From water filtration bottles to trekking poles, these are the items no hiker should be without
Before heading off on a hike, it’s essential to make sure you’re prepped. As well as being physically fit, you’ll want to make sure your kit bag is stashed full of handy accessories for while you’re out on the trails. These can make the difference between a walk in the park, and the hike from hell.
Safety is alway a number one priority, so we’ve listed our favourite items on the market that will ensure your walking trip is as safe as it can be. From a bottle that makes drinking water clean to poles that will help protect your vulnerable knee joints, you won’t want to skip these accessories.
Some people prefer to switch their phone off when they hike, but your device is good to have around if there’s an emergency. Making sure that it’s kept charged and in one piece is therefore crucial – and we’ve got a couple of gadgets for that. And when the temperatures plunge or night falls, you’ll want to be prepared, whether that’s with a super bright head torch or a cosy coat and sleeping bag.
So, whether you’re off on a day’s ramble or an epic walking adventure, here are nine of the best hiking accessories you should treat yourself to.
Best hiking accessories for health and safety
LifeStraw Go
Buy now: Amazon | £40.61
Hiking is thirsty work – but it’s not always possible to find clean, safe drinking water when you’ve walked away from civilisation. Enter, LifeStraw. This nifty device filters water as you sip, protecting you against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine and pesticides.
You simply fill up from a stream, river or tap, screw the lid on and sip through the mouthpiece – the straw does all the filtering for you. Genius!
The activated carbon capsule inside the straw also removes muddiness and makes the water taste better, and the filters are detachable, reusable and renewable – so you can keep using the same bottle. There’s also a clip, so you can attach the bottle to your bag and keep it handy while on the move.
Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool
Buy now: Amazon | £45.66
Any hiker worth their salt knows how important it is to carry a multi-tool – you never know when you might need a pocket knife, from slicing your food to cutting a rope and even making a campfire (the blade is perfect for shaving off bits of wood for kindling).
The little scissors in this model from Leatherman can also be used to cut gauze strips if First Aid is required. Super compact and weighing just over 56g, it’s easy to slip into your pocket and has a keyring attachment so you can clip it to your bag.
There’s also a 25 year warranty – so this can be your hiking companion for years to come.
MOA Green Balm
Buy now: Amazon | £13.61
This balm is like First Aid in a pot. It’s crammed with yarrow, which has been used to heal and repair for centuries. The plant is even said to have given Achilles his strength in Greek mythology.
This potion can be used to soothe sunburn, frostbite, cuts and scrapes. It also contains natural antiseptic tea tree oil, protective beeswax, coconut oil (high in vitamin E) and vitamin A-rich sweet almond oil. Keep it handy.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Buy now: Amazon | £87
Hiking poles are an essential part of reducing the strain on legs – but gone are the days when hiking with poles meant lugging about heavy metal sticks or bulky bits of wood. Black Diamond has come up with a pair that weigh just 273g, their lightest model yet. These collapsable poles fold down into a third of their length, so you can pop them into your backpack when not needed. They are also super strong thanks to reinforcement around the joints and an aluminium ring protects the fragile-yet-light carbon. The handles are fitted with non-slip foam to give you maximum grip, and are moisture-wicking, ideal for preventing sweaty palms.
Best hiking gadgets
LifeProof iPhone Case
Buy now: Amazon | £69.99
A must-have to protect your phone, especially if you’re heading out into adverse weather. This case from LifeProof is waterproof, snow-proof, dirt-proof and drop-proof – perfect for everything from snowy hikes to mountain walks. Inside, your phone will survive being submerged to two metres for an hour, as well as being dropped from two metres high.
There are different cases available for all iPhone models, as well as Android devices.
Anker PowerCore 5000
Buy now: Amazon | £14.99
When you enter the wilderness, a portable phone charger is essential – but it doesn’t have to be big and bulky. This sleek, cylindrical model from Anker is compatible with Apple, Android and almost all other smartphones.
It takes between two and three hours to charge up fully before you set out for your hike, then you can recharge your phone at least once. There’s also a button that allows you to check the level of charge. Ideal for everything from long days out in the hills to multi-day hikes, don’t go without one.
[Photo: anker.com]
Best accessories for night hiking
The North Face Lynx Sleeping Bag
Buy now: The North Face (US) / The North Face (UK) | £130
A sleeping bag is a must-have for overnight hikes, and this one from The North Face is a great option for chilly, but not freezing, conditions. It will keep you cosy down to 2C, and uses special insulation technology with a synthetic fill to reduce heat loss and increase warmth even in cold temperatures.
It’s also super compressible, stuffing into a sack that’s only 20cm wide by 34.6cm long, and weighs in at just 850g, so it won’t overload you. There’s a hood for extra warmth and comfort (no need to pack a pillow) and it’s fitted with loops so you can attach it to a roll mat.
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Buy now: Amazon | £32
After a tough day hiking, there’s nothing more tiresome than trying to pitch a tent in complete darkness with a handheld torch clenched between your teeth, or hiking up a mountain in pitch black with your dim smartphone light to guide the way.
Hands-free is key – and this head torch offers not only that but also a fully waterproof construction. It’s light to wear and is super bright, with 300 lumens of adjustable light. Choose from seven different modes, including red night vision and peripheral lighting for close-range activities like cooking, reading or sorting out your hiking gear.
Best accessories for winter hikes
Arc’teryx Rivet Glove
Buy now: Amazon | £49
When the weather turns cold, you’ll be wanting a pair of gloves, and this option from Arc’teryx is both versatile and weather resistant. They are super breathable, allowing moisture to escape while also regulating the temperature of your hands, and they are made from warm, durable fleece material.
On cold, dry hikes they can be worn as a standalone glove, but they are also snug enough to layer underneath a shell in adverse conditions. They’re reinforced with supple leather, and you can even use your smartphone with them thanks to the polyurethane pads on the thumb and index finger.
Patagonia Micro Puff
Buy now: Patagonia (US) / Alpinetrek (UK) | £130
This jacket takes some beating. As cosy as goose down, but with the versatility of synthetic insulation, it will keep you toasty even when wet. The insulation is feather-light – meaning that the jacket is super compressible.
Simply pack it down into one of the pockets, which doubles as a bag you can zip the coat inside of. Unlike your average down jacket, the outer shell of this one is water-resistant and windproof – perfect for when you’re exposed to the elements. There are plenty of handy pockets, inside and outside, and the hood is designed to be compatible with helmets, in case your hike takes you rock climbing or mountaineering.
It’s available in an array of colours and in both a men’s and women’s version.
