10 Safety Hiking Gadgets for Backpackers & Outdoor Travel

If you like to explore the great outdoors when you travel, you’ll want to check out these cool safety hiking gadgets. They make great gifts (as the giver or receiver!)…

Don’t you just love the word “gadget”?! It describes something cool and useful, which is exactly what you want whenever you travel into nature.

If you’re a hobbyist or avid hiker, backpacker, or nature enthusiast, this list of gadgets is for you. 

You can add them to your own shopping list or put them on a gift “wish list” for others to fulfill. There’s always a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas right around the corner, right?

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10 Safety Hiking Gadgets & Gear

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, safety is a key feature for the best hiking gadgets. So, that’s one of the criteria for the items on my list. There are plenty of other cool gadgets out there, but my focus is more on functionality this time around.

However, as you’ll see, the following hiking gadgets and gear have a range of features any nature enthusiast would enjoy.

1. Leatherman Signal Camping Multi-Tool

Multi-tools pack in a lot of functionality in one small tool, making it a must-have for hikers and backpackers. 

This particular model has 19 tools in one, including a cutting device, pliers, a can opener, and wire cutters.

Tossing this one tool into your pack can prepare you for almost any challenge you may encounter. For more options, you can check out Multitools for Survival.

2. JDYYICZ Waterproof Compass

Rule #1 of hiking: don’t get lost. This waterproof military compass ensures that you follow that rule.

In our techy world, we’ve come to rely on GPS apps. However, you never know when you’ll lose signal or your battery will die when hiking. 

Going “old school” with a compass can be a lifesaver. Literally. 

This compact compass is only 3.34” x 2.48” x 1.18” and comes with a nice little carry bag. So, you can easily take it with you without sacrificing space or adding too much weight.

3. X-Plore Gear Firestarter

Rule #2 of hiking: don’t freeze to death. Or Starve. Or drink bacteria-ridden water. Okay, I’m making these rules up, but you get my point.

A firestarter makes building a fire easy so you can keep warm, heat food, and boil water. It’s a small hiking gadget with lifesaving potential.

This X-PLORE firestarter is very durable, withstanding thousands of sparks and strikes.

4. Hiker Hunger Outfitter Trekking Poles

Trekking poles help you conserve energy in your legs and help stabilize you when hiking. It’s a win-win for hikers going on long treks or even short treks on uneven terrain.

These Hiker Hunger poles are height adjustable and, best of all, shock absorbent.

Plus, they’re extremely lightweight and durable since they are made from 100% carbon fiber.

5. A2S Survival Paracord Bracelets

Wouldn’t it be nice to have 12 feet of rope that can fit in the palm of your hand? How about around your wrist? That’s exactly what these paracord bracelets offer.

The bracelets I link to above are actually a 5-in-1 survival tool. They include a compass, emergency whistle, removable fire scrapper, magnesia rod fire starter, and 7-strand parachute cord.

This two-pack comes in 30 different colors and four different sizes.

6. Midland 22 Channel Walkie Talkies

If you’re hiking with a partner or leaving someone back at camp, it’s a good idea to have walkie-talkies. That way, you can keep in contact regardless of each other’s pace or location.

These two-way radios have a 24-mile range! Plus, 22 channels with a channel scanner. 

Best of all, these particular walkie-talkies are rechargeable with backup batteries.

7. Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter

Turn any water into drinking water with this hiking gadget. We all know how important hydration is, so this compact water filter is perfect for backpacking or emergency preparedness.

It’s ultra-light, coming in at only 11 ounces. Plus, it’s only 3”x3”x6”, which is a perfect design for a single person or small group.

8. Strike King Polarized Sunglasses

A good pair of polarized sunglasses can make all the difference for a hiker. Their special coating filters more light than other sunglasses, giving you optimal visibility.

These sunglasses also help to protect your eyes, especially if you’re hiking in the snow. 

Thankfully, these glasses are high-quality but not expensive. So, if you lose them or damage them, it’s not a huge loss.

A cool bonus is they come in many different colors.

9. GoForWile Rechargeable Headlamps

Another nifty hiking gadget is a headlamp. You get all the benefits of a flashlight with the comfort of a headband. 

This two-pack is great for hiking partners or just to have a backup. They’re lightweight but very bright with 500 lumens of chip-on-board (COB) light. 

Plus, it has multiple light modes. You can white or red light. The red light mode makes it perfect for your stargazing kit. 

10. Tilly Broadrim Hat

Yep, I’m including a hat on this list of hiking gadgets. I know it may seem like a stretch to call this a “gadget,” but this hat has more features than most.

Plus, a hat is must-have hiking gear!

The best “feature” this hat has is a lifetime guarantee! But it’s also durable water repellent (DWR) with moisture-wicking hydrofil.

More Great Travel Tech!

This list of hiking gadgets focused on safety, but there are many more gadgets and tech to use on your travels! So, stay tuned for more recommendations for travel tech, hiking gadgets, and travel advice.

I’d also love to hear about your recommendations in the comments below. Be sure to let us know if you use any of the above safety hiking gadgets or recommend others.

We always appreciate learning from others as much as we enjoy sharing information. So, thank you for your input!

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