Hiking Without Hurting: How to Stay Comfortable on the Trail (Plus the Best Body Support Gear to Bring)

Lisa Williams

Hiking is one of the best ways to connect with nature, clear your mind, and get some movement in - but let’s be honest: it’s not always easy on the body. Whether it’s aching knees, a sore back, or stiff ankles after a few miles, discomfort on the trail is no joke.

The good news? With the right support gear and a few smart habits, you can enjoy the outdoors without limping back to your car. In this blog, we’re sharing some top tips to help you hike comfortably, our go-to support products, and essential recovery tools to keep you moving strong.

Start with Your Body: Common Hiking Pain Points

Before we get into gear, let’s break down where discomfort tends to strike:

• Lower back pain from uneven terrain or heavy packs
• Knee strain during descents or long-distance treks
• Neck or shoulder tension from poor posture or heavy loads
• Ankle pain or instability on rocky or uneven terrain
• Joint fatigue or stiffness post-hike after hours of movement (or sitting by the fire)

If you’ve experienced any of the above, you're not alone - and you're definitely not stuck with it.

The Best Support Gear to Help You Hike in Comfort

Here’s what we (and a lot of comfort-loving hikers) recommend packing:

1. Lumbar Support Belt or Brace

If you’ve got a sensitive lower back or a history of strain, a lumbar belt can be a game-changer. The CorFit System® LS Lumbar Back Support Belt provides firm compression and a contoured fit that stabilizes your core without limiting movement. Its breathable construction helps keep you cool, and it’s easy to adjust even with hiking gloves on.

Why hikers love it: It’s slim enough to wear under a pack, supportive enough to reduce lower back strain, and durable enough to handle tough trails. The unique, patented proportional sizing system provides a proper fit in height and length to accommodate various body sizes.

Great for: Uphill climbs, carrying a backpack, or longer day hikes where back fatigue tends to creep in.

2. Travel Pillow or Neck Pillow for Trailside Rest

Yes, seriously. If you're planning an overnight trip or taking a trailside nap, neck support can keep you from waking up sore. The Sleep Log™ Chiropractic Bone Shaped Neck & Cervical Pillow is compact, ergonomic, and easy to strap onto your pack. It cradles your neck during naps or works as a lumbar cushion for breaks and car rides.

Bonus: Its built-in handles make it easy to attach to the outside of your pack - no need to sacrifice valuable backpack space.

Best for: Overnighters, road trips to the trailhead, sneaky trail naps, or anyone who values comfort without packing bulk.

3. Compression Knee Sleeves or Wraps

Knees take a beating—especially during descents or uneven climbs. A good knee wrap helps reduce strain without slowing you down. We love the Performance Wrap™ Knee Support, designed with flexible stays and a four-way tension system for a snug fit that stays put (even in wet conditions).

The open knee and cut-out design behind the knee help reduce pressure and bunching, keeping your leg cool and mobile while preventing further irritation. With flexible side stays for extra alignment support and the grippy neoprene interior stays in place - even during active movement or when wet.

Trail Bonus: Designed by a pro surfer, this brace is water-friendly - so don’t worry about crossing streams or cooling off in a mountain lake.

Best for: Steep trails, rocky descents, long-distance hikes, and hikers managing joint conditions or past knee injuries.

4. Ankle Stability: Don’t Skip the Support

Ankle injuries are one of the most common hiking mishaps - and they’re also one of the most preventable. That’s where the Swede-O® Tarsal Lok® Ankle Brace steps in. Lightweight, low-profile, and incredibly effective, this brace provides targeted stabilization while allowing for natural movement.

The Tarsal Lok design features a unique lacing system that applies compression around the tarsal joints for excellent support and comfort - without the bulk of a traditional ankle brace. It fits easily inside most hiking boots and provides added peace of mind on technical terrain or long descents.

Why we recommend it: Whether you’re recovering from a previous sprain or just want to prevent ankle roll on uneven trails, this brace helps you stay steady, confident, and injury-free on the move.

Best for: Rocky paths, steep switchbacks, or anyone prone to ankle twists and fatigue.

5. Post-Hike Recovery Tools

After the trail, treat your body to recovery-friendly gear: back rests, rolls, and cushions aid in faster recovery and better rest. A supportive pillow - especially one designed for proper neck support can make all the difference when it comes to relaxing tired muscles and preventing stiffness after a long day outdoors.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget hot or cold packs! Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation in knees, ankles, or sore joints, while heat can soothe tight muscles in the lower back, hips, or shoulders. Keep a couple in your recovery kit so you’re ready to recharge and hit the trail again.

Bonus Tips for Hiking Without Hurting

• Stretch before & after. It’s basic, but it works and your muscles will thank you.
• Use trekking poles. They reduce pressure on knees and help with balance.
• Pack light. Every pound counts.
• Pace yourself. There’s no summit selfie worth an injury.

Planning a Bucket List Hike? Start with the Right Support

Dreaming of an epic hiking trip through one of the best national parks in the U.S.? You're not alone. According to Backpacker Magazine’s list of the 10 Best National Parks for Hikers, iconic destinations like Glacier, Zion, Yosemite, and Grand Teton offer some of the most unforgettable trail experiences in the country.

But these breathtaking parks also come with serious elevation changes, rugged terrain, and long distances that can take a toll on your body - especially if you're not used to hiking with a pack for hours at a time. That’s why showing up prepared - with supportive gear like lumbar supports, knee wraps, and recovery tools - can turn a grueling trek into an enjoyable adventure.

So whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Olympic National Park or tackling alpine climbs in the Rocky Mountains, make sure your body is as trail-ready as your gear list. Comfort shouldn't stop where the trailhead begins.