Welcome to our comprehensive guide on hiking essentials that won't break the bank! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting to explore the great outdoors, we understand the importance of finding affordable gear without compromising on quality.

In this article, I’ll present you with a carefully curated list of 12 must-have hiking essentials, all available for $25 or less. From durable backpacks to reliable water bottles and practical safety gear, we've got you covered.

Let's dive in and discover budget-friendly gear that will enhance your hiking adventures without emptying your wallet.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

1) Moleskin for Blister Prevention/Protection

I can’t say enough about moleskin. I’m prone to blisters practically everywhere on my feet. With moleskin, I can put it on the areas where i’m most prone to prevent them and place it over existing ones to stop discomfort.

I carry it whenever I go hiking, go to Disneyland, walking around urban areas and practically everywhere else.

2) Backpack

You don’t need to break the bank for a decent backpack to go hiking with. This 20L bag by WaterFly does the job just fine for day hiking.

3) Biodegradable Body Wipes

Whether on day hike or a week long backpacking trip, staying as clean as possible is important. These wipes by Venture Wipes get the job done.

They’re large, individually wrapped, biodegradable and lightly scented with tea tree oil.

4) Collapsible Water Bottle

Staying properly hydrated is imperative. In fact, in the backcountry, it can mean the difference between life and death. So bringing a reusable water bottle with you should be at the top of the list.

The one pictured above is collapsible so when it’s not in use, it’s easily packable.

5) LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Unexpectedly running out of water or spending an unplanned night in the wilderness can and does happen. Be prepared with the ability to filter running water.

The LifeStraw filter makes it possible to drink water directly out of a river or steam by removing 99.999999% of bacteria and one filter provides 4,000 liters (or 1,000 gallons) of clean water.

6) EllaPee Womens Urinal Funnel

No one likes talking about it, but we can’t pretend like it doesn’t happen. For us men, finding relief on a hiking tail is almost a non-issue. For women, it’s a complex problem.

Obviously, I can’t personally speak on this product’s effectiveness, but there’s hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon so this company must be doing something right.

7) Emergency Sleeping Bag

Spending an unplanned night in the wilderness is a very real possibly. Being prepared with equipment to keep warm at night would make it a lot less miserable.

This sleeping bag by Mezonn packs down small in a bag, making it easily packable. It also comes with a carabiner to clip it on the outside of your bag if you wish.

8) Bear Bell

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, more than 40 bear attacks occur each year worldwide. The majority of which are a result of the human surprising the bear.

While it’s extraordinarily rare to be attacked by a bear, you can reduce the odds to nearly zero by clipping a bell to the outside of your bag.

Bears have fantastic hearing and an even better sense of smell. But if you’re hiking against the wind, this bell can make the bear aware of your presence and move away from the area.

9) First Aid Kit

Injuries occur on the hiking trail all the time. From tiny scrapes to broken bones, be prepared for it all with a first aid kit.

10) Trekking Poles

Trekking poles help take pressure off your knees and are particularly handy during the steep, downhill sections of trails.

11) Emergency Shelter (Tent)

Much like the emergency sleeping bag listed above, this compact emergency shelter is another great piece of survival equipment to have for those, ‘just in case’, scenarios.

12) Freeze Dried Food Packets

I always keep a couple of these in my bag for those unexpected moments we’ve discussed in this list.

Peak Refuel is my favorite brand for freeze dried food. Their meals are flavorful, easy to heat and are packed with protein.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

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