The Hiking Gear You Need for Short and Long Hikes

^{Photo via Lucas Favre on Unsplash}

In recent years, lots of us went out on hikes or camping trips because, frankly, there wasn’t much else to do. But if you’re heading back to the woods this season, you’re likely doing it completely by choice, so why not put some thought into how you can improve the experience? With essential hiking gear and camping must-haves, you can set yourself up for success, no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.

Day Hikes

^{Photo via Nappy.co}

If your goal is to transport yourself somewhere remote (or remote-ish) and make your way to a lookout worth the trouble, you’ll want to grab some little upgrades for outdoor activities. Hit the out-and-back or loop trail with an extra spring in your step thanks to these deals that will elevate your day hikes.

Chargeworx 20,000mAh Power Bank

Honestly, some of the best hiking gear has very little to do with the trail itself. What good is a majestic view if you can’t snap a pic because your phone is dead? Even if you’re not doin’ it for the 'gram (and there’s no service anyway), you’ll want to make sure your devices are charged up for various other uses—you know, in case you need them for downloaded maps, to check the time, or to act as a flashlight. 49% off at $44.99

Orbel: The Ultimate Personal Hand Sanitizer

Even before COVID, it was a good idea to bring hand sanitizer along on a hiking trip for all the obvious reasons. These little fellas are incredibly easy to tote around, offer a 72% ethyl alcohol formula, and seem just plain fun to use. 25% off a pack of 4 at $29.95

Zero K Cooling & Cleansing Wipes

For anyone who gets hot and sweaty sooner rather than later, these Kickstarter-funded cooling face and body wipes may seem like luxury items but they'll feel like lifesavers. Formulated with menthol, peppermint oil, witch hazel, and chamomile in conjunction with expert cosmetic chemists at a National Science Foundation certified lab, it’s easy to see why the biodegradable wipes have a 4.3-star rating on Amazon. 27% off at $20.99

Super Shield Mosquito Repellent Electronic Watch Band

If you don’t want to be covered in bug spray (in light of the aforementioned sweating situation) but also don’t want to be covered in bugs, this is the real outdoor gear you need. Try an ultrasonic mosquito-repelling band made with silicone for comfort, and even if your feet are killing you, your itchiness won't be. Also awesome for everyday outdoor living. 57% off at $16.99

Xtreme Paracord 5-in-1 Ultimate Survival Tool

Day hikes can be as tame or challenging as you want, but it’s just plain silly to go out with zero help if something unexpected happens. Slide this survival bracelet on your wrist and be prepared with a compass, fire starter, and more. 73% off at $11.99

Hydaway Collapsible 25-Ounce Water Bottle

Know what else would be ridiculous to leave behind? H2O. Bring this ultra-portable collapsible water bottle that's got 4.6 stars on Amazon. It's easy to carry and drink from and then folds down to take up basically zero space in your utility bag or pocket. $31.95

Overnight Camping

^{Photo via Josué Barrantes Rojas on Scopio}

For a trip that involves sleeping over at a public or private campground or staying relatively close to your car, you’ll have the luxury of being able to bring along items to make the night or weekend a little more comfortable. Grab your coziest sleeping bag and pack it along with this outdoor gear.

Height-Adjustable Aluminum Camping Table with Folding Design

If you’ve ever been camping before, you undoubtedly know the value of having a table. Even if the campground you’re going to has picnic tables at the sites, you likely won’t have enough surface area for storing, prepping, and eating. This adjustable aluminum table folds up so it’s easy to bring along and store; plus you’re sure to find it helpful back at home. 36% off at $69.99

CLIQ Portable Camping Chair

Upgrade to a portable camping chair that packs up into a size not much bigger than a water bottle and earned 4.5 stars on Amazon. Made with ripstop ballistic nylon material and lumbar support, this durable and comfortable Kickstarter-funded chair is low-profile, lightweight, and collapsible, making it perfect for all your outdoor adventures. 10% off at $89.99

TREBLAB FX100 Waterproof Rugged Bluetooth Speaker

Now that you have your comfy chair, you’ll want to stay entertained. Keep the tunes flowing in 360° surround sound for up to 35 hours with this TREBLAB waterproof speaker that’s made for the great outdoors and rated 4.3 stars on Amazon. 14% off at $59.99

