When you’re out on a hike, it’s hard to know what to bring and what not to. You want your trip up the mountain to be as easy and enjoyable as possible, but that doesn’t mean you should go overboard with all the cool Hiking gadgets!
Don’t worry! We’ve done some research for you and put together a list of Hiking Gadgets that are worth bringing along on your next trip up the mountain. From maps to emergency GPS devices, we’ll tell you which ones will make your life easier while also saving space in your backpack.
Here is our list of must-have hiking gadgets for every adventure seeker out there.
- 28 Best Hiking Gadgets
- Hiking Safety Gadgets
- Hiking Tools
- Cool & Fun Hiking Gadgets
- Best Hiking Gadgets For Dogs
28 Best Hiking Gadgets
The best hiking gadgets are lightweight, serve a purpose, and are items that you’ll actually use to make your hiking and backpacking life a little easier or more enjoyable. If it’s something that you don’t use and it just ends up collecting dust, well then that isn’t a very good gadget!
Ha! What I’m trying to say is, some hikers might rave about a certain product and other hikers won’t really get what all the hype is about – and that’s ok! Choose hiking gadgets and tools that you personally could see yourself using.
Hiking Safety Gadgets
Garmin inReach Mini
The inReach Mini is a must for any hiker or backpacker who wanders out of cell phone service. Weighing in at only 3.5 ounces, it has two-way messaging with contacts or emergency personnel, the option for tracking, and of course, the ability to summon rescue crews, no matter how remote you are.
A Compass + Physical Map
While I am a huge fan of ‘gadgets’ like the inReach and hiking apps on my phone, I never ever rely solely on those electronics or apps for navigation because even the best technology could fail or break or die while in the wilderness. Be sure to always carry a physical map and compass (and know how to use them) in case of emergencies.
A good knife, like Spyderco
The Spyderco Tenacious G10 knife is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Spyderco is known for their exceptional quality and unique hole in their blades making them easy to open with one hand. A good knife comes in handy when you need to cut any rope or cord, shave off tiny bits of wood to start a fire, and of course, open and serve that summer sausage.
Platypus Quickdraw Microfilter System
Having a way to purify your water in the backcountry is essential, even for day hikes! You never know when you might get lost, injured, or end up being help up out on the trail longer than expected, always carry a water filter or chemical treatment so you can refill your water supply if you need to.
Ursack Major XL Bear Sack
Keep your food, the bears (and yourself!) safe while overnight hiking with this bear-proof bag. Made of literal bullet-proof material, the Ursack will prevent bears and other critters from stealing your food *when used properly. Most hikers find these sacks easier to use and hang than a traditional PCT style bear hang.
Emergency Blankets
Unless you’re hiking in a tropical climate, very close to the equator, you should always be prepared to fight off hypothermia – even if the temperatures aren’t quite freezing yet. Hypothermia can set in even in temps as high as the 50’s. Be prepared with extra, warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, and an emergency blanket, just in case.
Hiking Tools
GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove
Whether you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail or looking to heat up some coffee at the summit on your next day hike, this ultralight, compact camp stove will do the trick.
Paracord
Paracord has way too many uses not to include it on this hiking gadgets list. It can serve as a clothesline to hang wet clothes and gear, a bear bag line to hang your food, could be tied into a net, or a tourniquet, or used to replace broken shoelaces or belts. And we haven’t scratched the surface of all the paracord projects you could create, whether for fun or for emergencies.
The Deuce of Spades Trowel
Dear hiker, if you only get one thing off this list, please let it be this trowel. It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN you have to poop in the woods because nature will come a-knocking one day, you need to be able to properly bury your poo at least 6 inches in the ground and this little guy can help. No one else should have to clean up your literal poop, and even worse, no one wants to be exposed to the waterborne illness and harmful bacteria that spreads when you leave poo unburied.
Black Diamond Headlamp
A headlamp is essential for both backpackers and day hikers. You never when a long hike might take longer than you thought, don’t get stuck out in the woods, in the dark without a good headlamp!
Cool & Fun Hiking Gadgets
Ultralight Folding Camp Seat
These lightweight, folding camp seats are perfect for day hikers, backpackers, or campers. I use mine during snack breaks when I want to sit on a log or rock, or even at established campsites to help pad picnic table benches.
OutMore Inflatable Camping Pillow
This camping pillow goes with me on every backpacking trip. It’s light, too easy to use, and I simply put my buff around it to help keep it clean and comfy to sleep on. I’ve also started bringing this on airplanes to partially inflate and place behind my low back – it’s a life saver.
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Pour Over Coffee Maker
If you can’t handle instant coffee while camping or backpacking, this pour-over coffee maker is for you! Pack your favorite grounds and boil some water for amazing coffee in the backcountry.
Kindle Paperwhite Ereader
This Kindle is now thinner, lighter, and waterproof, making it the perfect companion for day hikers, backpackers, and campers who like to read throughout the day and at night before bed. The Paperwhite is glare-proof and reads like a real paper book, so you won’t have a problem reading in the great outdoors.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 Smartwatch
Keep track of your energy levels, Pulse Ox, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, estimated heart rate, hydration, location, distance, and more with this Garmin Smartwatch. This makes an awesome gift for the active outdoors lover in your life. Hint, hint.
