The bug for trekking and hiking is reaching an all-time peak. I wouldn’t really classify myself as a hiking lover, but I do know there are quite a few outdoor enthusiasts, who love embarking on a good old hike once in a while. Being physically and mentally prepared on a hike of any sort is extremely critical – whether it’s creating the right mindset or the perfectly equipped backpack. And, I do believe a great set of hiking accessories play a major role in a successful hike! From a foldable mini stove that fits into your hiking pants to a flexible 3D-printed single material hiking shoe – these handy and innovative product designs are the best companions you could have on your trekking/hiking adventures! These are must-have essentials for all adventure lovers and thrill-seekers!
1. Herman Miller hiking backpack
This Herman Miller hiking backpack is something outrightly unique thanks to its niche structure and the hues it comes in.
Why is it noteworthy?
The backpack has lightweight aesthetics, and the designer gives much of the focus on how the accessory can be a practical hiking backpack given the Herman Miller chair influence. This backpack is suited for city commuters who have to carry their laptop and other important stuff safely, as well as, hikers and campers who need a robust, waterproof rucksack to haul the load. The solid structure on the outside – just like the Cosm chair – provides protection from any accidental bumps when important breakable stuff is inside.
What we like
- Lightweight product
- Draws inspiration from Herman Miller’s design philosophy
What we dislike
- No complaints!
2. The Grouper utility knife
Looking like a prop from a sci-fi movie, the Grouper utility knife comes with a stunning design featuring a titanium construction, a parallel-linkage opening mechanism with ball-bearing pivots, and should you choose, an absolutely breathtaking rainbow finish.
Why is it noteworthy?
The knife, which measures a mere 4.3 inches (110mm) when closed, comes with a carabiner clip on one end, and a tungsten carbide glass-breaker on the other end. Open it out, and the now 6.2-inch-long knife reveals its TAJIMA V-REX II blade on the inside, perfect for opening boxes, slicing envelopes, or doing more rogue cyberpunk-worthy stuff like slicing wires and cutting seatbelts.
What we like
- The Grouper sports a titanium alloy body that’s more than impervious to rough use
- A nifty locking clip on the top keeps the knife’s blade intact until you’re done and ready to close your Grouper
What we dislike
- No complaints!
3. The Conic
Designed primarily for use in outdoor activities; the Conic is a helpful extension of a flashlight, which should come in handy to light up the entire camp or make those two-handed tasks easier to carry out. It will be a great help thus while cooking or maybe when playing board games at the camp.
Why is it noteworthy?
The gap between outdoor flashlights and lanterns is narrowing with transformation in design. This inventive approach has given birth to a new domain i.e., an outdoor lamp, which double duties and makes sure you’re never found wanting while camping or traveling. Conic is an embodiment of such a design, which is a nice transition from the traditional, boring light sources you’ve been accustomed to packing in your backpack.
What we like
- A far cry from the traditional flashlights
- Portable
- Multipurpose design – can be used indoors and outdoors
What we dislike
- No complaints!
4. Earth Moc
Designed as a passion project, Daniel Shirkey’s Earth Moc was created as a potential recovery shoe for hikers. Shirley’s prime objective was to figure out how one single material could fulfill every aspect of a shoe’s experience from its flexibility to comfort while giving your feet the support they need after a tough hike.
Why is it noteworthy?
Shirley’s design even comes with treads on its underside that additionally allow you to do some light hiking, giving the right amount of traction required on moderately uneven surfaces and dirt paths. The highlight of the Earth Moc is its design. The entire shoe is made from a single material, sort of like a Croc, except it features interwoven elements that provide the stretch and flexibility of a conventional sandal. While most single-material shoes are made by injection molding of an elastomer, Shirley’s concept goes down a different route.
What we like
- 3D-printed design
- Inspired by intertwining roots and vines
What we dislike
- No complaints!
5. The Sasquatch Tool
Designed to be compact enough to carry with you in your pocket, on your keychain, or on a carabiner attached to your backpack or belt-loop, the Sasquatch Tool is the ultimate celebration of the outdoors! The handy multitool is the perfect EDC for carrying on hiking trips, cycling expeditions, or even out fishing/kayaking. Just don’t expect it to help you defend yourself against an actual Sasquatch!
Why is it noteworthy?
The handy little ape-shaped gizmo comes made from stainless steel, making it robust and corrosion-resistant. Its unique form factor comes perfectly outfitted with 12 different tools, from wrenches and screwdrivers to bottle and can openers, a cord cutter, and even a nifty 1-inch ruler. Measuring 3.6-inches in length and 2.5-inches wide, the Sasquatch Multitool is perfectly pocket-sized, and weighs just 1.2 ounces (34 grams)… and although Sasquatches have a reputation of being large and dangerous, this compact little guy is perfectly sized to be your everyday outdoor companion; and it’s TSA-friendly too!
