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When it comes to exploration out in the wilderness of America’s National Parks, there are some pieces of gear that you should make sure are of the highest quality! For us, we will not cut corners with our shoes, jackets, and any cold weather gear (read: sometimes it pays to spend a little more on critical pieces!).

For other things, the average hiker can get away with gear that is far more affordable, and just as reliable as the top shelf options!

Check out some of our top recommendations on our 10 favorite pieces of gear that won’t break the bank!

Never underestimate the usefulness of dependable Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles ($47)

We have gone through more trekking poles than I wish to remember, but the Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles our by far our favorite! First off, the price is amazing on poles of this quality. Typically, they are under $50 for two fully adjustable trekking poles! They also include a vast assortment of tips ideal for virtually every type of surface! Add in the extended grip and the wide array of colors, and you have a trekking pole that is hard to beat! Over 20,000 4.5 star reviews can’t be wrong, right?

Few things offer as much instant relief from the heat as a good cooling towel

Cooling Towel: Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel ($15)

Ready to hit the trail in the American Southwest or explore Death Valley National Park? Well, you better be prepared with a way to keep you cool in the intense, desert heat. One of our favorite pieces of gear to bring along with us is our Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel. The Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel is infinitely packable, offers immediate relief from the heat, and is super easy to reactivate with a splash of water and a quick snap of the towel. Add in that it stays cool for up to 2 hrs, and costs under $20 and you have a piece of gear that you will keep in your pack for all your future adventures!

Backcountry Eating: UCO Switchblade Utensil Set ($8)

When we hit the National Parks, we like to make the most of our time by eating as we hike, or taking a quick break at the car for some lunch. For us, the UCO Switchblade Utensil Set is absurdly useful! From making some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, having a bag of tuna, slicing some smoked meats, or eating some variety of questionable rehydrated camp food, the UCO Switchblade Utensil set is our go-to spoon/fork/knife combo for all of our wilderness excursions! Plus, this Swiss army knife of utensils cost less than $10, so it’s a no-brainer to pick this up for your pack!

A zippered hydration bladder? You will never use another hydration bladder again

Hydration Bladder: Camelback Fusion 2L Hydration Bladder ($46)

I can’t tell you how many times one of us have hit the trail with our hydration bladder in our pack only to notice our back is soaked and everything in it is completely saturated thanks to a leak from our budget hydration bladder! Well, we have learned our lesson (more than once!), and the Camelback Fusion 2L Hydration Bladder is far and away the most ingenious hydration bladder we have used. This thing packs a ton of design advancements that make it absolutely incredible for a wide range of applications. First, the zipper is flawless! Camelback has done an excellent job making the TruZip zipper 100% watertight (even when upside down). Next, the shape of the bladder allows it lay flatter within the pack, and the rigid backplate keeps it upright rather than turning into a bunched up water tube wedged into your lower back. While i can go on for way too long in talking about the Camelback Fusion Hydration Bladder, just know that this is a bladder you can trust for a long time and many miles on the trail!

Keep your phone charged so you can take those awesome pictures….I mean make an emergency phone call, if needed!

Phone Charger: 1000mAh Portable Charger ($28)

Nothing is worse than when you get that incredible vista on the trail only to realize your phone is dead and you can’t take that Instagram-worthy picture! For us, we rely on the 1000mAh Portable Charger to keep our phones charged for emergency phone calls, incredible pictures, and of course to find that nearest gas station on the way out of the Park. The 1000 mAh portable charger has integrated Lightning, USB C, and Micro-USB charging cables, and can be recharged through any AC outlet. Slim design, ability to fully charge 2-3 phones, and a price under $30 makes this a personal favorite for long days on the trail for our family!

A fire starter is an essential piece of survival gear

Survival Essential: Magnesium Fire Starter ($7)

Waterproof, long lasting, and simple to use, a Magnesium Fire Starter is an essential piece of survival gear that takes up virtually no space in a hiking pack. Hopefully, you are never in a situation in which you truly need to use it, but it’s best to be prepared when venturing into the wilderness!

Never venture into the unknown without a compass

Compass: UST Deluxe Map Compass ($8)

Such a simple yet effective tool, the UST Deluxe Map Compass is lightweight, durable, easy to read, and has glowing directional markings. Additionally, and definitely most important, is the fact that the UST Deluxe Map Compass is also accurate, which is hard to come by with low cost compasses. Spend the $8, and know that you once your phone or GPS watch dies on the trail you will have the perfect tool to get back to the trailhead safely!

Relaxing in a tranquil and picturesque landscape? Sign me up!

Relaxing on the trail: Equip Camp Hammock ($30)

After logging miles and miles on the trail, nothing beats kicking your legs up and taking in the scenery for a bit! The Equip Camp Hammock packs into its own bag, comes with two carabiners, and two straps so you have everything you need to set up shop wherever you want! The Equip Camp Hammock is rated for 500 lbs, and also comes in a ton of colors and patterns. This is far from an “essential” trail item, but I can assure you that your feet will thank you in the long run for a little break in the Equip Camp Hammock!

The LifeStraw can be a literal lifesaver

Water Filtration: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($17)

While many of us rely on our hydration bladders or Nalgene bottles, sometimes we run dry and may end up in need of clean drinking water. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is capable of filtering out over 99.999% of bacteria and provides 1,000 gallons of clean drinking water. With no batteries or pumping required, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter offers simple water filtration with virtually no effort and takes up minimal space in your pack. At under $20, this is great piece of gear to bring on the trail when you decide to venture deep off the beaten path!

Stay cool and safe in the sun with a dependable sun shirt

Sun Shirt: Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie ($19)

Whether you are exploring the waters of Biscayne National Park or hiking along the dramatic cliffs of Grand Canyon National Park, sun protection is paramount! The Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50+ protection that won’t wear off like sunscreen. Additionally, the lightweight fabric keeps you cool while the hooded design keeps sun off your neck. While i was a skeptic about the usefulness of sun shirts, I am firm believer of them, and our Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie’s probably get more use than almost any other piece of gear we bring along with us on our adventures!

As we continue to explore our National Parks, our gear selection continues to evolve! Be sure to reach out to Park and Pebble at info@parkandpebble.com or head over to Contact page to shoot us any questions you may have on your gear choice for your next adventure!

10 Essential Pieces of Gear Under $50