Trailblazer: The Best Hiking EDC Essentials

When we talk about everyday carry gear, we’re typically focusing on items that are carried in civilization. For those that routinely hit the trails, however, EDC can mean an array of regularly-carried must-haves. And it’s this unorthodox array of trail-focused EDC items that we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to the best hiking everyday carry essentials. 

Selection & Testing

When setting out to get our hands on the best hiking EDC gear, we specifically sought out pieces of kit that excel out on the trail but also have the ability to lend themselves to regular daily-carrying. Using criteria such as material selection, size and weight, and durability and weather resistance to guide our search, we were able to generate a list of products that we’d proceed to put to the test both by hiking with them and using them in our day-to-day life, commuting to and from the office, clueing us into how each piece of gear actually performs and how their spec sheets translate to real-word use — with the best-performing items ultimately receiving a spot on the list below. 

Gerber Assert Custom

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Gerber Assert is a compact yet capable EDC knife that lends itself just as well to use in the city as it does on the trails. Spanning just under 7” overall, the Assert features a textured GFN handle with an ambidextrous pivot lock and a 2.98” drop point-clip point hybrid blade composed of top-shelf CPM S30V stainless steel — giving it excellent edge retention.

In addition to being able to be customized on the company’s online configurator, there are several factors that make the Assert so special. First off, it’s made in America from a decidedly premium material selection that affords it excellent performance and durability while being ridiculously lightweight and travel friendly. What’s more, for its size, it also punches well above its weight, which allows this award-winning blade lend itself to everything from regular daily carry use to outdoor and off-grid applications. 

CountyComm Path-Seeker Compass by Maratac

Even with modern hiking GPS units, good old trusty compasses remain a crucial essential for any hikers, backpackers, or explorers. And when it comes to mini compasses, it’s hard to beat the CountyComm Path-Seeker Compass by Maratac. Perfect for being worn on a necklace, carried on a keychain, or added to a watch strap, this mini compass measures just 1.25” in diameter and features a metal base plate housed within a full silicone shield that can be replaced as needed. And, while it is sold in multiple color options, we’re partial to the full lume (i.e. glow-in-the-dark) variant. 

While there’s admittedly no shortage of solid compasses on the market, what sets this model apart from the rest is its combination of compact size, extreme durability, ample legibility, and wildly-accessible pricing. The fact its silicone bumper-shield can be replaced is another cool touch that bolsters longevity while also allowing for some customization potential. The knurled perimeter of the case also provides excellent grip even when wet, and the GITD color option makes it super easy to find in low-light conditions.

Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit 

Measuring just 0.88” x 2.50” x 3.88”, the Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit is a pocketable FAK that’s perfect for use on the trails thanks to its compact size and the fact it contains more-than-two-dozen first aid essentials. This kit includes bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, sting relief wipes, a razor blade, butterfly bandages, spot bandages, and knuckle bandages, just to name a few. The entire kit also comes housed in a rugged yet lightweight travel tin. 

Though it’s by no means a replacement for a full-sized first aid kit or professional medical help, this ultra-pocketable FAK can help aid small injuries, and can also tide you over until actual medical help can be reached. It’s also been configured with items to address some of the most common minor injuries suffered at camp and out on the trail — meaning you carry just the must-have essentials and little to nothing else no matter where your adventures take you.

Rite in the Rain No 20K Mini Bolt-Action Pen 

Offering pretty terrific value, the Rite in the Rain No 20K Mini Bolt-Action Pen isn’t your average EDC writing instrument. Though it lends itself just fine to daily use in the city, this pen’s lightweight Tough Plastic construction, pocketable 4.37” length, and ability to write in extreme environments or conditions collectively make it an obvious choice for hiking, backpacking, or really any other off-grid or backcountry use. 

What’s more, bolt action pens typically come at a pretty steep price, so the fact this one can be picked up for under $15 is pretty impressive on its own, though this outdoor-ready writing instrument is made all the more special by its immense durability and light weight construction. Its textured grip also makes it great for writing even with wet or dirty hands, and, while I didn’t expect it, the pen is surprisingly well balanced too. Additionally, while it has no problem standing up to the rigors of outdoor use, it looks right at home at the office and in other ordinary non-off-grid settings. 