Hum Bug Bug Zapper Lantern

For hiking, camping, or chilling in your backyard, this little gadget is key. It lures and traps bugs so they don't annoy you, is non-toxic, can be charged via USB or sunlight, and has a built-in light—what’s not to like? Fire up this indoor-outdoor bug zapper and journey into the night. 75% off at $19.99

Eat Your Coffee Caffeinated Snacks

Love your coffee but don’t want to deal with packing all that stuff, making the coffee, and then cleaning all that stuff? We feel you. Instead, eat your coffee. These snack bars, bites, and nut butters are equivalent to either a cup of coffee (80mg of caffeine) or a shot of espresso (65mg) and come in a bunch of flavors and pack sizes. Start with a variety of 18 snack bars and see what you think! 26% off at $32.99

Backcountry Hiking

^{Photo via Greg Rosenke on Unsplash}

OK, this is where it gets serious. You already know you should get yourself a good pair of hiking boots if you'll be out on long hikes, but backcountry hiking and camping is not for the average bear. Or rather, it’s specifically for the average bear of both the black and brown variety. Everything about this trip should be focused on preparation, planning, and survival, especially if you're going without guides. Sounds dramatic, but backcountry camping is legit camping.

Hiker Medic MedPack

First things first: first aid. This 2-pack of HSA/FSA-approved Hiker Medic aid kits will help you prepare for the most common hiking injuries. You'll get sunscreen, hydration drink mixes, sting relief, bandages, blister tape, alcohol prep pads, and more. 14% off at $42.99

Etón 3-Day Emergency Kit with American Red Cross

Take it a step further with a full-on emergency kit that can support you for three days. Everything you need for the first 72 hours of a bad situation is here, including drinking water, a food ration, waterproof matches, a survival whistle, and more. $25 off $79.99 with code SAFETY25

HomeTown Knives HT14b Black Skinner Tracker

Don’t forget to pack a serious survival knife like this one from HomeTown Knives. With a sharp 5.5" Damascus blade you can use for flint, wood chipping, batoning, and as an ax or a skinner, this knife can really help you in an emergency. 24% off at $123.95

CleanLight™ UV Sanitizing Water Bottle

If you have the room, you might want to bring along a UVC light sanitizing water bottle. This 17-ounce bottle’s sterilization technology kills 99.99% of germs in three minutes. The cap features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to one week and comes with a magnetic charge cable for easy charging if that’s something you opt to do on your adventure. 27% off at $79.99

2-Person Self-Inflating Waterproof Camping Air Mattress

To keep things lightweight yet comfy, consider this camping air mattress. It’s compact when you’re not using it, so it’s easy to carry, but it offers some cushion to help you get better rest. Luxuriate in the surface area solo or invite someone to join you—it's made for two. 25% off at $89.99

Camping with Kids

^{Photo via Ron Lach from Pexels}

If you've been trying to plan a family vacation and balking at the cost of flights, hotels, or inflation-affected travel in general, hiking and camping are great ways to spend quality time together without needing a second mortgage. Even if keeping the budget low is top of mind, your main goal for a family camping trip could very well be keeping everyone within the limits of their patience. Some level of discomfort can obviously be expected, but we suggest you think “glamping” as you aim for happiness in the woods (adults included).

44-Quart Portable Electric Car Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer

A basic cooler can only do so much. Ensure your food and drinks are the way you (read: the kids) like them with this electric fridge-freezer combo that plugs into your 12V/24V vehicle outlet and comes with an adapter for home use. 31% off at $479.99

Folding Aluminum Camping Grill Table with Storage & Windscreen

And when it comes to cooking that food, you’ll want to recreate a “kitchen” as best you can. You will 100% want a propane-burning stove to supplement any barbecue action. But it's the organization, storage, and prep space afforded to you by this portable grill table that will quickly prove indispensable for any extended time spent camping with (or even without) children. 18% off at $179.99

Foldable Mini Washing Machine

How many days are spending in the woods? Have you seen how dirty your kids get at home? Just pack this collapsible adjustable-speed washing machine and thank us later. 56% off at $64.95

EchoSmile 4–6 Person Pop-Up Tent

Obviously, no list of hiking and camping gear could be complete without a tent. So here we are. This family-size tent fits up to six people and offers an effortless pop-up design, spacious interior, excellent ventilation, and easy folding when it’s time to go home. $10 off $189.99 (reg. $228) with code ECHOTENT10

Prices subject to change.