 10 oz
- Windproof Pertex® shell
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Built for backcountry layers, not bulk
Field-tested in Colorado’s high country, Utah's canyon rims, and cold desert mornings. Check out our review here!
Check out this jacket at Katabatic Gear
🏆 2025 Pick: Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Hiker Hairbrush
Why we picked it:
Tiny, tough, and surprisingly luxurious — the Hiker Hairbrush from Chicken Tramper is one of those little ultralight items you didn’t know you needed… until you did. Long hair, windy ridgelines, and weeks without a mirror? This brush is the answer.
At under an ounce and barely the size of a business card, it slips into any pocket or ditty bag. And unlike cheap drugstore brushes, this one won’t snap mid-expedition. Bonus: it’s handmade by a small team of long-distance hikers who just get it.
- Weighs under 1 oz
- Virtually indestructible plastic handle
- Replaceable mini brush head
- Made in the USA
- Comes in fun colors!
Field-tested on multiple backpacking trips in canyon country and in the San Juan Mountains, along with various car camps. Check out our review!
🏆 2025 Pick: The Squak – Ultralight Hoodie by Squak Mountain Co
Why we picked it:
The Squak might just be the most lovable grid fleece hoodie we’ve ever worn. Designed by the small but mighty team at Squak Mountain Co, this layer is everything you want in a trail shirt: breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, and really nice looking.
It’s got that “didn’t even notice I had it on” feel and protects you from sun, wind, and sweat. Bonus points for being built by a cottage brand that’s as quirky and trail-savvy as its name.
- Weighs under 4 oz
- Hood fits well with or without a hat
- Dries in minutes after sweaty climbs
- Fun prints and great colorways
- Built by long-distance hikers, for long-distance hikers
Field-tested in northern New Mexico, canyon country, and above treeline. Check out our review here.
Check it out at Squak Mountain Co
🏆 2025 Pick: LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL Trekking Poles
Why we picked them:
These poles are a game-changer. Lightweight, foldable, and incredibly sturdy, the LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL poles are built for serious trail time — whether you're charging up steep switchbacks or navigating rocky canyon scrambles. LEKI has always been a leader in trekking pole design, and the Skytera FX proves they’re still pushing the envelope.
We especially love the smooth folding mechanism, secure lockout, and the comfy cork-like grip that stays solid in sweaty hands. Bonus: they pack down small enough to disappear into side pockets when not in use.
- Carbon construction with aluminum joints for strength and flex
- Minimal packed size: just 15.5 inches
- Ergonomic Aergon Air grips (in a women’s-specific shape)
- Interchangeable tips for all-terrain use
- Weighs just 225g per pole
Trail-tested on rough scree, desert rock, and post-holing alpine miles.
Check out these LEKI trekking poles
🏆 2025 Pick: Good To-Go Dehydrated Meals
Why we picked them:
Good To-Go stands out in a crowded field of backpacking meals — not just because of the taste (which is legit delicious), but because they nail that rare combo of real food, high performance, and zero digestive regrets.
From spicy Korean Bibimbap to hearty Thai Curry, these meals are chef-designed, nutrient-packed, and actually something to look forward to after a long day on the trail. Plus, they’re gluten-free, and most are vegetarian — without compromising flavor.
- Made with whole, real ingredients
- High in calories and protein for trail recovery
- No preservatives, additives, or fake stuff
- Packs small and rehydrates fast
- Female-founded and chef-owned
Trail-tested in snowstorms, high deserts, and on those “I can’t eat another protein bar” days. Check out our guide about Good To-Go here.
How We Choose
Every item on this list is field-tested; not just in a gear closet or parking lot, but out on real hikes, backpacking trips, and summit pushes across the Southwest. Our top picks stand out for a mix of performance, weight, durability, and value.
We prioritize gear that:
- Performs well in diverse environments (desert to alpine and everywhere in-between, shoulder seasons, etc)
- Is responsibly made or thoughtfully designed
- Has a purpose for multiple outdoor enthusiasts: thru-hikers, weekend warriors, car campers, casual backpackers.
Stay Tuned for More Picks!
We’re just getting started. Expect this list to grow with:
- Ultralight tents
- Sleeping systems
- Layering pieces
- Cooking gear
- Footwear, packs, and more
Follow us on Instagram @southwesthikes and subscribe to our email list for updates!
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