Field Notes Expedition Notebooks

Whether jotting down observations or notes, marking navigational info, or simply drawing or journaling, the Field Notes Expedition notebooks are a fantastic addition to any hiking loadout. Both waterproof and tear-proof, these decidedly rugged EDC notebooks are sold in packs of three, each of which contains 48x 3.5” x 5.5” pages of dot-graph paper — made from Yupo Synthetic paper — sandwiched between high-visibility orange covers. 

A monumental part of what makes this notebook set so cool is that it’s been engineered from the ground up for outdoor and adventure use. The inside of the covers contain helpful info and charts, the weatherproof construction allows it to stand up to pretty much whatever nature can throw at it, and its high-vis orange cover makes it super easy to spot.

Exotac ripSPOOL 

Despite its diminutive size, the Exotac ripSPOOL manages to provide a slew of crucial functions for use off-grid. Equipped with a fire-cord lanyard with a core that acts as tinder, the ripSPOOL features a #16 sail needle and over 60’ of high-strength synthetic line for making repairs. It doesn’t end there, however, as this pocketable item also comes loaded with over 50’ of heavy-duty repair tape. So, whether you need to repair or patch clothing, tents, sleeping bags, or other textile items, the ripSPOOL has you covered.

From its ability to help with starting a fire or catch a fish to how it can repair essential items and gear while out in the field, there are several other reasons why we advise always carrying the ripSPOOL when headed out into nature — and that’s before even considering its super accessible price. Unlike some pieces of gear made to address serious emergencies, the ripSPOOL is practically guaranteed to get frequent use, plus is able to save markedly more expensive items that would otherwise need to be tossed out if there weren’t repaired with the ripSPOOL — making it ridiculously easy to justify the investment here. 

Survival Frog Tough Electric Lighter 2.0

In the right circumstances, lighters can be literal lifesavers in off-grid scenarios. We’ve long been drawn to the Survival Frog Tough Electric Lighter 2.0, as this second-generation battery-powered plasma arc lighter offers hundreds of sparks per charge. Additionally, it’s also USB-rechargeable and comes loaded with an onboard LED flashlight, making it even more utilitarian out on the trails. 

There are several major advantages to uses an electric arc lighter over traditional soft flame or torch-style items including the fact that they’re completely impervious to the wind. They also cause material to combust faster and more efficiently than a flame, and aren’t rendered useless if they get wet. They’re also super easy to keep fueled up, as you don’t need to purchase butane or lighter fluid and can simply plug them in to juice up their onboard cell. It also doesn’t hurt that the lighter is tough as nails.

Freaks of Nature Peak Performance SPF50 Sunscreen

Conjured up by surf legend Kelly Slater, the Freaks of Nature Peak Performance Sunscreen is a shockingly high-performance formula that’s created using an eco-friendly, sustainable, spare-no-expense approach. Boasting SPF50 protection and an impressive 80 minutes of water resistance, the performance sunscreen is made using a carefully selected blend of vegan spider silk protein, red algae MAA extracts, a water-resistant plant-based polymer.

While it does do a stellar job of shielding its wearer from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, what places this formula in a league of its own is that relies on a list of ingredients that are completely bio-based, plus is devoid of any micro plastics — something that can’t be said about most other sunscreens on the market. Dermatologist tested and approved, this formula ultimately allows for a sunscreen that’s not only safe and gentle on your skin, but it’s just as safe and gentle on the planet, being plant based, vegan-friendly, and coming in a bottle that’s composed of 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic sourced from Oceanworks — taking a similar approach to sunscreen as the swim trunks from Slater’s other brand Outerknown. 

Hydroflask Trail Series Water Bottle

It doesn’t take an expert to know just how wildly essential a water bottle is for use out on the trail. And with its vacuum-insulated, double-walled construction, wide-mouth lid, and easily lash-able flex cap, the Hydroflask Trail Series Water Bottle is unquestionably one of the best vessels for off-grid use. Offered in multiple sizes and color options, the bottle is made from hardwearing 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel and boasts the ability to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours (or keep hot drinks hot for up to 12). 

There are plenty of bottles on the market that offer comparable thermal retention to the Trail Series bottles, but few have been designed specifically for use off-grid like this model has. As such, it sports a lightweight construction that’s still thoroughly rugged, plus it can very easily be lashed to bags or gear racks. It’s sizing also allows it to easily fit into standard water bottle pockets. It also benefits from the brand’s usual top-notch build quality.