What we like
- Perfectly pocket-sized
What we dislike
- Designs seems to focus more on aesthetics than actual functionality
6. The Cue
Smart wristwatches are found dime a dozen. But to everyone’s surprise, smart pocket watches are a thing and the smart version of these timepieces for the pocket has gained a foothold in the niche market. A charm for collectors, these intricate devices have always left me fascinated. No wonder, when I came across the Cue – a concept for a smart pocket watch – I couldn’t help but share the idea.
Why is it noteworthy?
Indian designer Rahul has conceived the idea of a feature-rich pocket watch every adventurer would want to have handy when venturing into the wild. Designed with features to allow travelers to navigate better, track their daily activities, and keep tabs on their health, the minimalistic yet powerful Cue can send out emergency SOS alerts and even remind the user of medication time when traveling.
What we like
- Can be mounted to your bike or backpack or carried in your pocket for convenience
- Can send out emergency SOS alerts and even remind the user of medication time when traveling
What we dislike
- A seven-second long press opens the menu, while a long press of 15 seconds opens up the SOS slider
7. Katipo
Katipo is a foldable outdoor gas stove that can fit in the palm of your hand. Imagine the weight and space that can be saved when you go camping or backpacking with Katipo instead of usual outdoor stoves.
Why is it noteworthy?
Katipo got its name because its shape and form resembles that of a Katipo spider. It is an Australian redback spider that is small in size with long legs that bend at angles which inspired the stove’s own leg stand and tiny size. The Katipo is a stainless steel stove that folds into a portable size of 50 mm wide and 120 mm long, and when opened it is 180 mm in diameter. “Each leg has a cutting edge that stops its motion by a stopper pin and opens to the angle of 120° and thus produces an equal opening to them all perfectly” explains Elad Achi. Apart from the product proportions, even the colors of the stove were inspired by the spider’s red and black body. The stove’s red and black look comes from a ceramic-based color that is heat resistant.
What we like
- Perfect size for when you want to go on a long hike
- Its shape and form resembles that of a Katipo spider
What we dislike
- No complaints!
8. Seongju Kim’s Lantern
When preparing for adventures in the outdoors, a flashlight is a must-have EDC camping accessory. But like every other thing you’re packing, you’d want a flashlight that does more than show you the way. This is where a sustainably crafted option you can hang like the lantern in the camp comes in. The eco-friendly camping lantern designed by Seongju Kim is an embodiment of this thought. The camping lantern, as it is referred to, is made completely from reusable materials, which is a good way to help the environment and keep the camping area clean. When camping, multifunctional accessories are a key to thriving in the wild. The flashlight that can be used as a lantern to light up the tent helps campers prepare for the night.
Why is it noteworthy?
Ideal for campers who value multipurpose accessories they can stuff in the backpack, a lantern-like this, ensures you leave no trace in the great outdoors and have a guiding light as and when needed. For the convenience of use, the lantern’s body is made from aluminum, while the insulated handle is made from wood. The most essential strap, which instantly facilitates the accessory to be used as a lantern from a flashlight, is made from pinatex material, which is extracted from pineapple leaves.
What we like
- Sustainable
- Innovative use of Pinatex
- A clean multipurpose design
What we dislike
- Not sturdy enough for the outdoors
- We don’t know how the lantern would generate power
9. The Travel Box
Designing a bag that caters to different wear styles is definitely no easy feat. Especially when you’re trying to hit other targets like comfort, style, and even modularity. Those are the lofty goals that this Travel Box outdoor bag concept tries to address. As with any good product design, the idea went through various iterations and prototypes before arriving at a final, workable version.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Travel Box is notable in a few ways, and the most immediate is its minimalist design that almost has a tinge of futuristic appeal with its sharp angles, straight edges, and hard shell. This design brings both protection as well as room for all the items you’d want to bring with you on a trip outdoors. The colored straps provide a nice chromatic contrast to the bag’s all-black motif, creating visual points of interest that bring a bit of life to the product. The bag also makes use of reflective stickers that not only provide safety but also break the monotony of that black surface.
What we like
- The top portion of the bag can actually be detached and be used as an independent diamond-shaped box you can carry around by hand
What we dislike
- No complaints!
10. The Rider RX
Having to scramble for the right battery in an emergency just adds to the stress you’re already feeling. Thankfully, Acebeam’s Rider RX tries to cut down on that by delivering a flashlight that not only works with almost any type of battery, it also helps relieve stress by giving your fingers something to play with.
Why is it noteworthy?
Some flashlights work with typical alkaline batteries. Others use rechargeable NiMH batteries. Still, others use the same kind of lithium-ion type that smartphones use. The Rider RX embraces them all so you can grab whatever’s readily available, which is often an AA battery, without making compromises. While the included Li-ion battery does offer the brightest output, even an AA battery can deliver a decent brightness so you won’t trip in the dark. The optical lens makes sure that the 219F LED shines a soft and balanced beam instead of blinding your eyes or spreading the light too thin.
What we like
- Helps relieve stress by giving your fingers something to play with
- Its small size, which is just big enough to fit a single AA battery, makes it extremely portable and convenient to use
What we dislike
- No complaints!
