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Destination hiking is a key component of many people’s summer travel plans, especially as trails open up at national parks like Glacier, Yellowstone and more. If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the season’s arrival to get out into the wonders of nature, your time is nearly here, and with it, a need to gear up for your adventures.
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If you’re a last-minute kind of packer, Amazon has you covered for hiking gear and tech, from our favorite smartwatch to keep track of your route to a water-filtering straw you can stow comfortably in your backpack.
1. A smartwatch to keep tabs on your steps
The Apple Watch 8 is our favorite smartwatch, boasting GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring and more. If you prefer to watch your miles while you’re hiking or keep track of your route via Google Maps or other apps, it’s a great way to stay connected while you’re on the go. It can also remotely control your iPhone camera, in case you want to snap a pic but don’t have anyone available to hold your phone.
$390 at Amazon
2. A water-filtering straw for long hikes
If you’re in the habit of going through a lot of water while you’re hiking or camping, you might want to invest in a LifeStraw. It’s great for filtering water in a pinch and fits neatly in a backpack or strapped onto the side of a rucksack. It ranked a little lower on our list of the best portable filters, but it’s simple and convenient enough to be suitable for hiking.
$18 at Amazon
3. Hiking poles for stability
Especially on longer hikes, having trekking poles readily available can make the difference between a draining day out and a fun day in the woods. These Cascade Mountain trekking poles are cheap, lightweight and made with durability in mind.
$24 at Amazon
4. A mini speaker you can clip onto your backpack
JBL’s line of speakers is home to some of our favorites, and the mini Clip 4 is no exception. It secures snuggly to your backpack straps or wherever you prefer, and it has excellent sound quality—our reviewer noted that, as Bluetooth speakers go, its convenience makes it more than worth the purchase.
$80 at Amazon
5. A GPS tracker to help you find your way
If you prefer not to rely on the availability of 5G to ensure you’re going where you need to when you’re out on a hike, a GPS tracker can help. Garmin’s ETrex 10 comes with excellent positioning thanks to HotFix and GLONASS support, as well as 20 hours of battery life.
$95 at Amazon
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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