I test hiking gear for a living — these are the 5 Amazon Prime Day essentials you need for better (and cooler) summer hikes

The Keen Hyperport H2 are the perfect all-rounder summer sandal. There's no Velcro or buckles to deal with, making them ideal for quickly slipping on and off. The quick-dry upper makes them perfect for dry trails or crossing rivers, and grippy rubber soles prove that you don't have to sacrifice substance for style. Keen proclaims the Hyperports to be the ugliest shoes in the world, but honestly, they grow on you.

I use the Osprey Daylite Plus bag every single day. Whether it's my commute to work or out on the trails, I know this is the bag I can rely on for everything. There's plenty of room for me to fit light layers when I need to warm up on the trail, and to shed them when things get too hot. There are two elasticated water bottle slots, so I always have enough liquid, and they're easy to reach while the bag is still on my back. There are supports around the waist and across the chest, which take the weight off your shoulders too. My favorite thing about this bag is the back. It's ventilated, so even when I'm pushing myself on a hike, I never feel clammy. This is the bag's lowest ever price on Amazon, and I may just buy another.

The Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO open-earbuds are the ones to beat, and they've just hit their lowest price! They have excellent sound quality with impressive detail, and the simple app with customizable EQ settings gave me complete control. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods, and have an IP54 durability rating. The battery life is 20 hours (less than many other models on the market), but this isn’t a deal breaker. They're great for when the weather gets hot because they let my ears breathe, and they don't get clammy like when I use overhead earphones.

Hydration break, anyone? There are many different types of electrolytes to choose from, but I use the Liquid I.V. brand. They come in a bunch of different flavors, and I always pick up the variety pack as I like to mix it up from time to time. The powder comes in convenient serving-size packets, so you can take them on the go. I notice a huge difference when I use electrolytes, as I always have far more energy. Before, I would almost always experience some cramping in my calf muscles, but since incorporating electrolytes into my routine, that has completely disappeared.

Everyone in my life will tell you that I never shut up about my Owala Freesip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, but it's for good reason — it's the best water bottle you can buy. The bottle keeps my water cold all day long, and the Freesip feature means I don't have to stop in my tracks every time I want to have a swig of water. Everyone raves about the Stanley cup, but I'm telling you, Owala is the way forward.