Hiking allows the adventurous wanderer to see the world through a different lens. Time slows. You reconnect with your senses, and suddenly the world is aflame with magic.
This time-tested sport has been around for eons, but hiking technology is experiencing a renaissance at the moment in response to new outdoor interest. In fact, a recent study showed that the pandemic prompted a substantial increase in hikes across the US, many of which were also longer in length.
This shift in outdoor interest has leveled out since the early years of the pandemic, but more people are getting outdoors than ever, which is why learning about hiking gadgets and gear is essential to safe and comfortable trips.
Whether you’re new to the sport or you’re a long-time trekker, here’s what you need to know about the best hiking gadgets and tools for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable hiking adventure.
What to Look for in a Hiking Gadget or Tool
The best hiking gadgets have the ability to significantly enhance your outdoor experience. In some cases, they also add safety to the adventure (think satellite GPS device).
Before setting out on your next hike, consider whether your aim is to boost your comfort or add specific hiking tools to your system to help prepare you for whatever you may face. As hiking technology continues to grow and change, it’s becoming easier than ever to stay ready for anything while you’re hiking.
While you’re looking for hiking tools that will help to support a comfortable experience, make sure to evaluate factors like weight, quality, and construction. This will better enable you to pack only what you need.
Keep in mind that fine-tuning your hiking gear will take time. You’ll have to use each item for a spell before you can determine whether or not it’s worth its weight. We provide packing lists for our trips with our favorite pieces of kit for this very reason, but you’ll still want to do your due diligence.
| Gadget | Examples | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Satellite Messenger | Garmin InReach Mini, Spot X | $250-$500 |
 | Headlamp | Black Diamond ReVolt 350, Black Diamond Spot, Petzl Tikka | $25-$100 |
 | Navigation Watch | Garmin Fenix 7, Suunto 9 | $200-$500 |
 | Filtered Water Bottle | GRAYL Filtered Water Bottle | $50-$100 |
 | Pee Cloth | Kula Cloth | $10-$20 |
 | Outdoor Coffee Filter | MSR Coffee Filter, AeroPress Go, GSI Outdoors Java Press | $10-$30 |
 | Backpack Camera Clip | Peak Design Capture Clip | 50-$75 |
 | Multi-Tool | Swiss Army Victorinox Rally | $25-$75 |
 | Solar Panel | NestOut Solar Charger, Sunjack 25W Panel | $50-$100 |
 | Portable Weather Radio | Midland ER310 | $50-$100 |
 | Windproof Ear Buds | Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds | $75-$150 |
 | Lightweight Backpacking Chair | Crazy Creek Original Chair | $50-$150 |
The 12 Coolest Hiking Gadgets
Let’s get down to it and break down our favorite gadgets to use for your next adventure in 2025.
1. Satellite Device
Some hikes involve venturing into the wilderness where finding cell service is impossible.
Satellite devices like the Garmin inReach Mini or the SpotX use two-way communication to allow you to communicate with loved ones or emergency departments in the event that something goes wrong.
Additionally, some satellite devices come with a certain amount of rescue insurance, ensuring that those who call for a rescue are covered by their plan should they need a costly extraction.
Key features of the Garmin inReach Mini:
- SOS button for emergencies
- Global coverage
- Long battery life
- Two way communication
- Provides weather updates
2. A Headlamp
It’s easy to overlook the mighty headlamp when you’re leaving for the trailhead while the sun is up. But then you take a wrong turn on the trail, the sun starts to lower over the peaks, and things get really uncomfortable and quickly.
Hikers who expect to tackle both small and large trails should always pack a headlamp. These devices are lightweight, easy to pack, and vital on trips that go wrong.
Rechargeable headlamps like the Black Diamond ReVolt 350 offer a great option for frequent adventurers. This headlamp can use either the rechargeable lithium battery or AAA batteries to make sure that you’re prepared for whatever expedition that lies ahead.
Key features of the Black Diamond ReVolt 350:
- Adjustable brightness
- Rechargeable via USB
- IPX4 storm-proof rating
Why it’s great: Headlamps provide hands-free lighting for low-light conditions. Everyone takes a wrong turn sometimes, and for this reason, a headlamp is an essential tool to carry on any hike.
3. Navigation Watch
Hikers with an appetite for adventure can usually benefit from the use of a navigation watch like the Garmin Fenix 7 or the Suunto 9. These watches combine GPS navigation with features like fitness tracking (ie Vo2 max, heart rate, HRV), elevation tracking, and information about barometric pressure to allow you to monitor your progress and look out for changes in the weather.
Cool hiking gadgets like the Garmin Fenix 7 come as a standard watch and a solar watch, supporting a lengthy battery life. The Suunto 9 comes with similar features.
Key features of the Garmin Fenix 7:
- GPS and topographic maps
- Heart rate monitoring
- Extended battery life
Why it’s great: A quality navigation watch allows you to track your athletic progress as well as monitor your whereabouts in remote areas.
4. Filtered Water Bottle
The last thing anyone wants is to take a swig of water from a dirty source and end up with some mysterious intestinal illness. That being said, staying hydrated while on the trail is pretty crucial. This is why finding a quality water bottle with a filter or carrying a separate filter is essential for hikers.
The GRAYL water bottle is our go-to source of filtered water. It’s similar to a Nalgene water bottle but is much more robust and comes with a filter on the inside.
Another option would be to carry a filter like the Sawyer Squeeze, and use it to empty clean water into your water bottle but the GRAYL already does something similar.
Key features of the Epic Water Filter:
- Durable
- Leakproof
- 3rd party tested
- BPA/BPS free
- Removes bacteria, and protozoa
Why it’s great: Carrying a filtered water bottle ensures that hikers can stay hydrated and free from intestinal illness while collecting water along their adventures.
