Summer Survival Essentials

Two of the biggest threats to summer hikers and backpackers? Dehydration and getting lost. Minimize those risks with three summer survival essentials from Katadyn, Platypus and Garmin.

Katadyn Hiker Pro: A No-frills Filter

Katadyn Hiker Pro $67.91 - $81.13

The Katadyn Hiker Pro isn’t a gimmick; It’s dependable, easy to clean and long lasting. At 11 ounces, it’s not the lightest on the market, but it’s not made to be the lightest, it’s made to be the best. Be sure to clean the filter every time you leave the backcountry, and replace the filter once a year or after pumping 800 liters.

Best For: Serious backcountry travelers

Platypus Hoser 3.0L Reservoir: A Leader’s Liters

Platypus Hoser 3.0L Reservoir

Lightweight and puncture resistant, the Platypus Hoser helps carry the extra water necessary for hiking in the summer heat. Slip the reservoir into your pack and enjoy cool water throughout the day without having to stop.

Best For: Smart hikers who appreciate the extra capacity

Garmin GPSMap 64st: Lifesaving Data

Garmin GPSMap 64st

Whether you need to find the trail or the nearest stream, a GPS device can be a lifesaver. Standard issue for US Forest Service wilderness rangers, the Garmin GPSmap 64st uses both U.S. satellites and Russian GLONASS satellites, meaning it will find your location faster and more efficiently than other GPS devices on the market. The base edition comes with 24k maps, but it’s worth paying more for the 100k maps, they offer the resolution needed for backcountry travel.

Best For: Knowing where you are with confidence