Best Summer Hiking Tech & Gear 2026 (Top 5)

Summer hiking season opens Memorial Day (May 25). 5 essentials our editors carry on every trail — no fluff.

1. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Editors Pick · $349

Solar-charging GPS watch. 28-day battery. Best $300 hiking watch.

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2. Osprey Stratos 24 Daypack

Daypack · $170

Ventilated mesh back. Rain cover included. Sized for 8-10 hour hikes.

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3. Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles · $120

Aluminum, foldable. The pair that prevents knee pain on descents.

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4. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

Water · $40

100,000-gallon lifespan. 3 oz. The standard filter on every thru-hike.

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5. Garmin inReach Mini 2

Safety · $400

Two-way satellite messenger + SOS. Required for solo backcountry. Saves lives.

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Editor’s tip

Don’t carry trail mix. Real food (PB tortilla, salami) at 100 cal/oz beats trail mix every time. Pair it with a GPS watch and you’ll cover 30% more ground.

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• Affiliate disclosure

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