5 Things That Can Make Your Next Hike Better

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

All hikers put careful thought into the jackets, boots, and backpacks that they bring on the trail. But there are a few essential hiking items that most people don’t consider before setting out. These five unexpected things could make or break your next hiking trip.

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Suunto 7 Smartwatch

Five versions of the Suunto 7 collection watches in various colors — Suunto

Many of the world’s best hikes are off-the-grid, which is great for solitude, but not so great when you lose the trail—unless you have the Suunto 7. This smartwatch relies on GPS (not cell data) to pinpoint your exact geographic location. Before you set out on the trail, download offline maps to your watch (you can even use the Suunto app to plan out your own custom route), and easily see at a glance if you’re on track. The maps show heatmaps of highly-trafficked trails, so you can discover hidden gems (or avoid the crowds if you prefer).

The Sunnto’s battery will last for more than a full day of activity, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power before your hike is over.

Superfeet

Hiking boots are considered the most important piece of gear for any trek, but there’s an easy way to make any pair instantly better—add in performance insoles. Superfeet’s Adapt Run orthotic insoles add cushioning and support to trail runners, and actually even help your foot move the way it is supposed to.

The insoles add moisture-wicking, breathability, and odor control to keep your shoes fresh for longer.

Food

Close up of hikers holding deli meat sandwiches — David Pereiras | Adobe Stock

Snacks and meals are essential for fueling a hard hike, but choosing the wrong food to bring can make your trek harder than it has to be. Eating candy or processed carbs can be tempting for the quick energy spike they bring, but they will likely be followed by a blood sugar crash that can leave you feeling even worse.

For sustained energy that will power you through to the summit, pack nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods. Some good options include trail mix, whole-grain peanut butter sandwiches, and fresh or dried fruit (without added sugar).

Hydration Tablets

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets in four different flavors — Amazon

You always bring a water bottle on your adventures, but have you considered what you’re putting in it? If you’re going on a hike that will last more than an hour, it’s recommended that you supplement your water with electrolytes. Sodium, in particular, can help you retain fluids and rehydrate more effectively than plain water. Nuun Sport tablets dissolve quickly in water and don’t have many extra ingredients beyond electrolytes.

Emergency Kit

20 in 1 Survival Kit by Pathway North — Amazon

Even if you’re only setting out on a short hike, you should always pack an emergency kit in the event something goes wrong. Look for one (or make your own) that contains everything you’d need to survive a night in the outdoors: a light, bandages, whistle, firestarter, blanket, and water purification tablets.

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