Hiking is an amazing fitness activity that bridges the gap between the modern human and nature. It feels so good to get out of the house and explore the wilderness. But before you go off trekking unprepared there is some hiking gear you’ll want to consider.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Let’s Get Started
- 2 Aluminum Trekking Poles / Hiking Poles by TrailBuddy
- 3 Lightweight Day Pack
- 4 Larger, internal frame backpack by Teton Sports
- 5 Headlamp with rechargeable battery by Foxelli
- 6 Camping and Outdoors Multi-tool
- 7 Rain Poncho with Hood
- 8 Lightweight, portable Hammock
- 9 Fast drying Hiking Towel
- 10 Hiking Fanny Pack
- 11 Mini Water Filtration System by Sawyer
- 12 Hiking Socks
- 13 Bear Spray
- 14 Loud Camping and Survival Whistle
- 15 Emergency Survival Kit (13 item set)
- 16 Paracord Bracelet
Let’s Get Started
Aluminum Trekking Poles / Hiking Poles by TrailBuddy
These lightweight aluminum poles made by TrailBuddy are really popular on Amazon. (People seem to like them.)
They are adjustable so you can change the height to suit the user and they have a cork handle for comfort.
Click here to check out these popular hiking poles on Amazon.
Lightweight Day Pack
This backpack comes in 14 colors/patterns so you should be able to find one that pleases you. It considered a day pack and is a 40L size.
Larger, internal frame backpack by Teton Sports
If you are looking for a larger backpack this one is a 55L with an internal frame. It is really popular in the internal frame hiking backpacks category.
Click here to see more details on Amazon.
Headlamp with rechargeable battery by Foxelli
This lightweight headlamp has bright white and red light options. Plus, it is available in 8 different design options including Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, Forest, Blue and Black.
The light itself is an LED so it shouldn’t drain the battery too quick.
As you can see in the picture below it is very functional for many different activities. One activity they didn’t show is reading. If your partner can’t stand your bedside lamp being on you could try this instead.
Camping and Outdoors Multi-tool
As the name suggests this 14 in 1 tool has lots of features. The tool looks extremely useful for outdoors situations.
It has an ax, hammer, wrench, bottle opener, knife, pliers, a saw and more.
Click here to see more information.
Rain Poncho with Hood
If you are trying to move away from single-use plastics, check this one out. It is a re-usable rain poncho. Fold it up, put it in your backpack and have it just in case it gets rainy.
Lightweight, portable Hammock
Imagine hiking up to a secluded lake, cooling off in the clear water and then warming up while dozing off in your hammock.
You can make this a reality with this popular hiking hammock.
Fast drying Hiking Towel
If you are hiking to a lake or a waterfall then it’s good to have a towel to dry yourself off. You also minimize your risk of swimmer’s itch if you dry off right away.
Plus, this towel will be great to soak up the sweat during a vigorous hike.
Check out its small compact size. It will fit nicely into your backpack, or even your fanny pack.
Click here to see more details on Amazon.
Hiking Fanny Pack
Do you only go on quick hikes around your city, or exploring nearby parks?
Perhaps you don’t want or need a full backpack. A small waist bag (aka a fanny pack) may be what you need.
I remember a time, not so long ago, when people made fun of fanny packs… But that is stupid. These things are very useful for short hikes or walks. This fanny pack with 2 zippered pockets can store your small items (like cell phone), survival knife and your water bottle.
Mini Water Filtration System by Sawyer
This little water filtration system looks pretty awesome. It is small and light (only 2 ounces) and It can attach to the included water pouch or to a regular plastic water bottle.
You can also lay directly on your belly and drink from a stream by using 7-inch drinking straw that comes with it.
What is cool about a lightweight system like this is that it allows you to travel lighter. Not just because it is light, but because if you know there is a source of water along your hike you won’t need to pack as much water with you as you otherwise would.
Click for more details on Amazon.
Below is a video where a man on YouTube reviews the Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System.
Hiking Socks
Do not underestimate a good pair of hiking socks.
Have you ever seen “Forrest Gump”? Do you remember what Lieutenant Dan told Gump and Bubba about socks? He considered them to be vitally important. He told the soldiers to change their socks at every break to keep their feet dry.
The hiking socks featured below are 3/4 crew socks by Danish Endurance.
They are made out of merino wool and the manufacturer claims they’ll help keep your feet cool and dry in the summer yet warm in winter.
See more details on these cool-looking socks.
Bear Spray
This Frontiersman Bear Spray made by Sabre is a popular bear spray. They say it can spray 30 feet, and is approved by the EPA in the USA and Health Canada.
If you are hiking in an area with predators then you should be prepared and be bear aware. For more information on hiking in bear territory check out this information provided by the Province of British Columbia up in Canada (bear country).
See this bear spray on Amazon.
Loud Camping and Survival Whistle
If you’ve wandered off the trail and need help from Search and Rescue a loud whistle like this will help draw attention to your location.
Or if you get separated from your hiking buddy a couple toots of the whistle can help you find your friend.
This loud little whistle is available on Amazon if you want to see more details.
Emergency Survival Kit (13 item set)
Included among the 13 items in this survival kit are a survival knife, a wire saw (for cutting wood), and an emergency blanket.
It also claims the carrying case is waterproof so it should be ready to go for your outdoor adventures. It looks like something Rambo would carry.
It is available on Amazon if you want to see more details.
Paracord Bracelet
I don’t remember when these things came on the market, but now I see them everywhere.
In an emergency situation you unravel this bracelet and end up with 7 strands totaling over 60 feet of rope.
The manufacturer of this particular bracelet (Gecko Equipment) lists 10 different ways you can use a paracord bracelet to help you survive. Included on this list was helping to build a shelter, using the rope to make a snare, tying food up out of the reach of animals, and using the Bow Drill technique to start a fire. To see the list yourself you can click this link and scroll down to the “Product description” section.
Check out this paracord bracelet on Amazon.
I hope you have found some inspiration to get out there and explore the Great Outdoors.
You may have noticed that I didn’t include hiking boots on this list.
I feel like that is something you need to try on in person.
Remember to “Leave No Trace.” Check out the Leave No Trace organization to learn how you can minimize your impact on nature.
Thank you.
If you like camping as well you may like the following article.
How to get clean while camping (10 Tips)