comfort belongs on the trail, too

Hiking can be demanding, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

For us, the most meaningful hikes are the ones where we feel at ease. When we’re not distracted by blisters, sunburn, or layers that don’t quite work, we can actually settle into the experience — the sound of wind through the trees, the steady rhythm of our steps, the quiet that comes when nothing is demanding our attention.

This isn’t a post about gear or performance; it’s about the small comforts that make being outside feel gentle.

Because when hiking feels supportive, it stops being something you endure… and starts becoming something you return to.

⊹ socks - the understated hero

Good socks are one of those essentials that don’t draw much attention, but make a big impact.

Comfortable feet change the entire experience of a hike. When you’re not managing hot spots, rubbing, or slipping fabric, it’s easier to keep a steady pace and stay present on the trek.

We reach for wool hiking socks because they regulate temperature well, hold their shape, and stay in place without sacrificing comfort. Point6’s medium cushioning is balanced enough to protect without feeling bulky, and the material stays comfortable even after long hours on the trail.

Good socks don’t need to be flashy or overly technical to do their job well. What matters most is reliability. Look for trusted materials (like merino wool), take time to read into the brand, and prioritize companies that stand behind their products and values - like Point6, which offers solid warranties and practices sustainability.

⊹ what’s under the base layer

Some of the most important comfort layers are the ones no one sees.

When something feels off underneath - pinching seams, fabric that doesn’t breathe, anything you’re constantly adjusting - it’s hard to stay on task. That low-level discomfort pulls attention away from the experience, even if you can’t quite name why.

Personally, I opt for underwear beneath any layer. My preferred choices are ones that are soft, breathable, and secure without digging in or shifting as I move. Organic Basics pieces work well for long days outside because they’re simple, comfortable, and made from materials that feel good against the skin hour after hour.

It’s not a luxurious detail, but it’s an honest one. When the layer closest to your body feels natural, everything else becomes easier.

Point6 Medium Crew Socks + Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Hiking Shoe

⊹ sun protection that feels effortless

Sun protection is easy to skip when it feels inconvenient. Heavy formulas, strong scents, or greasy textures can quickly turn into something you avoid reapplying — especially on long days outside.

The options I reach for are simple and easy to use: a mineral sunscreen that blends in well, and an SPF lip balm I actually enjoy reapplying. When sun care feels comfortable on the skin, it becomes part of the rhythm of the day rather than another task to manage.

I look for clean, gentle, and effective formulas (like Badger) that hold up while moving and reapplying. When protection feels effortless, you’re far more likely to use it consistently, and that consistency matters.

⊹ headwear for shade, familiarity, and grounding

Some items earn their place not because they’re technical, but because they feel familiar.

A favorite hat provides shade and sun protection, but it also does something less obvious. Wearing something you’ve reached for time and again can act as a small grounding cue - a reminder that you’re prepared, comfortable, and allowed to settle into the moment.

I like pieces that feel broken-in rather than brand new, ones that travel easily from trail to everyday life. A well-loved hat keeps the sun off your face, skin better protected, and brings a sense of familiarity that makes being outdoors feel less performative and more personal.

It’s a small thing, but small comforts add up. When you feel grounded in what you’re wearing, it’s easier to slow down, look around, and let the experience unfold naturally.

choosing comfort: a form of preparedness

None of these items are about doing more or having the ‘best’ setup. They’re about choosing comfort in a way that supports presence.

When you’re not distracted by small discomforts, (like sore feet, a sunburn, or clothing that doesn’t feel good to wear), you’re able to stay with the experience longer. You move at a steadier pace. You notice more. Hiking becomes something you settle into rather than something you push through.

Preparedness doesn’t have to mean excess. Sometimes it looks like knowing what helps your body feel supported and bringing just enough of that along. Fewer items. Better choices. Comfort that earns its place.

For me, these small comforts are what make hiking feel gentle and sustainable, something I can return to again and again.

If you’re looking to simplify your time outdoors too, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite trail-tested essentials. Everything you will find here is something we personally use, trust, and believe in.

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small comforts that make hiking feel easier