27 Essential Items to Bring With You on Any Hike

There's nothing more reliable than a paper map, and these durable, waterproof trail options from National Geographic will give you insights to your surroundings as you hike. Covering national parks in nearly every state, this series has over 350 illustrated trail maps available. Each one is checked for accuracy by local land managers and feature distinct trails, shelters, and camp grounds.

Want something a little more interactive? This handheld GPS device from Garmin is preloaded with their own topoactive maps, displaying routes to help map out hiking trails beforehand and keep you on the path. Working alongside GPS and satellite operated GLONASS navigation, this provides tracking information that's both easy to follow and accurate. It also has a barometric altimeter and a compass, which comes in handy in case you get sidetracked.

Overnight hikes require extra supplies, and some of them require power. Make sure all battery-operated equipment—especially lighting gear like flashlights and lamps—are ready to be used by swapping in new batteries before the hike and carry a few to spare in case you need it. This six-pack of AA batteries is small enough to carry in any backpack and will outlast a day or a week-long hiking-turned-camping trip.

This collapsible lantern is powered by the sun, absorbing its energy via a small solar panel, and it can provide up to 35 hours of light on its lowest setting. That's quite a lot! While it is solar powered, don't underestimate its brightness. This weatherproof lamp has four light modes and stunned Amazon customers who say this pick truly gave off a good amount of light, especially on its highest level with 66 lumens of power.

For the brightest light possible, opt for this battery-operated LED pick with 1,000 lumens of power projected around the whole lantern. Yes, we're talking 360-degree lighting, guys! It has four light modes including a warm white and a daylight white, plus a runtime of up to 25 hours. We also love that you can get direct light with this. Just remove the cap and aim in the desired direction. And don't worry about this getting wet; this has a water-resistant IPX4 rating to protect it from Mother Nature's downpours.

From overnight camping to late-night hikes, a headlamp gives you hands-free light access that's both convenient and bright. This LED option accommodates all sizes with an adjustable strap, is available in seven light modes, and has a long 45-hour runtime on its lowest setting. An Amazon customer says this headlamp is comfortable to wear and is "incredibly bright and lightweight."

Not a fan of wearing a light on your head? We hear you. That's why we're including GearLight's flashlight, which can provide enough light to view objects 1,000 feet away. Perfect if you're watching your step or looking for specific camping gear, this flashlight features five lighting options and even "zooms" in on what's in front of you thanks to a narrow- and wide-beam illumination function.

This extremely useful lighter will make campfire building and meal prepping easy—no matter the weather. This USB-rechargeable lighter is actually flameless, which means it'll remain functional even if you're hit with abnormally windy weather. It also has an impressive waterproof design that features a locking clasp to prevent any kind of moisture from seeping in.

Day hikes include sweating and a ton of sun exposure, however, sunscreen is a sure way to protect yourself from torturing sunburns. This dermatologist-approved sunscreen is one of our favorites, starring the highest amount of broad spectrum SPF protection on the market, safeguarding you from UVA and UVB rays that can cause skin cancer and aging skin. Its non-greasy formula feels light on the face and body, and it absorbs extremely well without clogging pores.

On top of applying sunscreen, adding a bucket hat with a large brim to help shade your face will provide another layer of protection while exploring. All hiking attire should include two things: breathability and sun protection, and this has both. Unlike other hats, this is made with ventilated mesh panels along the top to keep you breezy cool. It's also crafted with UPF 50+ fabric to block 98% of UV radiation.

We love a good cotton tee, but it won't provide nearly as much sun protection as this V-neck from Hanes. Made with a 50+ UPF rating polyester material, this wards off harmful rays while wicking away sweat for comfort and security. It also comes in several colors including white, pink, and navy. If you're spending an excessive amount of time in direct sunlight, opt for a darker color. It absorbs more UV rays than lighter colors.

Taking a mountain hike? Depending on the location, the air at such high altitudes can feel nippy even in the middle of summer. Go with this polyester long-sleeved shirt that covers skin from the neck to the wrists with 50+ UPF protection. Remember, the higher you climb, the closer you get to the sun! This breathable fabric keeps your body temperature cool when active while also providing a bit of warmth when needed.

These nylon pull-on pants from Columbia are extremely comfortable to wear with a loose fit and an adjustable drawstring waist band, so you'll have free range of movement while hiking, climbing, or sitting. It protects against UVA and UVB rays, has moisture-wicking technology, and has handy pockets for snacks.

Treat your feet right with these well-made hiking boots that comfort and protect you with a contoured EVA footbed, a shock-absorbing air cushioned heel, and mesh lining panels for air filtration. The brand's M-Select Dry technology is designed to keep water out while wicking-away moisture from sweat. It's also made with a rugged Vibram sole that has deep grooves for a slip-proof walk.

Smartwool socks are extremely comfortable and versatile—we guarantee these won't only be used for hiking! Made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane, these insulated socks regulate body temperature and keep feet warm while also removing sweat when active. Another great feature? These have a thick layer of cushion at the bottom to absorb impact while walking.

Rain or shine, this nylon jacket will be a godsend when you hear thunder while on the trail. Made with the brand's NanoPro coating, this features tiny pores that allow the lightweight rain jacket to remain breathable without compromising on a waterproof shield thanks to its seam taped design. We really like that this has extra material to cover up to the neck and has a removable hood.

For more insulation during cold climate hikes, this North Face jacket shields your body from snow, wind, and rain. Its fleece lining is sure to keep you warm (but not too warm) and the brand's DryVent material provides seam taped protection from the elements. It's also super stylish!

Prepare for anything with this 200-piece first aid kit that's filled with everything to mend an open wound or relieve a sprain. This sturdy case has two side pockets that organize supplies including bandages, scissors, and gauze pads perfectly. In case this is your first time using a first aid kit, this comes with an instructional guide to help with the basics. And because it's compact, it'll easily fit in your hiking backpack.

This Swiss Army pocket knife has a small and large blade, a Phillips screwdriver, a can opener, among other features that make taking this on the trail essential. Not only will this versatile knife help in addition to the first aid kit during emergencies, but it definitely makes cutting fruit or opening packaged food easier. Slip it on your keychain, so you'll have easy access in a pinch.

Packed with 11 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbs, these Clif bars satisfy hungry bellies and generate enough energy to get you from point A to point B without getting hangry. This variety pack is made with non-GMO ingredients like organic rolled oats and nuts, and includes some of our favorite flavors like Blueberry Crisp and Crunchy Peanut Butter. We're skipping the jerky this time around.