With forty years of experience offering hiking trips worldwide, the Overland team is a knowledgeable source of outdoor gear information. Here are some of their favorites!
Skida Neck Warmer
As winter ramps up, my favorite piece of all-around gear is my Skida Neck Warmer. It’s great for snowy walks, chilly runs, and days at the ski mountain. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, it’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list!
Meg Pandiscio, Trip Planning
Kinco Gloves
My favorite piece of outdoor clothing are my Kinco gloves. Hardly new, and not the most technically advanced, I think there’s a lot to be said for Kinco’s timeless design, hearty warmth, and considerable durability. I use them for ski touring, winter bike-commuting, and all manner of ’round the house chores. Can’t recommend highly enough!
Luke Costley, Director
Luci Solar Inflatable Lantern
This collapsible, easy-to-use lantern is so much fun to break out around the fire or picnic table at night. Whether I’m playing cards with friends or hosting a Dessert Circle with my hiking buddies, it never fails to bring some good vibes. Plus, having different colored light settings to choose from is so fun!
Beth Larcom, Director, Staffing and Summer Operations
Carabiner
I often find myself fastening last minute items to the outside of my pack, all made possible by a trusty carabiner. I feel it can be an overlooked piece of gear, but it always comes in handy when you’re rushing to get out of camp and forgot to pack something like your camp shoes.
Emma Wheeler, Trip Planning
La Sportiva Trail Runners
I love my La Sportiva trail runners! As someone who has spent my life on trails, hiking and running, these are the greatest trail shoes I have ever owned. They are super lightweight, super grippy, and have great arch support. In addition to all of this: they are super cute (which trail shoes rarely are)!!
Abby Griffith, Admissions
UCO Spork
I LOVE this spork – made by UCO – because it’s the most durable spork I’ve ever used. Most other ones will snap at some point in the summer, but I’ve had mine for years.
Lilly Bianchi, Leader Hiring
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Pack
For any single day outdoor adventure, the Salomon ADV Skin 5 is the ideal pack. It fits a day’s worth of snacks, liquid, and layers, and cinches nice and snug so it doesn’t move around on pounding downhills. I’ve had mine for two years, and it has yet to show signs of significant wear or tear!
Jack Owens, Trip Planning
Hoka Speedgoats
My favorite gear item is my trailrunners (Hoka Speedgoats). I can wear them hiking, and they are much lighter and more comfortable than hiking boots. Plus, they don’t have to be broken in!
Katherine DeFrancesco, Trip Planning
Osprey Day Pack
My favorite piece of gear is my 32-liter Osprey day pack. I’ve had it since I was in 8th grade when I bought it for my first Overland trip as a student. It’s just big enough for all of the essentials: layers, lunch, water, med kit, and sunscreen. Every strap and pocket has a function; the bag even came with a waterproof pack cover tucked into the bottom compartment. Since then, Osprey has majorly upgraded their day pack designs. The 32 L Nebula Osprey Pack and the 20 L Daylite Plus Pack are probably the most comparable!
Katie Cullen, Admissions
Crocs
I’ve recently re-discovered my love for Crocs, they’re the perfect camp shoe for summer hiking. Crocs are closed toed, so you can cook in them and won’t need to worry about stubbing your toe when walking around camp. They’re incredibly breathable, after a day in your hiking boots, Croc’s allow you to let your feet breath and potentially dry off after a rainy day or some river crossings. Finally, Croc’s are wildly light, when clipped onto a backpack you’ll barely notice you packed them and hiking boots are heavy so your legs notice a much needed difference once you slide them on after a long day of backpacking.
Tasker Peacock, Admissions
Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots have been my go to piece of gear for years now. Salomon boots have a narrow heel and wider toe bed so my feet are held snugly in place as I hike but my toes can fan out so they are comfortable all day long. . These boots have seen me through hundreds of miles of variable terrain including across muddy Vermont trails, over rocky White Mountain ridges, down slippery Adirondack slides, through rainy Alaska valleys, and up high Colorado peaks. Through it all, the Gore-Tex has kept me dry while also allowing my feet to breathe. That’s why, once one pair wears out a new one is immediately added to my cart.
Chelsea Colby, Admissions
How To Choose A Summer Adventure For Your Child
Get first-hand insights into what you should look for when choosing the next summer travel adventure for your child.
