25 Best Hiking Gadgets for Outdoor Lovers [2021]

Whether you’re looking for hiking gifts for others or hiking gadgets for your own trail-based adventures, this list of the best gadgets for hiking should help!

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Looking for the best hiking gadgets to buy for yourself or others? I hope this list helps!

We’ve come a long way since early explorers first paved a path through the wilderness.

Today, modern hiking’s more convenient and accessible than ever before, thanks to handy tools that help us find our way, set up camp, and even charge our beloved electronics.

Gearing up for an adventure of your own? Want to stock up on the best gear, gizmos, and gadgets for hikers possible?

Well, it’ll help to learn about the best hiking gadgets on the market!

Today, I’m sharing 25 of my favourites, all designed to make your time outdoors safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.


Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.


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Here we go then: 25 gadgets for hiking!


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25 Awesome Gadgets for Hiking

I’ve broken this list of hiking gadgets down into sections: safety, charging/power, navigating, eating/drinking, and recreation.

I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for in there somewhere!

Best Hiking Gadgets for Safety

High-tech luxury gadgets are cool in their own right, and I’ll cover plenty of those on this list.

However, let’s start by checking out a few cool contraptions that meet a more basic, pressing need: safety. The gadgets for hikers below stash easily in your pack and can help protect you and your crew as you explore.

1. Survival Multitool

You never know what you might need when you’re out in the wilderness. A hammer? A wirecutter? A pair of pliers?

With this 14-in-1 multitool, you can have it all, and then some. You’ll appreciate the handy functions when you need them the most, but it’s its small size that makes this one stand out.

Lightweight yet heavy-duty, this cool hiking gadget takes up almost zero room in your pack.


2. Emergency Survival Whistle

These aren’t your average playthings. Emergency survival whistles emit around 120 decibels of sound and can be heard from far-away distances.

You can even find some that include an integrated compass and thermometer. Compact and portable, they’re the ideal way to make your location known.


3. Wrist Saver Pepper Spray

Back in the day, cans of pepper spray were bulky and didn’t exactly travel well.

Now, you can find tiny bottles that slip neatly into a slim, comfortable wristband. Look for one with a built-in LED light, as well as a high-powered ballistic stream to reduce blow-back.


4. Inflatable Lanterns

When you need a little more illumination than a flashlight can handle, it’s time to break out the inflatable lanterns.

These are a great way to light up your campsite and alert others that you’re approaching. A must-add to your emergency kit, it can help you stay prepared both on the trail and at home.


5. Paracord Survival Grenade

You never know what you’ll encounter on the trail. This all-in-one keychain includes a fire starter, knife, fishing kit, and rope, all at your fingertips.

From a flash flood to a hiking accident, it pays to be prepared. This is one of the best gadgets for hikers, allowing instant access to food, fire, and shelter.

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Looking for cool hiking gadgets to help you stay fully charged on the trail? This next section’s for you.

Cool Hiking Gadgets For Charging Electronics

You planned a hiking trip to get away, not scroll social media all day!

Still, you need a fully charged smartphone to find directions, stay in touch with relatives, and contact emergency support if necessary. Plus, don’t forget those sweet selfies you know you’ll snap at the summit.

Don’t worry, these five gadgets will deliver plenty of juice when you need it the most.

6. Foldable Solar Charger

Batteries might fade, but the sun never does. Today, you can find plenty of foldable solar chargers that set up in seconds.

Look for one with at least three panels so you can capture as much energy as possible. When placed in direct sunlight, most can charge a smartphone in just a few hours!


7. High-Capacity Solar Power Bank

A cable-free portable charger power bank frees up space in your pack and makes sure your battery life never falters.

For the most versatility, find one that accepts multiple types of charging cables, including a micro-cable, type-C cable, and lightning cable. Bonus points if there’s a built-in flashlight included!


8. Solar Powered Tactical Smartwatch

Talk about some pretty cool hiking gear.

This rugged wristwatch comes equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 power bank, so you never have to worry about the batteries running out.

Key features include a scratch-resistant glass face, solar intensity monitor, and specialized tactical features including ski maps and advanced navigation sensors.


9. Lightweight Battery Pack

A battery pack ranks high among a hiker’s most essential gear.

Look for one that’s lightweight and compact, and compare your options by measuring the milliampere/hour (mAh) that each one provides.

Today, modern packs can instantly recognize your frequently-used devices so you can start charging quicker.


10. Micro USB Cable

Most battery packs and solar panels come with a free micro USB cable. The only issue?

They can be up to two feet or longer, which doesn’t exactly make them easy to transport.

If your devices use USB cables, invest in a few micro-sized ones for your hike. This way, you have all the power you need, without the bulk that you don’t.

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Some of the best gadgets for hikers are highly practical in nature! Case and point? Navigational gadgets!

Navigational Gadgets For Hiking

We’ve all been there. You set out on a hike, confident that you know the way. A few hours later, you’re second-guessing everything.

The right gadgets can help reorient yourself so you always wind up where you wanted to go.

11. Compass Keychain

A traditional compass is great, but it can be hard to find ones that aren’t big, clunky, or complicated.

