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5 EXTRA Essentials

When it comes to hiking, the Ten Essentials are a must, but there are always a few extra items I throw into my pack for comfort, safety, and a little extra fun. These are the extras I can’t hit the trail without:

Cheese – The Perfect Hiking Snack

As a vegetarian who struggles to find appealing trail snacks, cheese is my go-to. It’s savory, filling, and packs just the right punch of protein and fat to keep me going. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about a little luxury mid-hike.

Here are my favorite cheeses for the trail:

Aged Cheddar: Sturdy and flavorful, it doesn’t mind a bit of warmth.

Babybel: Individually wrapped and perfect for tossing in a pack.

Hard Cheeses (like Parmesan): Almost indestructible and deliciously salty.

Smoked Gouda: Holds up well and adds a rich, smoky flavor.

String Cheese: Classic and portioned—easy to eat on the go.

Pro tip: Pair cheese with some sturdy crackers for the ultimate snack combo.

A Lightweight Tripod

Whether I’m snapping photos of stunning vistas or setting up for a self-timer photoshoot on a solo hike, my phone tripod has become a must-have. It’s lightweight and compact, so it doesn’t add much bulk to my pack but opens up endless creative possibilities. Bonus: it comes with a mini Bluetooth remote to snap away to your heart’s content.

Trekking Poles

They’re not on the official list, but trekking poles are game-changers for tackling steep ascents, rocky descents, and sketchy trails. They save your knees, provide stability, and can double as tent poles for ultralight shelters. Even on flatter terrain, I’ve found them useful for maintaining rhythm and balance—plus, they’re handy for poking at questionable water crossings or thick underbrush.

Portable Charger

Your phone might be your camera, GPS, emergency lifeline, or all three. A lightweight, portable charger ensures you’re not left with a dead battery when you’re halfway through snapping that epic summit selfie or need to call for help. Bonus points if you pair it with a short charging cable to save weight.

Entertainment (aka a Book or Notebook)

Sure, a hike is entertaining by itself, but to enhance my experience and ensure I am present in the moment, I often carve out time to pause and soak in my surroundings with something extra. I recently purchased a sweet little workbook to bring along and help me to reflect on the day. You can also bring along a small sketchpad or a notebook to jot down trail notes that turn these moments into something special.

Honorable Mentions

While the five above are my go-to extras, I’ll occasionally throw in:

Duct Tape (wrapped around a trekking pole): For emergency gear fixes.

Miniature Foam Sit Pad: To keep your backside dry and comfy during breaks.

Lightweight Camera: When my phone’s camera doesn’t feel like enough.

5 EXTRA Essentials

When it comes to hiking, the Ten Essentials are a must, but there are always a few extra items I throw into my pack for comfort, safety, and a little extra fun. These are the extras I can’t hit the trail without:

Cheese – The Perfect Hiking Snack

As a vegetarian who struggles to find appealing trail snacks, cheese is my go-to. It’s savory, filling, and packs just the right punch of protein and fat to keep me going. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about a little luxury mid-hike.

Here are my favorite cheeses for the trail:

Aged Cheddar: Sturdy and flavorful, it doesn’t mind a bit of warmth.

Babybel: Individually wrapped and perfect for tossing in a pack.

Hard Cheeses (like Parmesan): Almost indestructible and deliciously salty.

Smoked Gouda: Holds up well and adds a rich, smoky flavor.

String Cheese: Classic and portioned—easy to eat on the go.

Pro tip: Pair cheese with some sturdy crackers for the ultimate snack combo.

A Lightweight Tripod

Whether I’m snapping photos of stunning vistas or setting up for a self-timer photoshoot on a solo hike, my phone tripod has become a must-have. It’s lightweight and compact, so it doesn’t add much bulk to my pack but opens up endless creative possibilities. Bonus: it comes with a mini Bluetooth remote to snap away to your heart’s content.

Trekking Poles

They’re not on the official list, but trekking poles are game-changers for tackling steep ascents, rocky descents, and sketchy trails. They save your knees, provide stability, and can double as tent poles for ultralight shelters. Even on flatter terrain, I’ve found them useful for maintaining rhythm and balance—plus, they’re handy for poking at questionable water crossings or thick underbrush.

Portable Charger

Your phone might be your camera, GPS, emergency lifeline, or all three. A lightweight, portable charger ensures you’re not left with a dead battery when you’re halfway through snapping that epic summit selfie or need to call for help. Bonus points if you pair it with a short charging cable to save weight.

Entertainment (aka a Book or Notebook)

Sure, a hike is entertaining by itself, but to enhance my experience and ensure I am present in the moment, I often carve out time to pause and soak in my surroundings with something extra. I recently purchased a sweet little workbook to bring along and help me to reflect on the day. You can also bring along a small sketchpad or a notebook to jot down trail notes that turn these moments into something special.

Honorable Mentions

While the five above are my go-to extras, I’ll occasionally throw in:

Duct Tape (wrapped around a trekking pole): For emergency gear fixes.

Miniature Foam Sit Pad: To keep your backside dry and comfy during breaks.

Lightweight Camera: When my phone’s camera doesn’t feel like enough.

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