This is the updated model of the one that I have, and I would get this one if I needed to replace mine. I did have an issue where the USB input on the device (where you plug in to charge) suddenly had a poor connection, but they replaced my headlamp under warranty and now I keep the defective one as a spare and the good one as my regular headlamp. This one has a red light option, which mine doesn’t have and I wish it did; the red light is so much less harsh at night when you’re bumming around camp doing whatever. I definitely would recommend this one to anyone who needs a headlamp.

This is the successor to the one I have and I really, really love having it. I can send messages when I’m in the middle of absolutely nowhere, and I know that my partner can get ahold of me if there’s an emergency at home, as well, which makes me feel a lot better. This is a two-way communication device, which means it can send and receive messages, and I can also directly contact help by pressing the SOS (and my emergency contacts would also be alerted in the case of activation as well). You can navigate with the InReach, set waypoints, and I think also download maps to the device. There is a monthly subscription fee, but it’s pretty reasonable (like, $16/mo) for the peace of mind and knowing I’m safer with it than without it. If you’re wanting to get into more serious hiking, this is something to consider.

These are really popular as well; my understanding is that they work kind of like a portal to extend cell range by connecting to satellites and then you access the connection with your phone for two-way messaging (texting; I don’t think there’s a voice communication option). Upside to this is that it doesn’t require a subscription and is more accessibly priced than the InReach. I do know that people have a harder time connecting to satellites with the Zoleo than with the InReach; you have to be somewhere with open view of the sky, and it can take some time. This device also has an SOS button. Definitely something to consider if, again, you’re wanting to get into more secluded places or travel solo.

This is the one I have in my bag at all times and for shorter trips as well. It weighs hardly anything and is plenty of juice for me to charge my phone / headlamp / watch / InReach whatever else if I’m just away for a quick overnight or definitely if I’m in an emergency situation and am worrying about running out of juice on my phone. Can’t recommend this little guy enough, and HOW CUTE IS THAT PAWPRINT?! Honestly.

This is what I use for longer trips, and it lasted me the whole week on the West Coast Trail! Downside is that it is heavier, but it’s worth the weight for the added safety/peace of mind/convenience of knowing you have plenty of power for your chargeables.

If you’re looking for some great new shades, Goodrs are where it’s at. Super cool styles & colours, very lightweight, affordable, and no slip or bounce so great for doing active stuff. Plus they have funny names and lots of different styles to check out.

If you don’t have anything at all, sometimes something pre-made can be really helpful to get you going, and you can add in whatever stuff you prefer or think you’ll need. This one is lightweight and pretty small and easy to chuck in your backpack in case you run into some blisters or need some basic first aid attention.

This is the one I have in my bag as an emergency shelter/sleep system if I’m ever in a situation where I need to curl up and wait for help. It hardly weighs anything at all and it gives me great peace of mind knowing that between this and some painter’s plastic sheeting I carry, I should be able to stay warm and dry enough to wait for help if ever I need it.

A great and light thing to toss in your bag and have in case you ever need it. The reflective foil helps direct heat back into your body, and if you double up this guy and the bivy sack, you should be reasonably comfortable. The orange colour of both also makes it easier for rescuers to find you, should you ever find yourself in need of help.

These are the drops I use to purify water when I’m out and about. It’s an easy two-step process to getting that delightfully cold, clear stream water safe enough to drink without worry, and doesn’t leave a noticeable chlorine taste, which I appreciate after having experienced some other options out there. Pretty inexpensive to just keep in your bag and always have access to safe water.

For your Nature Be Callin’ Kit. Better than a stick!

For dry butt lunchin’ (hahaha)! I have this one and really like it. Reviews online seem hit and miss, which I don’t get, because I’ve taken this thing everywhere and never had a problem with it. I like how small it folds down; I just keep it in a secret tiny bottom compartment of my backpack.

Some people prefer this style rather than the inflatable kind - this one is pretty popular and I see it all over the place as well.

These are the first ones I ever got, and they lasted me for SO LONG before I had an “incident” with one when I was hiking at Lake O’Hara in the summer of 2023. I love that they come in a little carrying bag, that they have a number of different tips with them, and that they fold up like this. They’re lightweight and comfortable, and if I hadn’t upgraded to
carbon fiber ones, I would have bought another set of these. Highly recommend SOME poles if not these poles, but also really highly recommend THESE poles because they rock.

I don't have this bag, but love that it has a sternum strap, whistle, waist belt, built-in rain cover, and lots of storage at under 2lb. It also comes in lots of cute colours!

This is a smaller bag that would probably be best in summer months (since you'd want enough room for extra layers, microspikes, etc. in the wintertime, which takes up more room), but if you're hiking with a group and sharing gear, this might be perfect for you! This one doesn't have a rain cover but also comes in tons of cute colours and has sternum strap, waist belt, and whistle built in.

My old backpack had a rain cover built in, which I loved, but my new one doesn’t, so I got rain covers for all my bags. Just that extra peace of mind that everything isn’t going to be sopping. Bonus: get a bright colour for added safety in case you ever need help - these ones have a reflective strip also, which is pretty nice.

An essential way to keep yourself safe from creepy-crawly passengers (and to prevent insects from "bugging" you!) for up to 6 hours at a time. Ben's is a trusted go-to brand for me when it comes to insect repellent.

And when your bug spray doesn't prevent all the mozzies from fluttering around your face and making you want to scream into the void, this head net is an absolute sanity saver. I don't even care how they make me look; I LOVE THEM and they've helped make the unbearable bearable many times.