Thankfully, a waterproof compass keychain works just as well. Small but accurate, it clips neatly to your pack for quick access, making it one of the best gadgets for backpackers!


12. GPS Location Tracker

A portable GPS location tracker doesn’t just tell you where you’re headed.

The best models are also multi-functional, with features that let you check in with contacts using a pre-recorded message. In case of an emergency, they can also send an SOS with your GPS location to facilitate search and rescue efforts.


13. Watch Band Compass

Want to keep your compass a little closer than a keychain? Attach it right to your watch band with this handy gadget.

Most models also fit easily on your rucksack, so you can take them wherever you go.


14. LED Flashlight Gloves

Featuring an LED light on each finger and thumb, these gloves are ideal for camping or hiking in dim or dark conditions.

There’s no bulky flashlight to hold and no worries about waterproofing. A pair of these would be great for any nighttime fishing expedition or campground trek!


15. Mini Handheld GPS

Remember when GPS systems first arrived on the scene?

They were massive and slow to load, but they made car travel infinitely easier, especially for the directionally challenged. The technology has come a long way since then, and these mini handheld GPS systems are the result.

Most can store up to 15 or more locations, offering real-time longitude and latitude coordinates, traveling speed, satellite times, and more.

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Going on multi-day hikes? Check out these food-related gadget for hiking ideas…

Hiking Gadgets For Eating and Drinking

One of the best parts about hiking is enjoying a great meal by the campfire, or an awesome snack once you reach the summit.

Bring one of these gadgets along, and you’ll always be ready to break for a bite.

16. 4-in-1 Cutlery Set

Need a knife or a spoon? What about a fork or a bottle opener?

You can have all four with a stainless steel 4-in-1 set that carries all of your utensils for you. When folded, the set is neat and tidy, but each component detaches and expands for ease of use.


17. Collapsible Water Bottle

Water is an essential part of any hike, but lugging a hard water bottle around can get cumbersome after a while.

Invest in a collapsible version instead! This one loops around your wrist or attaches to your bag for quick access.


18. Foldable Cookware Set

Planning to set up camp during your hike? It isn’t exactly practical to bring along the set of pots and pans from your kitchen!

When hunger strikes, you’ll be glad you brought this foldable cookware set along. By the weight (just over 1lb!), you wouldn’t expect it to hold much, but there are 10 separate pieces in this set, including a frying pan and aluminum pot.


19. LifeStraw

Need to fill up, but aren’t exactly sure of the water conditions? A LifeStraw is a must-have in any hiker’s pack.

This gadget features a microfiltration system that removes microplastics, bacteria, and parasites, so you can chug with confidence.


20. Telescoping Marshmallow Sticks

An impromptu campfire hang can turn epic when there are marshmallows involved.

Instead of rummaging through the woods at dusk, skip the sticks and pack these telescoping metal skewers instead. From the youngest hikers to the oldest, everyone can appreciate this one.

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Last but not least, here are 5 fun gadgets for backpackers!

Fun Hiking Gadgets For Recreation

Practicality aside, sometimes you just need a gadget that’s downright fun. These next five aren’t required additions to your pack, but they’re sure to make the experience more enjoyable!

21. Tactical Pen

No, you don’t need a ballpoint pen that also doubles as a fire starter, glass breaker, 4-in-1 tool head, and emergency whistle.

But you’ll be glad you brought it on the hike, if for no other reason than to show it off to your buddies. This is one cool gadget that I’d wager no one else in your crew brings along.


22. AeroPress Portable Espresso Maker

Whether you’re waking up at a chilly campsite or basking in a mountaintop sunset, it’s always a good time for an espresso.

This portable one is manually operated, so you never have to worry about batteries or power. As long as you can boil water, you can enjoy a piping hot drink, anywhere you prefer.


23. Rechargeable Hand Warmers

No one wants cold fingers when they’re out on the trail! While those tiny disposable hand warmers can work to a degree, they’re no match for this sleek solution.

Offering three different heat levels, it’s the warm-up you’ve been waiting for.


24. Pocket Chainsaw

With bidirectional teeth and minimal binding, this pocket chainsaw is a smart and useful gadget to keep on your pack.

Whether you’re cutting limbs for a campfire or removing a cumbersome branch, you’ve got the tool to do it. The pull-and-tug technique it uses is quicker and more efficient than the push-and-shove approach you’re used to.

Heads up, you might also like this post about the best backpacking saws!


25. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

You’ve made it to your destination, and it’s time to party. Bring the tunes with a portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker!

It connects effortlessly to your smartphone, so you can share your favourite playlist in seconds.

Most feature a rechargeable battery that can deliver up to eight hours of continuous playtime, so you can play Jack Johnson on repeat, banana pancakes optional.


Grab the Best Hiking Gadgets and Enjoy Your Hike!

Often, a great hike requires nothing more than you and the outdoors.

However, there are certain tools that can make the experience safer, easier, and more enjoyable. This list of the best hiking gadgets is a great place to begin when you’re ready to start packing!

Now that you’ve got the gear, are you ready to plan your next adventure? Check out my list of 40 epic backpacking hikes for inspiration!


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