Josiane Peluso Highlights 2019’s Best Equipment and Accessories for the Skilled Hiker

If you are looking to hit the trails this summer with friends and family, it may be time to stock up on some of the year’s best hiking equipment and accessories. From safety equipment to new electronics; avid outdoorswoman Josiane Peluso lists the items you can’t miss as you prepare for the summer hiking season. Add them on your list of don’t forget items.

Technology — GPS-enabled tech tools keep improving, getting smaller, and becoming more affordable with each hiking season. To improve your safety and security on both short and long hikes, check out these new tech options for the avid hiker before you hit the trails this season.

— Garmin InReach Mini — Communication is key, and this tech tool allows hikers to send and receive text messages without cell reception, through satellite technology. A larger version comes with map-enabled features as well.

— Garmin Feniz 5X — According to Josiane Peluso data tracking is all the rage, and this GPS-mapping watch is so convenient you can wear it every day. It offers hikers the ability to load GPX map tracks to help you follow the right path and it also tracks heart rate, sleep patterns, and workout data. You can connect it to your smartphone for easy data readouts.

Storage Capacity — A comfortable new backpack is just the thing to get you out on the trails this summer. Check out REI’s Co-Op Tarn line for hikers of all sizes and ages and priced at less than $50 each. Josiane Peluso shares that the most important things to look for in a hiking backpack are accessible water holders, ventilation to allow for airflow, padding in the arms and hips, and sizing (just enough for everything you need to hold but smaller than everyday packs).

Water Safety — The Sawyer MINI water filtration tool is a great way to ensure you stay hydrated and safe for as long as you need. The main selling features for Josiane Peluso were the small and light-weight bottle and that it successfully removes 99.9% of bacteria from water sources. For a leak-free water bottle that will keep your drinks cold for your entire hike, check out the YETI’s Rambler Vacuum Bottle.

Insect Protection — No one likes creepy crawlers, whether you’re on the trail or off it. To protect yourself from insects on your next hike, try DEET-free REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent. For off trail hiking, use Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent; and for camping or backyard BBQ’s, try a Thermacell MR-PSR Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent.

Furry Friends — Don’t forget a collapsible water bowl, available is many sizes and models at your local camping retailer or online. A pro-hiker tip from Josiane Peluso is to pick one with a hook to connect it to the front of your backpack for easy access to keep your hiking companions hydrated alongside you. Also, important, check out the Counter Assault Bear Bells inexpensive accessory, which you can attach to your shoes or pack to announce your approach to any furry friends you are not excited to meet on the trail!

Other Accessories — If you’re going to be out after dark, a headlamp like the Petzl Tikka XP can help you lengthen those hikes and keep you safe in rough or unfamiliar terrain. They are also useful for camping, whether you’re cooking, making camp in the dark, or reading a good book after the fire dies down. An iconic Swiss Army Knife is also a great hiking and camping tool that’s small and easy to add to your daily pack, but can provide a lot of help on the trail no matter what situation you find yourself in.