If you love the outdoors then you will know that there is plenty of gear you can bring to help you enjoy the scenery to the fullest. From 45-litre backpacks to sturdy trekking shoes and hiking poles, there is no shortage of accessories that you can buy before an expedition. Having the right equipment is essential for being safe on the trail, so don’t worry about shelling out a little extra for a piece of gear that will last you a long time.

　　Here are five gadgets every trekker should have in their pack.

　　Top Things To Carry For Trekking

　　Smartwatch With GPS

　　A reliable GPS watch with long-lasting battery life and mapping support is essential for when you go trekking. Compared to traditional smartwatches, GPS watches have a bigger capacity battery and are more bulky. Hence, a smaller, lighter watch may be better suited to anyone planning trail runs where every extra gram of weight matters.

　　Another facet of a smartwatch with GPS is its mapping tool. Most good outdoor watches offer the ability to follow routes with simple breadcrumb navigation. Just make sure the battery life is up to the mark as some watches offer different GPS battery life numbers based on the option to reduce the accuracy of GPS tracking to improve battery performance.

　　Solar Charger

　　A solar charger is a portable device that uses solar energy to supply electricity to your electronic devices or batteries. The charging time depends on the solar charger’s power output, which is measured in watts, and the strength of sunlight. A higher wattage means faster charging, essential for larger devices like tablets. Chargers with integrated batteries can also store energy when the sun isn’t shining.

　　If you plan on getting one, consider buying a lightweight and easy-to-carry solar charger that is compatible with your devices. Keep in mind that solar charges come in different forms: panels only, where you can charge your device directly; panels with an integrated battery pack which combines solar panels and a battery; and panels with a detachable battery pack. If you don’t need a solar charger, simply get a handy power bank instead.

　　Headlamp

　　A hands-free headlamp is an essential tool every trekker should have to keep them safe on the trail at night. There are several key factors you should consider when choosing a headlamp. Firstly, ensure that the headlamp is durable, especially in challenging conditions. Look for models made from robust materials that can withstand rough use. Secondly, check the lumen count. Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted from a headlamp. While a higher lumen count generally indicates a brighter light, the quality of the beam pattern—such as its width and throw—is equally important. Thirdly, consider the battery type of the headlamp. Rechargeable batteries reduce waste and can be cost-effective over time but often have shorter burn times. Fourthly, know the burn time, which refers to how long a headlamp can run before needing a recharge or battery replacement. Finally, understand the light modes of the headlamp. Common modes include red light for minimal impact on night vision and reduced insect attraction, strobe for visibility and emergency signalling, high beam for powerful illumination on dark trails, and low beam for conserving battery life during close-up tasks.

　　Bluetooth Speaker

　　Sometimes, camping after a full day of trekking is made all the more memorable with some choice music tinkling out of a speaker. For those who want to listen to their favourite songs while outdoors, the arrival of portable Bluetooth speakers has been nothing short of amazing. Of course, the most important thing about buying an outdoor speaker is its weather resistance since outdoor speakers will be exposed to the elements. Look for speakers with an IPX rating that indicates their resistance to water and dust. The higher the ratings, the more protection you’ll get.

　　It’s also important to note that outdoor environments often require speakers with higher power ratings to overcome ambient noise and cover a larger area. Hence, consider the wattage of the speakers to ensure they can deliver the volume you need without distortion.

　　Camera

　　An oldie but a goldie gadget to bring with you on every trek remains the camera. Sure, you can take photos with your smartphone, but having a dedicated camera means capturing those stunning views with more clarity and detail. A good camera to bring on hikes or backpacking expeditions needs to be portable and, ideally, weatherproof so you can shoot in all kinds of conditions without worry. Crop sensor mirrorless cameras are the ideal choice for a mix of image quality, portability and durability, but you can also purchase a fixed-lens point-and-shoot camera if it's convenient for you. Whatever you decide, make sure to live in the moment as much as you can before pressing the shutter.