Ultralight Portable Bidet
Just because you’re camping or backpacking, doesn’t mean you have to be a filthy animal! Stay clean and comfy every day of your trip with this portable bidet.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Collapsible Bucket
Practice Leave No Trace with this ultralight water bucket. Never wash clothes, dishes, or yourself in any lake, stream, or waterway when using soap – even ‘biodegradable’ soap. Carry your water 200 ft away from any lake or stream and wash your dishes, clothes, or body in the woods while camping and backpacking.
Circe Care Pee Cloth
Boost your backcountry hygiene with this reusable pee cloth. Real talk, ‘drip drying’ just doesn’t work for most of us ladies and we just end up with wet, smelly bottoms. Use this silver-infused pee cloth instead to stay clean and comfy while hiking and backpacking. *If you use toilet paper in the woods, always bury it at least 6 inches deep in the ground, 200 feet away from water sources, or pack it out with you in a trash bag. Reduce your TP use altogether with a reusable pee cloth.
MPOWERD Luci Solar Lanterns
I love these lightweight, inflatable solar lanterns! I always bring one with me on backpacking trips to help light up the campsite at night and usually bring two or more while car camping. They’re even great in my travel trailer to avoid running down the battery.
Anker Powercore Power Bank
Keep your devices charged, even on long, backcountry trips. Anker is the only brand we trust for reliable, portable power. The higher the capacity of the power bank, the more it will weigh – which is a problem for backpackers! This power bank is the best compromise on capacity and weight we could find, providing 13000mAh of power, in only 8.5 ounces.
Jetboil JetGauge
This is the most gadgety of gadgets for backpackers. Not a necessity at all, but the Jetboil JetGauge is a fun thing to have to be able to save and actually make use of that little bit of fuel you have left in your collection of partially used fuel canisters. It will tell you exactly how much fuel you have left and approximately how many boils you have left in there.
Fugetek Portable Tripod
Ever wonder how solo hikers get such awesome photos and videos of themselves out on the trail? This is one way to do it! Carry this tripod on your next trip so you can take more than just selfies. It’s perfect for setting your phone up on a rock, tree branch, or log.
Best Hiking Gadgets For Dogs
HIGO Silicone LED Dog Collar
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, you’ll want to make your pup as visible and as easy to find as possible! This bright, rechargeable, LED dog collar is perfect for nighttime walks and pee breaks. It charges fast and has several different settings of blinking speeds or constantly on.
FitBark GPS Dog Tracker
If you have a runner or a houdini dog, then a GPS tracker might be for you! Monitor your dog’s activity and get escape alerts to find your friend again quickly if you need to with this small FitBark Dog Tracker. *Fits most dog collars, check out the product specs for more details.
RUFFWEAR Highlands Sleeping Bag For Dogs
If you’ll be camping out on chilly nights, you have to keep your furry friend warm and cozy too! This Highlands Sleeping Bag made just for dogs is perfect to go on top of a short, closed-cell foam sleeping pad to make a portable camping bed for your dog.
Silicone Boot Bowl For Water Bottles
Sharing water with your pup has never been easier than with this silicone boot for your own human water bottle. Whenever you get out your bottle for a drink, take off the silicone boot, fill it up and offer some to your dog as well. They can suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion too. Always err on the side of caution and never try to push your dog too hard on the trail.
RUFFWEAR Grip Trex Dog Boots
Perfect for your four-legged backpacking buddy, protect your dog’s paw pads with these breathable hiking booties. Designed with a wide opening to help get them on wiggly pups, and an easy cinching strap to ensure a snug fit on your dog’s feet.
RUFFWEAR Approach Dog Pack
Another RUFFWEAR gear favorite, this backpack for dogs can hold all his treats, food, bowls or even bags of poop! Never exceed 25% of your dog’s weight though. Attach your favorite leash to the reinforced webbing loops and enjoy your next adventure.
Just like humans, the most beneficial hiking ‘gadget’ your dog has is between his ears. Make sure your dog has beyond excellent recall and if you have a runner, always keep him leashed in wilderness areas. If you live around poisonous snakes, take them to snake avoidance training. And if you want to take your pup on longer day hikes or thru-hikes, ask your vet if they think your dog can handle it and how to help them build up to and train for it.
Be honest with yourself and if your furry friend doesn’t seem up to the task or just doesn’t like hiking for hours on end, leave them at home or with a trusty sitter.
A good way to know if a gadget is worth bringing on your next hiking trip is by thinking about how often you use it. If the answer is “often,” then there’s no reason not to bring it with you! And don’t forget that some gadgets, like an emergency GPS or a whistle for signaling help in case of emergencies, are more important than others and should always be included when packing.
For even more backpacking gear guides and tips, check out:
- Tips To Lighten Your Pack Weight
- 10 Essentials For Hiking
- Where To Find Cheap Backpacking Gear
- Backpacking Gear Checklist: What To Pack!
About the author, Mallory Moskowitz:
After studying Recreation, Park & Tourism Management, Mallory spent several years teaching environmental education, guiding hikes, and leading backcountry trips. Her life-changing trek from Georgia to New York on the Appalachian Trail is what sparked the creation of Your Adventure Coach, to share backpacking tips and resources with as many new hikers as possible.
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