Updated July 9, 2025 05:06PM
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The Best Gear for Hikers Who Love Bears
The best way to show your respect for bears is from a safe distance. Or by wearing them on your socks.
'Courtesy'
If you love bears as much as we do at BACKPACKER, you want them in your life as much as possible. But unless you’re Dr. Doolittle, that’s, ah, a bit dangerous. The next best thing? Show your admiration for our furry friends by rocking these six bear-themed items on the trail.
Chaco Z/1 Classic with Smokey Bear Straps
Pay homage to one of the greatest bears of all, Smokey Bear. For this icon’s 75th birthday, Chaco created an entire collection around the beloved bruin. These grippy, supportive sandals are great for kicking around camp and can be pushed into trail duty. Best part? Everyone will know you’re serious about wildfire safety. $130 Buy Now From Chaco
RovR Phil Lewis Artist Series Flight of the Grizzly Lantern
You’ve never seen a lantern quite like this. Phil Lewis’s artful ursine mosaic will cast colors around your campsite, and the battery lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge. A a USB outlet at the base also provides you with an extra charging port in camp. $30 Buy Now From Amazon
Darn Tough Women’s Bear Town Micro Crew Light Cushion
Bring a few friendly bears with you on your romp through the woods with these merino wool crew socks. On the 26-mile Four Pass Loop in Colorado, they kept our feet cool, dry, and blister-free while we grunted up steep passes in sun-baked heat. $21 Buy Now on REI
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Smartwool Men’s Curated Moto Bear Socks
Now a question for the fellas: Why have a plain hiking sock when you can have one emblazoned with a bear riding a motorcycle? (Answer: You shouldn’t.) The blend of merino and nylon optimizes both wicking and durability, cushioning around the arch provides extra support. $20 Buy Now From Smartwool
Bee’s Wrap Bears Lunch Pack in Bees and Bears Print
Bundle your trail snacks in this reusable, beeswax-coated wrapper with a cheery bears and bees print. (Just don’t feed the real bears your lunch.) It’s meant to last up to a year with proper care, and when you’re done, it’s compostable. $16 Buy Now on Amazon
Skida Bearenstein Bandito
This microfleece-lined neck covering provides a bear hug of warmth on chilly days. It kept us toasty during a 10°F day skiing in the Tetons, and a velcro closure makes it easy to pull on and take off. $28 Buy Now From Skida
