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Best New Backpacking Accessories for 2020

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Best New Backpacking Accessories for 2020

Your essential backpacking gear list is crucial for a successful backcountry adventure, but the accessories you choose to take with you can make all the difference between just surviving in the backwoods and truly enjoying your time there. So we’ve taken a look at 9 key backpacking accessories to add to your gear list that can seriously change your backpacking experience for the better.

1. Trekking Poles

Some people love them, some people hate them, but trekking poles can be a game changer when you’re putting in the miles in hilly country or when you’re crossing a river. Poles take some of the weight off your feet, help you balance on uneven terrain and in rivers, and help set your stride. They’re also handy while camping for pitching tents, propping up tarps, or fending off brave raccoons. Trekking poles look like just one more thing to carry until you try them, then you’ll wonder how you ever hit the trail without them.

The prices for trekking poles vary as greatly as the opinions about them do. You can find a basic pair on Amazon for $25 or all the way up to $250 for these LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Black poles. The key is to balance weight against durability and get the ones you can afford.

2. Hat & Sunglasses

A hat and sunglasses should really be part of your essentials gear list, just like pants. Whether you’re crossing swaths of white, glaring snow, gazing out across reflective water, or just hiking on a sunny day, a good hat and pair of sunglasses can change your experience from enduring to enjoying the moment.

Not only does a wide-brimmed hat protect your ears and neck from the sun, they can also be stylish. Outdoor Research makes some affordable and stylish hats, but for some real character, check out these outdoor/hiking hats from Conner Hats.

3. USB Battery Pack

It used to be that the most electronic thing we carried into the backcountry was a flashlight, but today you’ll need a good USB rechargeable battery pack for your phone, e-reader, satellite GPS, rechargeable headlamp, etc. Anker makes a good battery pack. Check out their PowerCore 20100 for an easy $45. They also have larger bricks if you need more power. If you want to try a solar powered charger, check out the BigBlue for $78.96 on Amazon.

4. Camp Chair

The camp chair is another game changer, much like trekking poles. At first, they’re cumbersome to carry, but once you’ve been able to relax by the fire with back support, you won’t want to go back to sitting on rocks and logs or in the dirt. The 2-pound, foldable model is pretty standard, and this Marchway for $32.99 is a popular buy on Amazon. For an even lighter option, check out this $58.50 Crazy Creek Hex 2.0. It’s basically a foldable, rollable back support that works comfortably on the ground or even better when set on a rock or log. You won’t have much trouble finding space for this seat in your pack.

5. Stuff Sacks/Dry Sacks/Compression Sacks

Organize your odds and ends. Keep your clothes dry. Waterproof and compress your sleeping bag to open up tons of space in your pack. These things will hands-down change your backpacking experience. You can buy the Outdoor Products 3-Pack on Amazon for about $10, or invest in Sea to Summit’s higher quality Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks. The one bag that’s a must is Sea to Summit’s eVent® Compression Dry Sack, which will keep your sleeping bag compact and dry inside your pack.

6. Headlamp

The headlamp makes the accessories list because it’s an optional form of a flashlight, but once you get used to operating in camp at night with your hands free, you might decide it’s another essential item. Rechargeable headlamps tend to be lighter than battery powered ones, but if you’re going for an extended trip, you’ll have to bring along some way to charge it in the field. They also tend to be less bright than their battery operated counterparts. The Black Diamond Spot Headlamp is a good balance of features, brightness, size, and weight.

7. Multitool

Lugging a multitool into the woods seem like overkill, until you need it. Pliers can tighten a zipper head that’s not closing a zipper. Scissors are really handy for cutting gauze, moleskin, and patching tape. The list goes on. For a high-quality, everything-included tool that still weighs in at less than half a pound, look no further than the $105 SwissTool Spirit X. If you want to go more minimalist and save a buck, the Leatherman SKELETOOL® CX might be the right choice for you. Pick up a set of replacement bits for $24 to maximize this tool’s effectiveness.

8. E-Reader

Like to read while you’re in camp? Are you camping alone? Bite the bullet and get an e-reader. Sure, they don’t smell as good as a real book, but they can carry your whole library in the palm of your hand. And when they’re in airplane mode, the battery will last a seriously long time depending on how much you read, especially if you opt for an e-reader that does not have a backlight (or has one that can be turned off). The new $130 Kindle Paperwhite is now waterproof with 8 GB of storage and a built-in, adjustable light that doesn’t compromise the long-lasting battery.

9. Camera Clip

The Peak Design Capture camera clip fastens to your backpack’s shoulder strap or your belt. The included base plate attaches to your camera’s tripod mount and slides into the Capture clip easily and securely. The clip holds your camera steadily in place and the quick release button gives you instant access to your camera. No more sweaty camera neck straps or extra bulky bags strapped to your chest.

Like all your gear, the accessories you choose will come down to your own personal backcountry style and needs, but the right accessory can make all the difference in camp after a long day on the trail. Hopefully this list has given you some ideas to make your outdoor experience all the sweeter.