5 Essential Gadgets to Take On Your Next Hiking Trip

Even if you’re going on a hike that you’ve done several times before, you never know how the foliage may have changed since your last time out. Sometimes hiking paths are rerouted by park services due to fallen trees or washed-out trails from heavy rains. You can avoid getting lost by packing a handheld GPS device to guide you through the wilderness.

Another option is to use your smartphone as a GPS device. You can also download trail maps to see whether you’re on track. Regardless of whether you use a phone or GPS device, you’ll need to consider how you’re going to keep each one charged up.

Since there aren’t any outlets in the woods, you’ll need a way to power up your electronics. A portable battery pack only has enough storage to juice up your cell phone. For everything else, you’ll need a solution that lasts for your entire hiking trip, especially if you plan on camping overnight.

This is why portable solar panels and batteries are the ideal gadgets for your power needs. There are panels that unfold to catch the sun’s rays with adapters for your devices. Another more compact option is a solar battery pack. This gadget looks like a normal battery pack except it has a solar panel on the side to collect solar energy and store it for later use. While you’re taking a lunch break is the perfect time to get out your portable solar charger and set it in the sun to soak up more power.

Also known as walkie-talkies, some two-way radios have a range of almost 40 miles radius. Not only are they a fun way to keep in touch with members of your hiking party, but they can also be vital in an emergency. If you or someone else experiences a severe injury, you might need to get help to your location as soon as possible. Your smartphone can be an option if there is a cell signal nearby, but that isn’t always the case. Two-way radios are a more reliable method of communication when you’re in a remote area.

You can plan for worst-case scenarios by leaving a walkie-talkie with someone in the nearby area, especially if you are hiking alone. Plus, many models come with three or more units, so someone can go to find help while others stay with the injured hiker. As a bonus, many two-way radios come with access to local weather channels and a built-in weather alert radio that sounds an alarm when there is a severe storm headed your way.

If you’re going for a longer hike or an overnight trip, it’s wise to bring a portable water filtration device. Oftentimes, hiking paths are away from civilization and facilities. When your water bottle is empty, you might consider refilling it with water from any lake or stream that you come across on your route. However, this is a bad idea because there might be microscopic water-borne illnesses that can cause serious illness that would quickly bring your fun trip to an end. By using a portable water filtration device, you can collect water from natural resources and then filter out any harmful pathogens.

Additionally, there are water bottles that already have a water filtration system built in. Staying hydrated is key to making sure your body can function and you may not realize that you’re dehydrated until you’re out in the middle of nowhere with no water source in sight. Before you head out the door, make sure you fill up your water bottle to the top. Since the filter is included, you can conveniently refill your bottle at the next creek or river without stopping to wait for the filtration process before hopping back on the trail.

Because your hike may start before the sun goes up and continue after the sun goes down, you’ll want to be able to see what’s in front of you. To keep your hands free to hold your GPS device or hiking poles, opt for a headlamp to shine a light on your path.

Flashlights also come in handy when you’re exploring dark corners of the woods or for providing a lantern in your tent at night. Of course, it’s always fun to make finger puppets, no matter your age. Plus, it’s never too late to learn morse code just in case you need to send a signal to someone quite a distance away.

Something important to note is that no matter what distance you’re planning to hike, you should always be prepared for emergencies. While no one expects to slip and fall while hiking, chances are that it might happen to you or someone in your hiking party. This is why the first thing that should go into your backpack should be a first aid kit.

Even if it’s just a small scrape, you’ll need supplies like alcohol wipes to clean the wound. Then, you’ll want to apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage to avoid infection. The best-case scenario is that you won’t need to use your first aid supplies at all, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, remember to pack snacks, such as trail mix or protein bars, to keep your energy up and avoid low blood sugar.

Once you’ve acquired all your gear, it’s time to start planning your next hiking trip. Perhaps there’s a ridge of mountains that’s calling your name, or there’s a trek that you’ve always wanted to conquer with friends. One thing that is certain: you’ll be prepared for a successful hike when you bring along the five essential gadgets recommended above.