Gear / Little things you need
Big gear gets all the attention, but it's the small things that decide whether a trek is comfortable: dry socks, a charged phone, a hot drink at a cold pass. Here are budget and premium picks for each, with prices checked in September 2026.
Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures, checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
| Product | Price (USD) | Weight | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitecore NB10000 Gen 4Barnaby's pick | $84 | 150 g · 5.3 oz | 10,000 mAh power bank | Ultralight charging |
| MSR PocketRocket 2Barnaby's pick | $60 | 73 g · 2.6 oz | Canister stove | Reliable hot meals |
| BRS BRS-3000TBest budget | $16 | 26 g · 0.9 oz | Ultralight canister stove | Cheapest and lightest |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) MT500 Stove with Piezo | $50 | — | Canister stove | Budget with igniter |
| TOAKS Titanium 750 ml Pot | $80 | 103 g · 3.6 oz | Titanium pot with lid | Lightweight cooking |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) MT500 Stainless Cookset, 1 PersonBest budget | £14.99 (UK) | 307 g · 10.8 oz | Pot, bowl, lid, spork | Budget cookset |
| Darn Tough Hiker Micro CrewBarnaby's pick | $26 | — | Merino hiking socks | Blister prevention |
| Buff CoolNet UV | $25 | — | Neck gaiter | Sun and wind |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) MT500 Seamless Liner GlovesBest budget | $15 | — | Liner gloves | Cold mornings |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) MT500 Fleece Gloves | $20 | — | Fleece gloves | Warmer hands |
| Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7Barnaby's pick | $43 | 164 g · 5.8 oz | First-aid kit | Solo or pair treks |
| CLIF CLIF Bar, 12 pack | $19 | — | Energy bars | Trail snacks |
| Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore Slim 10K)Best budget | ≈ $22 | — | 10,000 mAh | Budget charging |
| Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat | ≈ $45 | — | Wide-brim sun hat | Sun on open ridges |
| Quechua (Decathlon) MH100 Hiking BeanieBest budget | ≈ $8 | — | Warm beanie | Cold mornings and huts |
Nitecore
One of the lightest 10,000 mAh power banks, at about 150 g, and waterproof to IPX7. Enough for two or three phone charges.
Why hikers love it
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MSR
A proven, compact canister stove that boils water fast and folds into a tiny case.
Why hikers love it
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BRS
The lightest canister stove you can buy, at 26 g and about $16. Popular with ultralight hikers.
Why hikers love it
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Forclaz (Decathlon)
Decathlon's compact stove with a built-in piezo igniter, often on sale for around $35.
Why hikers love it
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TOAKS
A classic ultralight titanium pot that fits a small gas canister and stove inside.
Why hikers love it
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Forclaz (Decathlon)
A complete one-person stainless steel cookset with a 950 ml pot, bowl, lid and folding spork, for £14.99 in the UK.
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Darn Tough
Merino wool hiking socks with a lifetime guarantee. Many hikers swear by them for long days.
Why hikers love it
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Buff
A light tube you can wear as a neck gaiter, headband or hat, with UV protection.
Why hikers love it
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Forclaz (Decathlon)
Thin liner gloves for cold mornings on passes, and a base layer under warmer gloves.
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Forclaz (Decathlon)
Warmer fleece gloves for summit days and cold evenings.
Why hikers love it
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Adventure Medical Kits
A compact first-aid kit in a waterproof bag, sized for one or two people on a multi-day trip. Often on sale around $30.
Why hikers love it
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CLIF
A classic trail snack with a mix of carbs and a little protein. About $1.60 a bar.
Why hikers love it
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Anker
A slim, cheap 10,000 mAh power bank that charges a phone about twice.
Why hikers love it
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Outdoor Research
A light, packable wide-brim hat that keeps the sun off your face and neck above the tree line.
Why hikers love it
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Quechua (Decathlon)
A simple warm hat for cold starts, high passes and chilly hut evenings.
Why hikers love it
Good to know
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