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My Gear Picks for the Roundabout Trail (or any long-distance hike)

In October 2025, I did the 38-mile Roundabout Trail in one day. When you're facing a 14-hour endurance hike, what you wear isn't just clothing — it can mean the difference between smooth sailing and show-stopping blisters.
 
In case you don't want to read the full post, here's a quick summary:

🥾 Category

Recommendation

Why it Went the Distance (38 Miles)

Shoes

Merrell Women's All Out Blaze Aero Sport

Lighter low-top design saved my knees from lifting heavy shoes 80,000 times.

Socks

Wrightsock single-layer quarter socks

These prevented me from getting a hike-stopping blister.

Pants (cool weather)

Affordable leggings

The perfect weight for long days in standard SF weather.

Pants (warm weather)

Moosehill quick-dry zip-off cargo pants

Lightweight insurance against rain or unexpected heat.

Base Layer

REI and Smartwool are both great

Keeps the core dry and allows for easy temperature changes.

Arm Sleeves (cool weather)

Fleece sleeves

No need to stop and de-layer! Matches well with the short-sleeve base layer.

Arm Sleeves (warm weather)

Sun sleeves

No need to stop and de-layer! Matches well with the short-sleeve base layer. SPF protection built-in.

Now for the full rundown:

Shoe recommendation: Merrell women's All Out Blaze Aero Sport hiking water shoe 

I bought these Merrell hiking shoes when I was going on a trip to El Salvador that involved a waterfall hike, but they have quickly become my all-around favorite shoes. I have three pairs now, one in purple and the other two in blue.  

 

I never do this, but I even wrote an Amazon love letter — I mean review — about them. 

These are women's shoes, and I don't have a men's shoe recommendation. Sorry! A general recommendation I can offer for anyone is to wear low-top shoes as you will be lifting your feet some 80,000 times on the route. 


Sock recommendation: Wrightsock single-layer quarter socks

I guess I'm at the age where I get excited about socks?? I recently discovered Wrightsock, and I love them so much. These single-layer quarter socks were my choice for the Roundabout. While some of my friends got blisters (I'll spare you the scary photos) and other folks had to change socks partway through the hike, these socks went the distance.

Pants recommendation: Leggings or performance hiking gear, depending on the weather

I was sick of paying high prices for fancy workout pants, so I wanted to see if I could find something decent for a lower price on Amazon. I ended up buying these leggings/yoga and running pants, and I've been very happy! While these are perfect for normal SF weather days, I also wanted to find something lighter for warmer days.

 

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't own actual hiking pants until this year. I got turned on to Moosehill, and they have been great. I got these quick-dry cargo pants that can zip off at the knee and cinch at the ankle. They are super lightweight, and I knew if they ever got wet, they'd dry very quickly.

 

Short-sleeve base layer

I love a good sweat-wicking lightweight wool base layer like these short-sleeve ones from REI or or Smartwool. Why short sleeves you might ask? Well, I like my outfit to be easily convertible for warmth or cold, so I pair a short-sleeved shirt with arm warmers or sun sleeves (see below).

Arm sleeves

Arm sleeves are a game changer. Why stop your hike, remove your backpack, and pull a layer over your head if you don't have to?! Enter arm sleeves. I like these REI sun sleeves for warm days (they offer SPF 50+ sun protection) or something thicker and fleece for cooler days.

What else to bring

In addition to all of the above, you'll want to bring your favorite backpack, a sweatshirt or jacket (layers, layers, layers!) and headlamp. And outside of clothing and gear, you'll want to bring food — lots of food! And likely some ibuprofen, too.

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Location: San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

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