Heading out on a hiking trip soon? While much time is spent picking the perfect backpack and boots, your choice of wallet often gets overlooked. However, having the right wallet can make a big difference in keeping your essentials secure and protected while on the trail.
When miles from the nearest town or shop, you need a hiking wallet that’s up for the job. It needs to be lightweight, able to withstand the elements, and readily accessible in case of emergency.
That’s why it’s critical to choose a durable, weather-resistant, and compact wallet designed specifically for hiking and the outdoors. In this article, we’ll cover all the aspects you should look for in a wallet for hiking or backpacking to help you gear up for your next outdoor adventure.
Maximum Durability for the Trails
Hiking is tough on your gear, from muddy trails to brushes with rocks and branches. You need a backpack wallet constructed from robust, abrasion-resistant materials that can withstand scrapes, bumps, and drops.
Stay away from leather, which can easily get scratched or stained by mud and absorb moisture. Instead, look for materials that are extremely tear and scrape resistant.
For the most durable yet lightweight choice, wallets made of carbon fiber or aircraft-grade aluminum offer superior strength while barely adding any weight to your pack.
Made to Withstand the Elements
From sudden rainstorms to stream crossings, your hiker wallet needs to hold up against water and mud.
Even with your wallet in your pack, there’s a chance it could get wet in extreme weather or in the event of a river crossing. To avoid any unnecessary damage, choose a wallet made with durable materials that won’t get soggy or rusted in water.
Sun can also damage materials like leather, cotton, or nylon, so it’s best to avoid these kinds of wallets if you plan to keep your wallet in a place where it might be exposed to light.
Ultralight and Compact
The last thing you want when you’re on the trail is added weight in your pack.
You want your hiking wallet slim, sleek, and barely noticeable when stowed away. A heavy, bulky wallet crammed into your pocket or clipped onto your pack will just weigh you down and become uncomfortable.
That being said, both material and size play a factor here. A smaller wallet, by nature, will weigh less than a larger one so opt for the most minimal size possible. Slim wallets are typically about the dimensions of a credit card, which definitely comes in handy here! Lightweight materials are also something you should look for, as leather tends to weigh a bit more than most others.
Secure Attachment Options
One of the biggest worries is having your wallet fall out of a pocket or pack unnoticed on the trail. That’s why having solid attachment options is a must.
Look for wallets that come with a sturdy built-in clip for easily securing to yourself or a backpack strap. This ensures quick access when you need it, without the constant checking and patting to ensure it's still there.
Lanyard and carabiner attachments are also great options that don’t require taking your pack off to get to your wallet. Having good attachment points ensures you won’t lose your backpacking wallet as you hike.
Quick and Easy Access
Convenience is another major factor when you need to grab cash or a card quickly on the go. Whether paying for fuel or grabbing a power bar from the gift shop, you don’t want to fumble with a wallet that's hard to open or dig through.
Opt for a thoughtfully designed hiking wallet that allows you to access what you need when you need it. Many minimalist wallets have a single compartment that allows you to carry just a few cards at a time and makes them incredibly fast and easy to access.
The GeoGrit Wallet – Built Tough
The GeoGrit wallet is uniquely engineered to meet the needs of adventurous lifestyles. Made in America from rugged 6061 aluminum, it provides extreme strength and protection without extra bulk.
The machined aluminum frame and outer shell can withstand drops, crushing weight, and the harshest conditions. It is designed to last through years of outdoor use. The vertical card slots allow quick access and a streamlined profile.
GeoGrit wallets are constructed with premium materials like stainless steel hardware and silicone cash straps. The minimalist yet robust design keeps the focus on seamless performance.
Advanced RFID blocking technology safeguards against electronic theft of card data. The GeoGrit wallet provides peace of mind that your valuables are secure no matter where your travels take you.
From backcountry hikes to everyday adventures, the GeoGrit wallet provides superior quality, durability, and reliability. Its slim, functional design is ready to tackle anything you throw at it.
You can check out our selection of aluminum and carbon fiber wallets here.
Summary
Whether you’re heading out on a weekend backpacking trip or a simple day hike, having a lightweight, durable wallet makes all the difference.
A quality hiking wallet should be made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber or aluminum, which have the added benefit of being water and mud resistant. They’re also drop-proof, so if you accidentally fumble one on the trail, you won’t have to worry about getting a new wallet when you get home.
If you’re interested in carrying a minimalist wallet that’s made in the USA, check out our entire collection at GeoGrit.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and follow our blog to keep up on all our latest content.