Nitecore TK4

The Nitecore TK4 isn’t just an extremely potent hand-held torch, it’s in fact the world’s smallest 4,000-lumen flashlight, boasting this ridiculous output while still comfortably fitting in the palm of your hand — and only weighing 2.72oz in total. The light’s incredible power allows it to seriously excel out on the trails or at camp after nightfall. IP54-rated, the TK4 also boasts a 228-yard throw, a built-in 1,000-mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, a total of five brightness levels, and an OLED display paired with a dual switch button setup. 

Because of how bright it is, this model affords a massive amount of utility and is beyond-helpful when setting up camp, cooking, or performing any other tasks at night. Without being able to access an outlet for recharging, the light’s generously-sized 1,000-mAh battery is a very welcome addition, as is its OLED display’s ability to show brightness level, battery percentage, and remaining runtime. This is incredibly useful as it allows you to always keep tabs on the torch’s battery status so you’re never caught out in the dark with a dead cell. And, while it’s definitely small enough to be carried in your pocket, the TK4 does come with a built-in mechanical quick release that makes it great for clipping to a belt loop or backpack strap where it can be kept at the ready when needed. It’s boxy shape doesn’t provide the best ergonomics, but it more than makes up for this with everything else it has going for it.

Sunski Treeline Polarized Glasses

The Sunski Treeline Polarized glasses are a pair of premium adventure-ready shades that look just as at home on the trail or in the backwoods as they do in the city. Winner of a coveted Red Dot Design Award, these glasses feature SuperLight recycled frames with polarized Helio polycarbonate lenses. This allows the glasses to be exceedingly durable while still being lightweight enough to comfortably be worn all day out on the trails. The way the temples, temple tips, and nose opening are shaped, coupled with the ever-so-slightly-textured frame material enable the glasses to stay squarely in place on your face even during intense physical movement.

Though they were developed for use on the trails, the Treeline glasses are actually pretty versatile too — an area no doubt helped along by their removable magnetic-coupling sun shields. Buyers also have the option of purchasing additional shields that are offered in various colors. Backed by a lifetime warranty, these glasses also ship with a zipper-secured carrying case, too — another detail we thoroughly appreciate here. And, despite being priced at below the $100 mark, the glasses sport a top-shelf, solid al-around feel.

Arc’teryx Granville Crossbody 

Engineered from the ground up for off-grid and adventure use — though still plenty conducive to use in the city, the Arc’teryx Granville Crossbody is a streamlined sling pack that’s cut from DWR-coated N400r-AC² ripstop fabric. Pieced together using taped seams, this proprietary material is something of a dream construction for outdoor bags, as it’s completely impervious to the elements and offers stellar durability while still being incredibly lightweight. It also benefits from Arc’teryx’s usual brand of top-notch build quality.

What’s more, on top of WaterTight zippers, this crossbody bag has also been outfitted with an AeroForm monofilament mesh back panel that not only bolsters airflow, but it also helps provide grip, keeping the bag in place against your body and minimizing shifting. In total, this sling offers a collective 3 liters of storage space. This makes it just large enough to accommodate your on-the-trail essentials and little more, while still being compact and totable enough for use on the trails and in and around camp. Despite its undeniable conduciveness to use on the trails, the Granville Crossbody is just as at-home when used in the city. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by just how versatile it proved to be during our hands-on testing phase.

G-SHOCK GBDH2000-1A Multi-Sport

Constructed around a bio-resin case with a matching bio-resin band and bezel, the G-SHOCK GBDH2000-1A Multi-Sport is an ultra-rugged digital sports watch that comes loaded with useful features for hikers and explorers. Utilizing a solar-powered setup that allows it to run off the power of the sun, this G-SHOCK watch boasts various built-in sensors, a heart rate monitor, a GPS unit, and step-counter, just to name a few of the GBDH2000-1A Multi-Sport’s many, many amenities.

Whether it’s meeting up to receive a food drop or simply making it out of the wilderness before nightfall, having a precise and accurate sense of what time it is can be beyond crucial when out in nature. With its insanely precise time-keeping, ridiculous battery life, or unparalleled durability, G-SHOCK’s GBDH2000-1A Multi-Sport is a obvious go-to option when shopping for a watch for the trails — as well as a go-to choice for law enforcement and military personnel who are attracted to the timepiece for the same reasons. It does wear pretty large on the wrist, though its unparalleled utility and functionality make it super easy to look past this detail. It also doesn’t hurt that the watch looks right at home when used in the city or as an ordinary everyday watch.

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