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It's time to take a hike. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or nervous about your first time on the trail, we've got you covered—while all you need an invigorating hike is a great pair of shoes, the right equipment can really enhance your trip on the trail—think s’mores, campfire games and ways to stay hydrated. If you’re staying overnight out in the wild, you can add some compact tools to make your stay easy.
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Here are the top 15 items you can buy on Amazon that will make any hiking trip a great one.
Maybe you want to take a break for lunch or a quick nap in nature. A portable, lightweight hammock is the perfect way to enjoy what’s around you on a hike. The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock comes with two 9 - foot talon straps, two carabiners , and a storage bag. Together, it weighs just 24 ounces. The hammock has a maximum weight recommendation of 500 pounds yet folds down to the size “of an eggplant.” It measures 10 feet by 6.5 feet and is easy to set up, even with just one person.
If you have kids or need some motivation to get to the top of the mountain, this s’mores caddy has everything you need once you can relax around the campfire, including Hershey’s chocolate, graham crackers , and marshmallows. The only thing missing is the perfect marshmallow stick . This is a great gift to entice the kids to push hard on the family hike.
If you’re someone who loves taking notes or writing in their journal, you won’t want to bring your traditional go-to journal on your hike for risk of water and dirt. The Rite in the Rain Notebook has 64 pages of waterproof paper that you can write on with marker, pencil, pen or even crayon. Best of all, the paper is strong enough that the notebook won’t lose its shape whether you stuff it in a backpack or your jacket pocket.
The worst thing about hiking can be the bugs that bother you along the trail. This Picaridin insect repellent is a great alternative if you’re looking to avoid DEET; it’s long-lasting and comes as a lotion and spray. The lotion lasts up to 14 hours on your skin, ideal for a full-day hike. Not only does it protect against mosquitos, but it also keeps ticks at bay.
Walking poles can be useful for even the strongest of hikers. They help you put less strain on your legs and feet by evenly regulating your energy and pressure. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a sturdy set and come with two collapsible walking sticks, suitable for mud, snow or dry ground. Cork molds to your hand for comfort , and a moisture-wicking handle ensures a tight grip. If you’re worried about them being too short or tall, these walking poles are adjustable between 25.5 and 54 inches.
The Atomic Bear bracelet is especially ideal for hikers. With a fire starter, loud whistle, knife and a paracord that can be unwound for rope, it has almost everything you could need right on your wrist. You can depend on it should anything go wrong on an intense or multi-day hike. Reviewers also note that it’s comfortable to wear. The bracelet fits on wrists between 7 and 9.5 inches.
This little solar charger is waterproof and includes a flashlight, compass and an SOS and strobe mode that allows you to send off an SOS signal or bright strobe light. Most importantly, it has the ability to charge whatever devices you might need on your hike. It’s also dustproof, shockproof and fireproof (although not recommended to be thrown into water or fire). With the included carabiner, it’s easy to throw this device onto your backpack and let it charge under the sun.
If you’re on a long hike with kids, bringing a game to entertain is a must, but it can be difficult to find one that fits in your pocket. Great for all ages, this Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Game can be played even while you’re walking. Pull out a few cards and find something that matches the descriptions. For example, a player might need to find something frosty, steamy, rough and scratchy—not so easy, is it? It’s a fun challenge to take on while getting exercise and enjoying nature.
A first aid kit is absolutely essential to have on hand, even on shorter hikes. With different-sized sets between 100 and 250 pieces, you can purchase the right size for your trips. The pack includes a guide, CPR mask, emergency blanket , and more. Plus, there are over 20 items in this little kit that can fit in your pocket. You’ll never regret the purchase, whether you use it or not.
You know those times where you run out of water on the trail? You’ll never have to worry about that again. The LifeStraw can be used in the muddiest puddle or the clearest stream. Dip it in like a straw and it’ll remove 99.9% of bacteria and parasites as well as microplastics that are unfortunately becoming ever so common in our water systems. It’s ultralight and easy to throw into a backpack for peace of mind.
As a woman who enjoys hiking, hear me out: Peeing on the trail is NOT fun. It can be unsanitary and is just a pain with all the adjusting, desperation and trying to be discreet on the trail. This u rination d evice is perfect for camping and hiking. It’s easy to carry and easy to clean—plus the silicone ensures there will be no odor. The funnel allows you to stand up when you gotta go, and multiple reviews report that having this on hand is a game changer. With more than 5,000 reviews putting the item at 4.5 stars, it’s safe to say you won’t be the only one using this!
When hiking, getting dirty is part of the fun, but it can be a pain when you don’t have anything to clean with. Worst of all, when you pack snacks, you’re at risk for sticky hands. These wipes ensure you don’t have to wait until you get to a creek (or to civilization) to wash your hands. Specifically made to clean and soothe skin with natural aloe and vitamin E, your skin might feel even better than it did before you used them. And since they’re made from 100% natural rayon fibers, they’re biodegradable.
The kiddos on your camping trip will love these magical flames. The packets have crystals you can toss into the fire that change the flames into a colorful show. They’re made of copper chloride, potassium , and copper to create different colors using chemistry—so you can even include a chemistry lesson for the kids. When you place the crystals on the embers, the colors will last for an hour or more.
Packing light is the way to go but that can be tough when you have to carry everything on your back. This sleeping pad has more than 6,000 five-star reviewers, with many attesting to this comfortable and lightweight bed alternative. It’s two inches thick and weighs only 1.32 pounds—about as heavy as a water bottle. The waterproof hexagons the bed is made of are comfortable and fluffy. Don’t worry—the inflatable bag it comes in serves as a pillow.
If you’re going on a long hiking trip and need a home base, the Coleman Instant Cabin Tent is not only one of Amazon’s most popular camping tents but also one of the best tents Reviewed has ever tested. It’s easy to set up, taking only a minute to get the included stakes into the ground. Large windows and a WeatherTec system keeps the inside dry with covered seams. Reviewers say this tent is incredibly spacious and can weather heavy rain if necessary. The downside is it is pretty heavy—you’ll need to calculate whether or not the weight will balance out with the rest of your gear.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.