South Korea has a lot of hiking cultural aspects that don’t exactly remind me of home. Some of them are a bit bizarre, like consuming alcohol of various kinds throughout the hike, and others are ones I have really come to embrace over my last five years of hiking in this mountainous country.
Here are some of the products that I’ve not only embraced, but have become fundamental pieces of hiking equipment for me. These are real products I own and have been utilizing for the last 1+ year, that I wanted to share with you. This article contains amazon affiliate links, I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you.
2. The S-Towel
My all time favorite product, and one I truly love is the ‘s-towel’. It’s essentially a shower in a towel. It’s rolled down into a small little package, and when opened turns into a 650 x 320 mm towel without the addition of water. It has a slight ‘clean’ smell, and can be used to wipe you down after a hike or other sweat intensive sporting activity. It’s available on Coupang at a pretty decent price for about 20-17,000원 for 17 towels.
Typically, I utilize this towel after I finish my hike and I get changed into a new outfit before getting on the bus to go home. It’s a game changer. While I’m not 100% back to my showered self I don’t feel gross (nor stinky!) and I’m more likely to want to go out for a post hiker dinner. I also took them to Uzbekistan when I went to conduct vegetation surveys – fantastic after a long day in such an arid environment!
3. A Tactical Phone Pouch
While I have seen hikers in the US have these phone case holders on their bags, it’s far more common here in South Korea. In January of 2022, I finally caved and got myself one. It’s turned into a must have piece of gear which switches bags with me every time. Besides being the place I store my phone and battery charger, it’s also how I display my 100 mountain challenge patch, which is a common practice among the Korean hikers as well.
Before getting one when I wanted to charge my phone it was sort of a hassle to get it from my bag to take a picture as well. Now I can easily just be charging away and also conveniently whip out my phone to take a quick picture.
Nylon phone pouch with zipper and pouch, complete with a carabiner clip and loop/strap for vertical attachments, and two velcro straps for horizontal attachment
3. Croc-like Slipper Sandals
I was a hard time judger at first about the old men rocking the crocs on the hiking buses, thinking it’s a bit extra to bring an extra pair of shoes. But I have been full converted – especially in the winter or on rainy days. I have worn my crocs-lite on the bus every time I’ve hiked for the last 1.5 years – either it be on public transportation or a private bus.
As you’re probably aware, hiking boots while offering excellent ankle support and protection are rather heavy and not the most comfortable shoe to be wearing for hours on end in the car or bus. Whether it be the extra tightness because of feet swelling or if your socks and shoes are damp, it makes a big difference to have the ability to get your feet dry and open while style staying protected.
Lightweight and suitable for different places, sturdy heel strap for optimal hold and comfortable.
These slip-on clogs are easy to take on and off, while being extremely durable; These even offer pivoting heel straps for a more secure fit.
They work well all year round, just pack the appropriate thickness of socks to get changed into post hike and you are good to go.
4. The Easybab elf-heating meals
I have eaten more of these than I can actually count – I even wrote a whole article about them in March 2021, referring to them as my “favorite Korean food product for an outdoor adventure”. That description still stands today. They are quick to set up and cook (2 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking), with a good taste. Not to mention they don’t require hot water, so no burner or heavy insulated water bottle needed. They range from 370-500 calories, and can be purchased on Coupang ranging from 4,700원 – 3,400원 per meal (it’s less expensive the more you buy). I’m eating less of them these days, but that’s because of how hot it is outside. Once the weather begins to get chilly I know they will be with me for every hike, just hike they have been for the last 3 years!
Bonus: Peak Design’s Camera Mount
This one hasn’t yet caught on as a trend in South Korea yet, but I’ve started using it and I’ve loved it! So I wanted to recommend it to you. Going hands free with your camera is now both safe and easy. I’m a big fan of this little mount, simple to use and I’m so glad I bought it! It’s two parts, one secures tightly to your bag’s strap and the other screws into your camera (like a tripod stand does).
This is a product that isn’t one that just any company’s version will do, they make an excellent product that I truly it to protect my camera from falling. It also incentives me actually use my camera more. Before getting this clip, all too often I was hiking away and end up not taking that many shots even though I dragged the camera up the mountain, because it’s too much of a hassle to get it out my bag.
Camera mount securely holds DSLR, compact and point-and-shoot cameras during any physical activity.
- Access your camera fast with a quick release button that withstands over 200 lbs. of force.
- Attaches to any strap/belt up to 2.5 Inch (7.6 cm) wide and 0.6 Inch (1.5 cm) thick.
I’ve seen some advertisements of people putting it on their belt but my camera lens is far too heavy for that 😂
Happy Trekking!
-Aurora