5. Pee Cloth
There’s nothing worse than heading to a trail only to be greeted with little bundles of toilet paper that were left behind by other hikers. It’s gross. It’s also litter that animals may collect.
A great alternative to toilet paper for pee breaks is the mighty pee cloth. While some hikers bring a simple bandana to use as a pee cloth, others adopt items like the Kula Cloth, which is antimicrobial, soft, and reusable. This pee cloth is a great eco-friendly item for female hikers that significantly reduces human impact on popular trails.
Key features of the Kula Cloth:
- Antimicrobial design
- Quick-drying material
- Attachment loop
- Eco-friendly
Why it’s great: A quality pee cloth is an essential piece of hiking gear because it reduces waste and supports a green environment.
6. Outdoor Coffee Filter
There’s nothing better than drinking a piping hot cup of coffee mid-hike on a chilly day. The whole process is comforting, warming, and great for a little pick-me-up.
Some coffee systems are better than others when it comes to finding a lightweight, user-friendly design. The MSR Coffee/Tea Filter is a great pick for hikers because it’s easy to use, lightweight, and convenient.
Other options might include the AeroPress Go and the GSI Outdoors Java Press.
Key features of the MSR Coffee/Tea Filter:
- Compact
- 1 ounce weight
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Why it’s great: A coffee filter or press significantly elevates the outdoor experience.
7. Backpack Camera Clip
Outdoor photographers know how annoying it can be to manage camera equipment during hikes. The whole process can be really uncomfortable and frustrating.
However, investing in a cool hiking gadget like a quality backpack camera clip can help to simplify the whole process.
The Peak Design Capture Clip is one such system that can easily be embedded into most packs. This better allows you to stay prepared to capture the shot without the inconvenience of a camera strap.
Key features of the Peak Design Capture Clip:
- Simple design
- Easy to install
- Adjustable
- Compatible with most cameras
Why it’s great: Photographers always want to be poised and ready to snap the shot. Yet lugging heavy camera equipment around on long hikes can quickly become uncomfortable. A quality backpack camera clip helps to make the whole process more comfortable.
8. Multi-Tool
The best multi-tool for backpacking and hiking is going to be versatile, compact and lightweight. They make great gifts for hikers and backpackers and can be found in many different kinds of stores.
A hiking gadget like Swiss Army Victorinox Rally provides users with a knife, bottle opener, and file on the go. This is great for unexpected scenarios since it gives you a problem-solving tool.
Key features of the Swiss Army Victorinox Rally:
- 0.8 ounces
- 9 functions
- Includes magnetic Phillips screwdriver
- Compact
Why it’s great: A multi-tool is a great item to have any time you’re faced with a problem since it can help with minor repairs in unexpected situations.
9. Solar Panel
If you expect to be hiking in a sunny region, a solar panel can be a great addition to your pack.
Portable solar panels like the NestOut Solar Charger or the Sunjack 25W Panel are designed to support device charging. This means that you can plug in items like GPS units, rechargeable headlamps, and phones to keep yourself juiced up while you’re on the go.
While most hiking trips won’t require the use of a solar panel, it can be nice to bring one along for more intensive, or lengthier overnight trips. Just keep in mind that you need sun exposure in order for them to be effective.
Key features of the Sunjack 25W Panel:
- Intuitive design
- Foldable
- 2 carabiners included
- 2-year warranty
- Wide temperature operating range
Why it’s great: The best tools for hiking provide support and convenience without adding a significant amount of weight and bulk to your system. Solar panels are generally worth their weight in gold, and provide relief to anyone who uses their phone to navigate or has less-than-ideal battery life.
10. Portable Weather Radio
Mountains make for unpredictable weather – it’s a simple truth. Sometimes, they also block views of the incoming storm, which can make it more difficult to determine when it’s time to turn back from a hiker.
However, some hikers carry a portable weather radio like the Midland ER310 in order to stay up-to-date on the local weather conditions. This device may not be necessary if you’re someone who already carries a weather-enabled GPS satellite device, but this type of hiking gadget often comes with additional functions including built-in flashlights and even a USB charging port.
Key features of the Midland ER310 Portable Weather Radio:
- Long-lasting battery
- Hand-crank charging
- Built-in flashlight with SOS beacon
- AA battery backup option
Why it’s great: A portable weather radio can provide crucial information for those who hike in remote or exposed areas.
11. Windproof Ear Buds
There’s a lot of debate in the hiking community about whether or not you should wear earbuds while you’re on trail. Some claim that it makes conditions more dangerous for you, while others state that it helps them to relax.
Regardless of your stance on the ethos of hiking with headphones in, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds accommodate long days in varying conditions. They’re also dustproof, sweatproof, and windproof.
Key features of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds:
- Smart enabled
- Hear-through option
- 8 hours of playback
- Durable
Why they’re great: Listening to your favorite song or podcast while you’re hiking can feel impossible with sub-par headphones. But windproof airpods like the Jabra Elite 8 make it possible for those who are so inclined.
12. Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Some hikers love to take breaks to bask in a view or fuel up for a spell.
While it’s possible to plunk yourself down on a log or sit on the ground, packing a lightweight backpacking chair can go a long way toward enhancing the comfort of your hiking experience.
A chair like the Crazy Creek Original Chair, for example, is simple, durable, and lightweight. Yet it can support up to 250 pounds, and it provides protection from the wet ground.
Key features of the Crazy Creek Original Chair:
- Easy set-up
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 1.45 pounds
- Close-foam padding
Why it’s great: A lightweight backpacking chair is a great hiking tool for those who prefer comfort on the trail.
