These 14 Outdoor Items Will Make Your Next Hike a Breeze

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Hiking is a year-round pastime, but no doubt some trails are just more enjoyable in the summer. Wildflowers have bloomed, birds are buzzing, and all the plants have reached their “peak green” for the season. It’s also a low-cost hobby, since you can hit the trail with just your boots and a bottle of water. But if you want to make your next hike more exciting – or are gearing up for a longer trek – here are 14 more outdoor items to consider bringing on your next adventure.

1.) CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack

Doubling as a standard backpack and source of water, a CamelBak is arguably one of the best pieces of gear to improve your hike. The Cloud Walker 18 is a particular standout, as it’s available in a wide range of colors, features a removable waist strap, and has a secure spot to store your phone.

• CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack – Regular Price: $77.89

2.) Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Even with a CamelBak, having a backup source of water is important. Pick up this durable Hydro Flask for a product that’ll last you hundreds of miles on the trail and is more eco-friendly than a simple plastic water bottle.

• Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle With Flex Cap – Regular Price: $24.02

3.) Sun Bum Sunscreen

Stay safe and burn-free with Sun Bum Original SPF 70 sunscreen. Not only will it protect you, but it’s also vegan and reef-friendly to protect the environment.

• Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen – Regular Price: $10.08

4.) Hiking Clothes

Clothing made specifically for hiking is great at wicking away sweat and keeping you cool (or warm, if you’re hiking in winter or at elevation). Hiking pants also tend to offer a bit more flexibility than your average pair of khakis. Also make sure to pack a small rain jacket in case of inclement weather. There are endless options when it comes to great hiking gear, but REI has an impressive selection that fits every budget.

• REI Sahara Amphib Shorts – Sale Price: $34.93 | Regular Price: $49.95
• Boulder Gear Stratus Rain Jacket – Sale Price: $54.73 | Regular Price: $70.00
• REI Sahara T-Shirt – Regular Price: $29.95

5.) Hiking Shoes

Picking the right hiking shoe is largely up to personal preference. But if you want something reliable that won’t break your budget, consider checking out the Newton Ridge Plus II from Columbia. Stylish, waterproof, and built with durable materials, they should treat your feet well on the most strenuous of hikes.

• Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Boots – Sale Price: $84.98 | Regular Price: $89.95

6.) Murphy’s Naturals Bug Spray

You never know when you’ll come across a cloud of mosquitoes – but when you do, you’ll be glad you put on bug spray. This two-pack makes it easy to keep one in your bag and ensure you’re ready for every adventure.

• Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Bug Spray – Regular Price: $21.99

7.) Snacks

Never set out on a hike without a bag full of snacks. Whether you want to take constant breaks or throw a picnic at your destination, you’ll always want some food while on the trail. CLIF BARS are a solid option, and this bundle lets you snag 16 of them for a great low price.

• CLIF BAR Bundle – Regular Price: $25.98

8.) Portable Water Filter

Hopefully you’ll never need it, but a water purifier is good to have in case of emergencies.

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – Regular Price: $15.69

9.) Hiking Poles

Hiking Poles aren’t for everyone, but if you have knee problems or are tackling a steep incline, they’re all but a necessity. You don’t need anything too fancy for a standard hike, although you don’t want to pick up something that’ll break right at the moment you need it most. For a good combination of performance and pricing, check out these trekking poles from LEKI.

• LEKI Cressida COR-TEK – Sale Price: $79.95 | Regular Price: $119.95

10.) Hiking Hat

Hats don’t just keep the sun out of your eyes, they also shade your face from sunburn and keep bugs or twigs from getting in your hair. A standard baseball hat is a great start, or you can opt for a larger bucket hat for better protection (and added style points).

• EINSKY Sun Hat – Sale Price: $16.99 | Regular Price: $29.99

11.) Headlamp

Even if you’re not going on a night hike, there’s a chance your late start could have you out in the dark. And while your smartphone’s flashlight will work, a headlamp makes the trip back to your car infinitely more enjoyable.

• Energizer LED Headlamp – Regular Price: $15.99

12.) Compass

In case of emergencies, a compass can help you come to grips with your surroundings and help point you back home. You’ll want to learn a bit about how to properly use one, but no hiking kit is complete without one.

• Orienteering Compass – Regular Price: $9.98

13.) Portable Charger

Keep your phone juiced up with the Goal Zero Flip 24. It provides around two full charges for most smartphone batteries, is easy to use, and can easily be stowed away in your pack.

• Goal Zero Flip 24 – Regular Price: $29.95

14.) Smartwatch

Track your mileage and fitness goals with a smartwatch. You can spend over $500 on a fancy one, or you can opt for the popular Galaxy Watch4 and get all the necessities at a reasonable price.

• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (44mm) – Sale Price: $239.99 | Regular Price: $279.99