Must-Have Pocket Essentials for Hiking

When hiking, what you keep in your pockets can be just as important as what’s in your backpack. Having the right gear easily accessible can make a significant difference in your safety and comfort on the trail.

Let’s focus on essential items that fit in standard pants, jacket, or cargo pockets. These items are needed for quick access on the trail, especially during short hikes.

Here’s a carefully curated list of essentials I always carry with me:

Mini First-Aid Kit

• Mini first-aid kit (contains 4-5 bandages, 2 alcohol wipes, and 2 pain relievers)

You can easily create your own using items from a pharmacy or purchase a pre-assembled kit from stores like Decathlon in Europe or Walmart in the USA. Having this handy ensures you can address minor injuries without delay.

Lighter

A lighter is essential for starting a fire in case of emergencies. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a must-have on any hike.

Small Multi-Tool

• Small multi-tool (consider a basic version with 2-3 essential functions)

I personally use a Victorinox. It’s incredibly useful for quick fixes, opening packaging, or even preparing food while on the trail.

Energy Source

• Energy gel packet or small sugary snacks

Hand Sanitizer

• Hand sanitizer (1 oz bottle)

You can also find alcohol wet wipes; a pack weighs about 20 grams. You’d be surprised how often you’ll need one out there.

Sunscreen Cream

This is a must-have for protecting your skin from UV rays, even on cloudy days.

Plastic Bag for Trash

A lightweight plastic bag can be used for many things, from carrying out trash to storing wet clothing or protecting your gear from getting wet in the rain. It’s essential for keeping the trail clean!

I carry sunscreen even in winter because the sun can still be harmful, and most places I visit require you to pack out your own trash.

Phone

In this digital age, a smartphone is an essential hiking companion for navigation, communication, and emergency contacts.

Water Bottle

I’m not a fan of thermoses, unless it’s winter and I want tea. I typically prefer a standard plastic bottle for hydration.

Headlamp

I’ll never forget the time I was fumbling through my backpack for my headlamp as winter dusk fell unexpectedly in Bulgaria. Being caught without a light can be dangerous.

When unexpected situations arise, you don’t want to dig through your backpack looking for essential items. Your pockets serve as your first line of defense and resource center on the trail.

GPS Device

I learned this lesson the hard way during a hike in Stara Planina. A new hiking trail led me off course, and I lost over 40 minutes backtracking.

Emergency Communication Devices

After witnessing a fellow hiker’s ankle injury on a remote trail, I’ve become committed to keeping these communication tools in my left chest pocket:

• A fully charged smartphone, ideally in a waterproof case for rainy conditions.
• A small whistle (incredibly loud yet exceptionally lightweight); most new backpacks include one, but they can also be purchased separately.

Conclusion

After countless kilometers on the trail, I’ve learned that successful hiking isn’t about carrying everything but about carrying the right things in the right places.

The key is to find what works best for you while ensuring you’re prepared for whatever challenges the trail might present.

So get out there, try these suggestions, and adapt them to make them your own.

Happy trails! :D