Is your pack ready? You may not have thought to slip in a few essential accessories. The goal is still to go light, and these must-haves won’t weigh down your backpack, but they can truly change everything.
1 – A soft flask: a lighter alternative to a traditional bottle
Water is the first thing not to forget when you head out on a hike. You’ll indeed need to stay hydrated along your route, especially in summer when the sun is at its peak. Ditch the bulky traditional bottles that can weigh down backpacks and take up valuable space; opt for a soft flask instead! Its main advantage: it’s light when empty. Another plus: its slim profile lets it slot into any backpack, regardless of capacity. These flasks, however, have one drawback: they’re less insulated than some insulated bottles. Our tip: the night before your hike, place it in the fridge.
2 – A filtering straw to drink potable water
Another must-have for hiking: a filtering straw to drink potable water if your soft flask runs dry. Even when you’re low, you can drink water drawn from a river or lake without fearing bacteria and protozoan parasites that may be present in unfiltered waters. Yet, make sure to follow the instructions in the user guide. Indeed, this type of filtration straw works well for a certain number of uses. After a precise number of liters consumed, it will need to be replaced.
3 – A waterproof, packable jacket for rain
Also consider bringing a waterproof or packable rain jacket (or poncho) to shield you during sudden showers. After all, there’s nothing worse than trudging along soaking wet. The risk is also getting cold due to the temperature and humidity differences. Choosing a packable model helps save space inside your backpack.
4 – A first-aid kit, for any hiccup
The first-aid kit is also indispensable on a hike; seasoned hikers know this well… An accident can happen quickly, and it’s best to have what you need on hand to act right away. From minor scrapes to more serious injuries, a first-aid kit lets you provide the necessary care, so you can keep walking or wait more calmly for help. If possible, choose a lightweight, compact kit.
5 – A rechargeable headlamp, if the hike lasts longer than planned
Another handy item on a hike: a rechargeable headlamp to light the trails when night falls and your route runs longer than expected. Prefer a headlamp with a USB-C charging port so you can top it up quickly before you head out.
6 – A tick remover, for tick-free hiking
In summer, it is not uncommon to encounter ticks on hiking trails, especially when crossing wooded areas or tall grasses. Because it’s important to remove ticks promptly and only a proper tick remover can do this correctly, be sure to bring one! Prefer a metal tick remover, more durable than plastic.
7 – A multitool knife, for handling any situation
Another essential item to slip into every hiking pack: a multitool knife, ready to handle any situation! From slicing sandwiches to using sticks for fire-making, having one is always a good idea. To avoid buying a separate tick remover in addition to a multitool, know that there are knives with a built-in tick remover, such as Opinel’s model.
8 – Energy bars for when you hit a wall!
Some hikes can push your body to its limits, especially when the route turns out tougher than expected. When hunger strikes, it’s wise to have what you need on hand to prevent hypoglycemia crises. That doesn’t mean eating just anything. Prefer energy bars with fruit and nuts for a quick energy boost. When they’re organic, even better!
9 – A GPS tracker, for safe hiking
Another must-have for hiking with a clear conscience: a GPS tracker for hiking. The Spot Gen3 Tracker is a small device that brings together all the features you need to venture out safely: location tracking, pre-programmed messages and SOS in case of trouble, and a movement detector to alert you if you remain immobilized for a while. The main advantage of this hiking GPS tracker: its beacon is satellite-connected. It does not require a SIM card or terrestrial network access to transmit your coordinates.
10 – A mapping app to stay well oriented
Finally, before you head out, it’s wise to plan your adventure in detail. The Whympr app helps you discover routes among thousands, with precise descriptions and mapping for many hikes. You can also save your favorite hikes and track your location on the go, to better orient yourself in the mountains.
