Ultimate Guide to the Best GoPro Accessories For Hiking
Alright, so you’ve got yourself a GoPro, and you're gearing up for a hike. Great stuff. However, I’ve been on enough trails, in enough weather, and on enough treks to know that without the best GoPro accessories for hiking, you’ll either end up with shaky, useless footage or, worse, a battery that’s dead before your first snack. Your GoPro is only as good as the gear that supports it.
So, let’s go over the accessories that actually makes a difference.
The Best GoPros For Hiking
GoPro Hero 13 Black
- Resolution:
Image Resolution27MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)128Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
GoPro Hero 11 Black
- Resolution:
Image Resolution27MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)89Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
The GoPro Hero 11 Black continues to hold its own as a top-tier action camera, according to user feedback. Straight out of the box, the consensus is that it delivers high-quality video, living up to its reputation.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
- Resolution:
Image Resolution23MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)174Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Users say that the GoPro Hero 10 Black stands out as, well, a GoPro, and more specifically, a camera. Right out of the box, many appreciate its great video quality.
Hands-Free Mounts: Because You’re Going to Need Your Hands
You’ll want a good mount—something that keeps your GoPro steady while letting you focus on not tripping over tree roots. Here are a few solid options:
- Chest Mount Harness – Great for stable, first-person perspective shots. Works best if you’re moving at a steady pace and don’t want to mess with your camera.
- Head Strap or Hat Clip – Ideal for getting that "this is what I’m seeing" kind of footage, especially if you're into "found footage" type of movies.
- Backpack Strap Mount – Probably my favorite. It’s out of the way, doesn’t bounce as much as a head strap, and keeps the camera locked in place.
- Wrist or Hand Mount – Good for capturing moments on the fly without having to dig around in your bag.
If you plan on adjusting your shots often, a quick-release clip is a smart move—it saves you from fumbling with screws when you want to change angles.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Hands-Free Video Capture
Stabilizers & Poles: Keep Your Footage Watchable
Unless you enjoy watching shaky, nausea-inducing video, get something to keep your shots steady:
- 3-Way Grip, Arm & Tripod – This one’s handy because it works as a grip, an extension arm, and a tripod. It’s the Swiss Army knife of GoPro hiking accessories.
- Extendable Selfie Stick – "Selfie stick" doesn’t sound hardcore, but for capturing wide-angle shots of your surroundings (or yourself at the summit), it’s pretty useful.
- Gimbal Stabilizer – If you want those smooth, cinematic shots, this is the way to go. A bit of extra weight in the pack, but worth it if video quality matters to you.
- Flexible Tripod (GorillaPod or similar) – This thing grips onto rocks, tree branches, or uneven ground. Set up a time-lapse, record yourself at camp—it’s surprisingly useful.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Stability & Reach
Weather Protection: Mother Nature-proof Your GoPro
One thing you learn fast on trails: Weather is unpredictable. Your GoPro might be tough, but it’s not invincible. If you’re hiking somewhere wet, cold, or dusty, these will help:
- Waterproof Housing – Essential for heavy rain, river crossings, or snow. The newer GoPros are water-resistant, but for anything serious, you’ll want full protection.
- Anti-Fog Inserts – If you’re hiking in cold or humid conditions, these stop the lens from fogging up—because nothing ruins a good shot like a cloudy lens.
- Silicone Protective Sleeve – Helps protect against drops and scrapes, which are inevitable when you’re out on the trail.
- Lens & Screen Protectors – Dirt, dust, and scratches happen. These help prevent your footage from looking like it was filmed through a dirty windshield.
If you're trail is near a body of water, consider bringing a floaty case, just in case.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Weather Protection
Power and Storage: Dead Cameras Tell No Tales
GoPros are great, but their battery life is not when you're recording in 4k. Here’s what you’ll want to keep it running:
- Extra Batteries – Bring at least two spares. Cold weather drains them fast, and long hikes mean you won’t always have time to recharge.
- Portable Power Bank – If you're out all day (or overnight), a power bank keeps your batteries topped up.
- Solar Charger – If you're doing a multi-day trek, these are lifesavers. Just don’t expect super-fast charging.
- High-Capacity microSD Cards – Trust me, you don’t want to be mid-hike and see "Storage Full" pop up. Bring a few.
- Dual Battery Charger – If you’re charging at camp, this lets you juice up two batteries at once.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Power and Storage
Audio and Remote Control: ASMR in Backcountry
Wind noise is the enemy of GoPro footage. Here’s how to fix that:
- External Microphone – If you actually care about audio quality, get one. The built-in mic is okay, but an external one makes a big difference.
- Wind Noise Reduction Cover – Cuts down on that awful wind distortion.
- Wireless Remote (or GoPro App) – Lets you start/stop recording without touching your GoPro—great if it’s mounted somewhere inconvenient.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Audio and Connectivity
Lighting: Because Sometimes You’re Hiking in the Dark
Ever started hiking before sunrise or kept going past sunset? Then you’ll want:
- LED Light Mod – Helps with low-light shots if you’re hiking in caves, forests, or at night.
- Reflective Stickers & Glow-in-the-Dark Mounts – Helps you find your gear in the dark.
The Best GoPro Accessories for Lighting & Visibility
Final Thoughts
Look, you don’t need all of this. If I were to narrow it down to the essentials, I’d say:
✅ A backpack mount (or chest mount)
✅ Extra batteries & a power bank
✅ A 3-way grip or flexible tripod
✅ A waterproof case (if you're hiking in wet conditions)
✅ A high-capacity microSD card
Everything else depends on how serious you are about your shots. But if you want to come back with footage that actually captures the experience, a little extra gear makes all the difference. So, grab your GoPro, pack the necessary accessories, and hit the trail.
Featured image by Miro Vrlik.