Top 10 Hiking Travel Accessories You Might Miss Now
👉 You packed your boots, jacket, and energy bars… but missed these game-changing hiking tools. Don’t worry—next time, you’ll be the one rescuing others from soggy sandwiches and tangled cords.
🗯️ @TrailMixMyLife: “Didn’t think I needed #4 until I dropped my phone in a stream. Now I pack two.” ★★★★☆
| Item | What It Solves | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Water Filter Straw | Clean water on the go | Light, reliable, and saves you from dehydration |
| 2. Ultralight Trekking Poles | Knee pain and slips | Stability and rhythm in rough terrain |
| 3. Solar Power Bank | Dead batteries | Sun-powered and reliable off-grid |
| 4. Waterproof Dry Bag | Wet clothes and gear | Compact and totally waterproof |
| 5. GPS Watch | Getting lost | Real-time tracking and safety features |
| 6. Emergency Bivvy | Unexpected weather | Compact warmth and survival tool |
| 7. Collapsible Cookware Set | Bulky gear issues | Space-saving and practical |
| 8. First-Aid Kit (Ultralight) | Minor injuries | Smart packing meets real-life rescue |
| 9. Microfiber Towel | Slow drying gear | Quick-dry and lightweight |
| 10. Multifunction Neck Gaiter | Cold, dust, wind | Versatile and comfy |
Table of Contents
- 1. Water Filter Straw
- 2. Ultralight Trekking Poles
- 3. Solar Power Bank
- 4. Waterproof Dry Bag
- 5. GPS Watch
- 6. Emergency Bivvy
- 7. Collapsible Cookware Set
- 8. Ultralight First-Aid Kit
- 9. Microfiber Towel
- 10. Multifunction Neck Gaiter
#1. Water Filter Straw That Could Save Your Life
Imagine hiking through a hot forest and running out of water. You spot a stream, but… would you trust it? With a portable water filter straw, you don’t have to risk it. Just stick one end into the water and sip like a boss.
These straws filter out bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. Brands like LifeStraw or Sawyer are trail legends. They’re compact, lightweight, and an absolute must if you’re venturing more than a couple miles from a faucet.
Pro Tip: Always backflush after use to extend its life and keep that flow strong.
#2. Ultralight Trekking Poles That Save Your Knees
If you’ve ever gone downhill with a full pack, your knees probably filed a complaint. Trekking poles give you stability, support, and stamina. They help distribute your weight, keep you upright, and act like extra limbs.
Go for carbon fiber if you care about weight, and make sure the handles are ergonomic and sweat-wicking (like cork or foam). Check out Black Diamond FLZ Carbon poles for a foldable masterpiece.
Plus, they make you look like a seasoned pro, even if you’re still Googling how to tie a bear bag.
#3. Solar Power Bank Because Trail Outlets Don’t Exist
Let’s face it—you use your phone for GPS, photos, trail maps, and maybe even a survival podcast. But out in the wild, power outlets are about as common as vending machines. A solar power bank keeps you juiced up without needing civilization.
Hang it from your pack during the day, and recharge your gadgets at camp. Choose something with at least 20,000 mAh and USB-C output. Options from Anker and Goal Zero are reliable and fast.
Don’t wait until 3% battery to panic—let the sun work for you.
#4. Waterproof Dry Bag That Saves Your Clothes From Regret
There’s nothing more miserable than changing into damp socks after a downpour. A dry bag is your best defense against nature’s wet surprises. Toss in your clothes, electronics, or even snacks, and seal the top tight.
Go for roll-top styles with welded seams. Sea to Summit and Ortlieb make excellent options in all sizes.
Bonus: They also work great as camp pillows once filled with clothes. Smart, right?
#5. GPS Watch So You Don’t Get Eaten (By Panic)
A GPS watch isn’t just fancy wrist candy—it’s your map, compass, and emergency backup in one. If you’re hiking new trails, a GPS watch helps you track your location, distance, elevation, and more.
Look for watches with offline maps, SOS alerts, and long battery life. The Garmin Fenix 7 is a beast when it comes to tracking and survival features.
Best part? You can check your altitude while casually pretending you’re not gasping for breath.
#6. Emergency Bivvy That Says “Not Today, Hypothermia”
Weather forecasts lie. Mountains have moods. That’s why you should always carry an emergency bivvy sack. These foil-like shelters reflect your body heat back to you and protect you from wind, rain, and worse.
It weighs less than a sandwich but could make all the difference in a storm. Trust brands like SOL or Adventure Medical.
Use it once in real conditions, and you’ll never leave home without it again.
Got a better hiking hack or can’t believe we left something out?
👉 Drop your favorite underrated trail accessory in the comments—top replies will be featured in the next guide!
FAQ
What is the single most important hiking accessory?That depends on your trip, but a water filter or GPS tool often tops the list.
Can I hike without all of these?
Sure—but why suffer? Each item solves a real trail problem.
Where can I buy these accessories?
REI, Amazon, and the brand websites linked above are great starting points.