The Best Outdoor Gear to Invest In, According to a Professional Hiker
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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to Evelynn Escobar, social activist, professional explorer, and founder of the Hike Clerb, about her recommendations for the best hiking gear and new collection with The North Face.
Hot-girl walks be damned, Evelynn Escobar would like to introduce you to the hot-girl hike — aka your new favorite summer activity. Through her intersectional outdoor collective and nonprofit organization, the Hike Clerb, Escobar has translated her love for hitting the trails into a full-time career, with a goal of making hiking feel more accessible for Black, Indigenous, and women of color.
"When we think about inclusion or when we think about accessibility, you can never go wrong when you put the most marginalized communities at the forefront. If you work to improve them, then by default, everyone else will be included. And there's so much work to be done in the outdoor space to really see all communities and to center those who are most impacted," Escobar tells PS. "We're in a time right now where people are desperately craving community and I think what's been so special and moving about this [organization], is that we're really at the helm of a cultural movement of community — ours just happens be in the outdoors."
"We're in a time right now where people are desperately craving community and I think what's been so special and moving about this [organization], is that we're really at the helm of a cultural movement of community — ours just happens be in the outdoors."
The Hike Clerb's greater mission isn't just to help women redefine their relationship with nature, but to ensure they also feel comfortable and confident for any trek. These ethos inspired the brand's newest collaboration with The North Face, which includes a capsule of specially designed hiking gear — from camp sandals and utility vests to hiking boots and stylish T-shirts.
"Designing [the capsule] was really a collaborative experience and my DNA is very much infused in this collection. I love unique pieces that you wouldn't typically find in a traditional outdoor retail setting, and it was just so much fun to be able to truly make things in a way that speaks to us, sees us, and serves as a conversation piece on the trail or even in the streets."
In conversation with PS, Escobar spoke with us about the Hike Clerb's new collection with The North Face, how her relationship with the outdoors has evolved, and what hiking essentials you'll find in her travel backpack. Keep reading for her breakdown of the best hiking gear, best hiking boots, and more.
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Best Hiking Snack
As far as hiking foods go, Escobar loves snacking on this GoMacro Granola + Coconut MacroBar ($37) while she's exploring the outdoors. "I, of course, am a snack girl, so I have a couple must-haves. I love a bar and GoMacro Bars feel synonymous with hiking for me at this point. [They're] just so good." Escobar also recommends freeze-dried foods for longer hikes since they're so low-maintenance and lightweight.
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Best Hiking Boot
Escobar isn't exaggerating when she says that these Hike Clerb x The North Face Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproof Boots ($149) are her favorite hiking shoes to date. "They're the only boots I'll ever wear for the rest of my life," she jokes. Escobar mocked up the color scheme for the outdoor hiking shoe herself and says that they're designed to resemble the look of a vintage boot. The shoes are also waterproof, making them a great option for rainy treks.
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Best Hiking Water Bottle
To ensure she's hydrated on even the most grueling hikes, Escobar relies on a Klean Kanteen water bottle — just like this Klean Kanteen Classic Brushed Stainless Water Bottle ($20). "We [the Hike Clerb] actually made a Klean Kanteen water bottle back in the day and it's still my go-to water bottle for anything."
For something a little more expressive and fun, she also notes that Collina Strada Rhinestone Embellished Water Bottles ($100) are a favorite, too. "I'll be sticking that in my sling to really round out the experience for myself," she says.
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Best Hiking Backpack
This Hike Clerb x The North Face Borealis Sling ($59) one of Escobar's favorite pieces in the entire collection because it's "colored up so beautifully" and is extremely convenient. "I use this beyond just hiking; I use it biking or if I'm having a park day with my daughter, we'll take that," she says. "And it really is my essential because I do not like to be bogged down by big, bulky bags. It's great to just be able to sling that on, clip things, and keep it going."
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Best Hiking Tool
Escobar recommends that any hiker, regardless of their experience level, has a couple hiking safety tools on hand whenever they hit the trail. She likes to keep a whistle-compass like this SE 5-in-1 Orange Survival Whistle with Compass ($6) clipped onto her backpack at all times, and for more of an investment option, swears by this Garmin GPS Map ($600). "With that product, you can literally send out tech messages or SOS calls in areas with no service. Last year I actually got the opportunity to do a backpacking trip into Havasupai. There's no service down there, but I went with a girlfriend and I was using the GPS tool to send out texts to my husband like, 'Yep, still here, still good,'" she says.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on POPSUGAR Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.