3 Hiking Essentials I Never Hit the Trail Without

Over the years, my backpack has changed, my shoes have changed, and my routes have taken me from coastal paths to alpine ridgelines. But a few things? They’ve stayed with me on every single hike — long or short, solo or with the group.

These aren’t flashy or expensive items. They’re just dependable, time-tested tools that have proven themselves again and again on real trails. Here are three hiking essentials I personally never leave behind.

1. A Collapsible Water Bottle

Forget rigid bottles that hog pack space. I’ve been using a collapsible soft bottle for years — it’s lightweight, durable, and folds flat when empty. Whether I’m refilling at a stream or packing light for the descent, this setup just works.

2. A Lightweight Rain Shell

The weather doesn’t care what the forecast said. On countless hikes, a sudden drizzle has hit me mid-trail — and I’ve thanked myself for packing a compact shell. It lives in an outer pocket so I can throw it on fast and keep moving.

3. A Neck Gaiter (Buff)

One small item with ten uses: sun protection, sweatband, wind block, light face cover in dust, even an emergency towel. It weighs almost nothing and earns its place on every outing.

What about you? What’s one piece of gear you’d never hit the trail without? Share it with the community in the Wakahi Forum.