Accidents can happen quickly on a hike. The high-tech gadgets you carry can help you avoid them. That’s why many hikers choose to take this kind of gear with them.
High-tech hydration gear for hiking
Food matters on a hike, but hydration matters even more. You should drink at least half a litre of water during your hike. Yet finding safe drinking water regularly isn’t always easy on high peaks or deep in a nature park. You’ll need to carry a durable water bottle or a flask to stay hydrated, though this can add weight to your hiking backpack. Fortunately, high-tech containers can help.
For just a few euros, you can now buy "soft" water bottles that resemble small CamelBak reservoirs. They hold a substantial amount of water while adding little weight to your backpack. There are also all-terrain water bottles with built-in filters, such as the LifeSaver filtration bottle. Carrying one is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to go hiking. The filter bottle can remove parasites, viruses, fungi and chemicals often found in water.
A high-tech map
Safety must come first when hiking. Start by knowing your route. It’s always wise to carry a map, as knowing the terrain matters throughout your hike. Many hikers take a paper map, but rain can easily damage it. That’s why some brands have developed practical maps for outdoor activities. Made from microfibre, they withstand moisture and repeated folding.
Hikers can also use a handheld GPS to track routes and navigate safely if disoriented. Thousands of portable models are available, offering high reliability, pinpoint accuracy, and trail-ready practicality.
Hiking with high-tech gear
Using instruments like a pedometer or an electronic altimeter gives you a real advantage on the trail.
A pedometer measures distance covered over flat terrain. Advanced models track cadence and stride count alongside heart rate, while others calculate speed and calories burned. Weighing around 50 g, it clips securely onto your waistband with a spring clip.
An electronic altimeter is invaluable for tracking elevation performance during mountain trekking. A compact barometer at core, this gadget monitors altitude gain and distance covered, with advanced models tracking average group pace.
Alongside these high-tech gadgets, the traditional Swiss Army knife deserves a place on your list of hiking accessories.
