Essential Hiking Tech: 10 Gadgets That Actually Earn Their Pack Weight

Ultralight backpackers obsess over every gram in their pack. Adding tech means adding weight, so each gadget needs to provide enough value to justify carrying it. After years of trail testing, these are the ten tech items that consistently earn their spot.

Navigation and Safety

Garmin inReach Mini 2: At 3.5 ounces, this satellite communicator provides two-way texting, SOS capability, and GPS tracking anywhere on Earth. It has saved lives in real emergencies and provides peace of mind on remote trails. Pair it with your phone via Bluetooth for easier messaging. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is genuinely essential for solo hikers in remote areas.

Headlamp with red light mode: A good headlamp weighs 2-3 ounces and is non-negotiable for any hike that might extend past sunset. Red light mode preserves your night vision at camp. The Petzl Actik Core at 2.6 ounces with 450 lumens is our top pick.

Power and Charging

Power bank (10,000mAh): A compact 10,000mAh power bank weighs about 6 ounces and provides 2-3 full phone charges. The Anker 523 Power Bank adds USB-C input and output with enough capacity for a long weekend.

Solar panel (10-20W): Only worth its weight on trips longer than three days where you cannot recharge at a shelter or town. For weekend trips, a power bank alone is more efficient.

Communication and Weather

Handheld weather radio: NOAA weather alerts can be life-saving in mountain environments where storms develop quickly. Many weigh under 5 ounces and run on AAA batteries.

Walkie-talkies: For group hikes, a pair of lightweight walkie-talkies lets you communicate across valleys and around bends where cell service is nonexistent. Useful for coordinating pace between fast and slow hikers.

Comfort and Documentation

Bluetooth earbuds: Lightweight earbuds like the Shokz OpenRun (1 ounce) let you listen to podcasts or music on less scenic stretches without blocking trail sounds. Bone conduction designs keep your ears open for wildlife, other hikers, and environmental sounds.

Action camera or phone: Most hikers use their phone for photos. If you want better video, a GoPro at 5 ounces is worth considering for technical terrain and summit panoramas.

What We Stopped Carrying

GPS watches with solar have gotten good enough that we stopped carrying standalone GPS devices for most trails. Dedicated camera systems are rarely worth the weight unless photography is a primary goal of the trip. Portable bluetooth speakers stay home — trail etiquette demands earbuds.

The total weight of our recommended tech loadout is approximately 1.5 pounds. That includes the inReach, headlamp, power bank, and earbuds — genuinely essential items that make every trip safer and more enjoyable.

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