A comprehensive list of what hikers actually need in the backcountry all for under $25 each!
1 - A Sawyer Water Filter Mini
Go with the most popular brand amongst backpackers to ensure clean water in the backcountry!
2 - A Lightweight Knife
Because anything bigger to cut meats, cheeses, and avocados is just overkill!
3 - A Reliable AND Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl is the industry leader in reliable hiking and camping headlamps which are an essential tool for all users in the backcountry. Have no concerns for spending so little with this dependable brand!
4 - The Toughest Pair Of Socks You'll Ever Own
True to the name Darn Tough socks may very well be your last ever pair of hiking socks. With their lifetime warranty and simple replacement process your money will go the furthest - quite literally from all those miles you'll be hiking!
5 - A Simple Hat That Does The Trick
Carhartt makes a beanie that's perfect for cold mornings and evenings around camp for a very affordable price. You'll thank yourself later when your ears and head are covered in warmth.
6 - A Pair Of Gaiters
Stop those pesky pebbles from entering your hiking boots and trail runners with a simple solution, universal fitting gaiters!
7 - Trekking Poles Because Even Expensive Pairs Break
It's an outdoor debate as old as time, or probably trekking poles. Do you need expensive trekking poles? No. If you want them, get them, but an under $25 pair from the reputable Cascade Mountain Tech brand will do just as well.
8 - KT Tape To Fix Everything
Like duct tape with more uses, KT tape can come in handy in the most creative ways. The most important is for those on the mountain injuries. It's also patched my gear, covered my wounds, and resealed bags.
9 - Hydration Packets For Advanced Rehydration
A hydration packet with great flavors, real sugar, and scientific technology that you can feel. Keep these in your day pack and full pack at all times in case of emergency and enjoy as needed too!
10 - Carbs and Caffeine
The perfect breakfast for those hitting the trail right after they pack up camp. These also make for the perfect afternoon uphill boost!
11 - A Portable Power Bank
Don't get caught with a dying headlamp or needing to use your backup paper maps in the woods, this power bank will charge your phone multiple times on your next trip. It's also from the most reliable brand in charging electronics!
12 - A Life Saving Emergency Bivvy
Bringing this with you on a simple winter day hike could end up saving your life. It's small, compact, and lightweight. SOL is an ironic name for emergency gear but with this brand you'll be anything but Sh*t Out of Luck!
13 - A Trowel For Cathole Diggin
Because when you gotta go, you gotta go!
14. A Backcountry French Press
Those who enjoy a relaxing morning at camp better not be drinking instant, that would be a shame. Upgrade your mornings in style and flavor with this French press made to be packed away with the rest of your gear!
15. Something To Actually Repel Insects
Spray on clothes and gear once for weeks of insect protection that actually works! Brought to you from the same Sawyer that makes those universally trusted water filters so this is sure to be the go to brand here as well.
16 - Sea-to-Summit Dry Bags
This brand makes the best lightweight backpacking dry bags for a price that can't be beat. Other than keeping gear dry these can be used for hanging food, pack organization, and a comfy stuff sack pillow at night.
17 - Inflatable Lightweight Pillow
A pillow can make all the difference especially in the backcountry. Treat yourself to a few extra ounces of pleasure and skip the stuff sack pillow with this incredible inflatable pillow for your next night in the woods.
18 - A Ground Cloth Made For A House
This lightweight, waterproof, and insulating material is trusted on houses all across the world so it ought to be trusted for a nights sleep under a tent.
19 - A Platypus Water Bag
Don't run out of water in those long dry stretches this year! This Platypus water bag will hold up to 2 liters of water and take up less space and weight than any water bottle could!
20 - Fairy Lights Because Why Not?
Spruce up your tent or campsite with these battery operated portable string lights. They'll surely make for a great atmosphere in camp and brighten up those campsite photos around the fire!
21 - A Portable Air Mattress Inflator
It's never fun getting lightheaded trying to blow up those three inch camping air mattresses. Instead get this rechargeable gadget to do it for you! It also makes for a great tool for stoking the fire with oxygen!
22 - A Bowl That Takes Up No Room
This collapsible bowl and mug set made from reliable manufacturer Sea-to-Summit is lightweight and durable. No need to play Tetris neatly trying to stack your mess kit together to fit in your pack anymore!
23 - A Lightweight Towel
Keeping warm and dry is the key to happiness when camping. Pack Towel makes some of the best quality lightweight and quick drying towels and cloths on the market. A universal item in the outdoors!
24 - AllTrails Pro Subscription
Never get lost in the woods again with a subscription to AllTrails Pro! Pro features let you download maps for offline guidance and can GPS direct you in real-time.
25 - A Massage Ball
Made from lightweight cork material this massage ball is sure to help those aches and pains after a full day of hiking. Perfect for those on a multi-day trip who have to leave the massage chair at home!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate affiliate if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks!
Prices are current of the time of writing, Secret Hike has no affiliation with these manufacturers and receives no benefit nor compensation from any of the manufacturers listed here within.
©Copyright 2020-2021 Secret Hike
Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
DISCLAIMER:
This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!