Outdoor hardware and walking 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 outdoor 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.

The best walking accessories at a glance:
Best head torch: Black Diamond 500-R Headlamp - View on Black Diamond
Best first aid kit for hiking: Lifesystems Explorer First Aid Kit - View on Ellis Brigham
Best basic compass: Silva Starter 1-2-3 - View on Amazon
Best sunscreen for hiking: Lifesystems Mountain Sun Cream SPF50+ - View on Cotswold Outdoor
Given the absurdly broad category of walking 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 walking accessories in detail:
Best head torch

www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Description
This is a fantastic head torch if you're willing to pay the high price for it. It has dimmable
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

alpkit.com
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
Best handheld torch for hiking and camping

www.torchdirect.co.uk
Description
American torch specialist Maglite produces everything from keyring lights to torches for emergency
Pros
- Simple twist operation
- Tough and water resistant
- Bright without being overkill
- Compact
Cons
- Supplied AAs aren't rechargeable
- Not the best run time
Best first aid kit for hiking

www.ellis-brigham.com
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
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
Best water purifier

Description
This pocket-sized water purifier is more effective than most options. Water filters remove cysts
Pros
- Removes cysts, bacteria, viruses, and particulates
- Tough
- Also reduces chemicals and heavy metals
Cons
- Not the fastest flow rate
Best water bottle

Description
The tough metal water container is a timeless hiking classic. This option from Swiss brand SIGG is
Pros
- Sustainable
- Tough
- Good value
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only 2 volume sizes
Best flask

Description
Pros
- Several volumes available
- Suitable for hot and cold liquids
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
Best sunscreen for hiking

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
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
Best walking poles

www.blackdiamondequipment.com
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
Best multisport smartwatch

www.suunto.com
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

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
Best tough phone case

Description
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.
Best winter gloves

www.countryside.co.uk
Description
Pros
- Warm
- Plenty of features
- Protective
- Good value
Cons
- Some pricier options are tougher
Best crampons

www.snowandrock.com
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
17. Petzl Glacier
Best ice axe

www.ellis-brigham.com
Description
The ice axe
Pros
- Comfortable in the hand
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Too light in axe head for some users
Walking accessory buying advice

There are only a few walking 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.
How we test
This wide collection of products come recommended following weeks, months, sometimes years of testing by our experienced gear testers.
We love getting our hands on walking accessories, both conventional and innovative options, to always stay on top of the very best products currently on the market and to filter the accessories from the gimmicks.
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Chris Williams is a Digital Content Writer for Live For The Outdoors. He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and has been working on Live For The Outdoors since 2021.