Outdoor hardware and accessories have proliferated beyond head torches and compasses. Sometimes that's for the better, sometimes for the worse. For the better because the useful items help keep us safe and our outings more enjoyable. For the worse because there are a lot of gimmicks and garbage out there.
The fundamental essentials for hiking haven't changed. They might have evolved and been refined over the years, but a compass, for example, is still a compass. No fancy smartwatch has replaced it yet. Some items, such as trekking poles, have become very popular in the last 20 to 30 years. Others, like high-SPF sunscreen, have become a must for hikers.
Our shortlist:
Black Diamond 500-R Headlamp - Best head torch
Lifesystems Explorer First Aid Kit - Best first aid kit for hiking
Silva Starter 1-2-3 - Best basic compass
Lifesystems Mountain Sun Cream SPF50+ - Best sunscreen for hiking
Suunto 9 Peak Pro - Best multisport smartwatch
Given the absurdly broad category of hiking accessories, in this article, we're looking at the key items you need beyond footwear, clothing, backpack, and sustenance, plus some useful but non-essential additions.
Best hiking accessories
1. Black Diamond 500-R Headlamp
Best head torch
Description
This is a fantastic [head
Pros
- Light modes for map reading
- Very bright
- Great weatherproofing
Cons
- Ergonomics takes getting used to
- Hybrids can be more versatile
2. Alpkit Qark
Best value head torch
Description
Addressing the question of expense is Alpkit's Qark head torch. It's simple, comfortable, and
Pros
- Good value
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Hybrid
Cons
- Not as tough as some
- No battery level indicator
3. Lifesystems Explorer First Aid Kit
Best first aid kit for hiking
Description
First aid kit contents vary depending on the activity and how many people they're for.
The
Pros
- Comprehensive list of contents
- High-quality first aid kit
- Nicely organised
Cons
- More compact kits available
4. Lifesystems Emergency Blanket
Best emergency blanket
Description
Some of the most essential hiking accessories are also the smallest and least expensive, such as
Pros
- Generous size
- Can be used for signalling
- Great value
Cons
- None - ideal emergency blanket
Best basic compass
Description
Basic knowledge of map reading and navigation is an absolute essential for hiking and trekking in
Pros
- Rotatable housing
- Waterproof
- Detachable lanyard
Cons
- No magnifier
6. Camelbak Chute Mag Bottle
Best water bottle
Description
A plastic water bottle is a good way to shave the grams and keep weight down. Camelbak's Chute Mag
Pros
- Several volumes available
- Made from partially recycled material
- Strong
Cons
- You might prefer a simple screw-top bottle
Best flask
Description
It's a heavy thing, but the YETI Rambler bottle is a magnificent
Pros
- Several volumes available
- Suitable for hot and cold liquids
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
8. Lifesystems Mountain Sun Cream SPF50+
Best sunscreen for hiking
Description
There are a few things you want from your sunscreen. One of them is Broad Spectrum, which helps
Pros
- UVA and UVB protection
- Sweat and water resistant
- No parabens
Cons
- Small(ish) volume
9. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
Best walking poles
Description
What made the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork stand out to us above all the rest was their
Pros
- Fantastic build quality
- Spares for almost all parts easily available
Cons
- There are even lighter poles out there
10. Suunto 9 Peak Pro
Best multisport smartwatch
Description
We liked the predecessor of this watch very much, but it had a couple of niggles regarding the
Pros
- Excellent layout
- Looks awesome
- Great app
Cons
- App is a little slow to sync
Best power bank for outdoors
Rrp: £49.99
Description
Thanks to its small size, decent capacity and, crucially, a tough outer, the Power Brick is the
Pros
- Very tough
- Looks cool
- Useful built-in light
Cons
- Some offer better capacity for the money
Rrp: £49.99
Best tough phone case
Description
The [tough phone
Pros
- Really impressive impact protection
- MagSafe compatible
- Still slim and minimalist
Cons
- Only available for the latest 'big 3' smartphones
Winter hiking accessories
Irrespective of whether you hike in winter for the scenery, solitude, or the sheer challenge, there are some accessories that are important additions to your inventory.
13. Mountain Equipment Guide Glove
Best winter gloves
Description
The Mountain Equipment Guide
Pros
- Warm
- Plenty of features
- Protective
- Good value
Cons
- Some pricier options are tougher
14. Grivel G10 Crampon
Best crampons
Description
The C1-rated Grivel G10 is a robust and reliable go-to crampon for hillwalkers. It can be attached
Pros
- Full strap and step-in versions
- Ideal for most mountain trips
- Very easy to use
Cons
- There are better options for very technical terrain
15. Petzl Glacier
Best ice axe
Description
The ice axe graduates the
Pros
- Comfortable in the hand
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Too light in axe head for some users
Hiking accessory buying advice
There are only a few hiking accessories we class as absolutely essential. These are a head torch, compass and map, sunscreen and a first aid kit (including an emergency blanket). If you're hiking in winter, an emergency shelter, ice axe, and crampons also need to go into your rucksack.
Beyond that, everything else is optional. Important, perhaps (like trekking poles), but optional nevertheless.
How you like to hike and your budget influence what hiking accessories you take with you. There are multiple options for different types of hiking that achieve the same thing. For example, people going on fastpacking trips won't want to take a heavy stainless steel flask but a lightweight water bottle or hydration bladder instead.
Multitools are a handy accessory to carry – a lot of hiking gear lists include them. If you're doing overnight or multiday trips, they're certainly useful to take. But a multitool doesn't just mean a knife. For example, you can get sporks with bottle openers, which makes this humble piece of cutlery a multitool.
Trekking poles are incredibly popular because they aid balance and reduce strain on the body. To find out all about trekking poles, read our guide we created in partnership with LEKI.