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.