Share Your Hike

How to Capture and Share Your Outdoor Adventures

Want to share your hiking experience with friends, family, or fellow hikers? Whether you’re posting on social media, writing a trail journal, or just keeping memories for yourself, the right gear and a few simple habits can help you capture and share your adventures in a fun, easy, and effective way.

This page covers the basic tools and tactics you can use to record your hike, take better trail photos, and tell your story — without adding a lot of extra weight to your pack.

What Gear Helps You Share Your Hike?

You don’t need to be a content creator or carry a bunch of tech. A few small pieces of gear can make it easy to document your trip and share it however you like.

1. Smartphone or Compact Camera

  • Easy to use and already in your pocket
  • Great for photos, short videos, voice notes, and GPS tracking
  • Bring a lightweight waterproof case or dry bag just in case
  • Turn on airplane mode to save battery

2. Power Bank or Battery Pack

  • Keeps your phone or GPS device running all day
  • Look for lightweight models with at least one full charge (5,000–10,000 mAh)
  • Bonus: Some include solar panels for multi-day hikes

3. Mini Tripod or Phone Mount

  • Perfect for solo hikers who want to get in the shot
  • Use for group photos, time-lapse videos, or stable trail footage
  • Many tripods fold small and weigh under 5 ounces

4. Notebook or Waterproof Journal

  • Jot down thoughts, trail names, and moments you want to remember
  • A pencil works in wet weather — or use a weatherproof notebook like Rite in the Rain
  • Great for post-hike blog posts or sharing tips with others

5. Action Camera (Optional)

  • Lightweight GoPros or similar models work well for recording motion
  • Chest or head mounts can keep your hands free
  • Only necessary if you want more cinematic footage

6. GPS or Tracking App

  • Use apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS to record your hike and export a map
  • Many let you add photos and notes as you go
  • You can share your completed track with friends or keep it for future planning

Explore recommended gear at:

Tips and Tactics for Capturing the Experience

Keep it Simple
You don’t need to document everything. Choose a few highlights: your favorite view, a fun moment, or a quick voice memo about how you’re feeling.

Use Natural Light
The best photos usually come from early morning or late afternoon (golden hour). Overcast days also help reduce harsh shadows.

Take Photos With and Without People
Get a few shots of the landscape, then include yourself or your hiking group. It helps tell the full story.

Tell the Story, Not Just the Stats
How did the hike feel? What surprised you? What gear worked great? A short story is more memorable than just miles and elevation gain.

Use a Consistent Style or Hashtag
If you’re posting on social media, use a personal hashtag (like #JessHikes2025) to keep your hikes easy to find later.

Capture the Unexpected
Trail signs, animals, campsite setups, muddy boots — small details are great for sharing and remembering.

Where and How to Share

Once your hike is over, there are lots of ways to tell your story:

  • Post a photo and quick caption on Instagram or Facebook
  • Send a map and a few pics to friends or family
  • Upload a video or time-lapse to YouTube
  • Share a short write-up on a blog or hiking forum
  • Contribute to our site by sending in your hike (see below)

Want to Share Your Hike With Us?

We’d love to feature your experience on our site. You can send in:

  • A short story or overview
  • A list of the gear you brought
  • One or more photos
  • A GPS track (optional)

Send your submission to: [Your Email or Submission Form Link]

We’ll include your name (or trail name), your photos, and link to any gear or guides you want to highlight.

Start Simple. Share Often.

The best way to get started is to just bring one or two tools and have fun with it. With a phone, a small power bank, and a story in mind, you can turn any hike into something worth remembering and sharing.

Looking for more gear? Start here: