In the high-paced and technology-ridden lifestyle of today’s age, a change of scenery is always helpful. Activities like hiking and or trail running are an important part of life. Complete detachment from the world we know can be overwhelming though. People sometimes listen to music or podcasts while hiking. We’ve compiled some excellent and well-designed headphones ideal for just that. These are headphones with practical features and designs that hikers will find useful.
Table of Contents
Best Headphones For Hiking
AfterShokz Aeropex
The AfterShokz Aeropex headphones are a hassle-free wireless option that uses Bluetooth connectivity. They are well-suited for fast-paced activities like hiking. Most hikers agree that the battery life of headphones is an essential feature. These AfterShokz Aeropex headphones have an eight-hour battery life, making them great for day-long adventures. The patented 8th-generation bone conduction design makes them lightweight. Bone conduction headphones combat the ear fatigue that can come with regular earbuds. This is also a highly sought-after feature. Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bones on your head. The result is increased situational awareness and avoiding the ear discomfort of other headphones. Situational awareness is the biggest priority here. Bone conduction is a unique listening experience. Sound quality is somewhat sacrificed, especially in louder environments.
These headphones are safe for hiking in the wild. The unique open-ear design sits light and comfortable. The absence of a heavy headset enables you to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Another notable feature of these headphones is their IP67 waterproof rating. It makes these headphones sweat and waterproof. This is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and trail running. The AfterShokz Aeropex headphones come with moisture-detection technology that alerts you against potential damage, especially while charging. These bone-conduction headphones allow comfort, safety, and user-friendliness in a lightweight package. Its special safety features make it our top pick for hardcore hikers.
Best Hiking Headphones For Sound Quality
Bose Sport Earbuds
The Bose Sport Earbuds are yet another excellent pair of sports headphones. The wireless Bluetooth connectivity combats problems, such as unnecessary tangling and other cord-related hazards. The custom-designed antennas allow superior connectivity, with a 30 feet range. This means that you can enjoy your music without interruptions. The ear tips are available in three size options, letting you choose the best fit for your ears. The secure fit prevents the earbuds from falling out during intense physical activities, including hiking on steep and rough trails. The design allows these earbuds to sit comfortably against the natural contours of your ears, preventing discomfort and ear fatigue even after prolonged usage. We absolutely love the sound quality that the Bose Sports earbuds deliver. You will experience clear, loud, and lifelike music on the go. They come with a beamforming microphone range that offers clear voice transmission, even in loud settings.
These inclusive and user-friendly earbuds are compatible with both iOS and Android software. You can connect them to your smartphones and use the Bose Music App for easy touch controls. The Bose Sport Earbuds are constructed with special water and sweat-resistant materials which earns them an IPX4 rating. Lastly, these earbuds have 5 hours of battery life plus 10 additional hours from the charging case. The charging case also allows a quick 15-minute charge that buys you an extra 2 hours of battery! The fast charging feature makes this pair of wireless earbuds a great option for all hikers.
Best Hiking Headphones For Durability
Jaybird Vista 2
If you are looking for the most durable and high-functioning headphones to make your hiking adventures even better, the Jaybird Vista 2 wireless headphones are the answer! This pair of headphones comes with reliable Bluetooth connectivity that allows greater mobility and easy use. They’re also quality noise-cancelling headphones in a lighter earbud form factor. These earbuds prevent background noise from interrupting your music and help you stay focused. Moreover, the 6mm milled drivers and customizable EQ profiles enable a personalized and high-quality audio experience. These headphones are excellent for hiking. They have superior safety features, such as surround sense to keep you alert and conscious. The wind-guard technology-equipped mics pick up on ambient noise, helping you stay alert to any changes in your environment. The interchangeable ear gels come in 3 sizes for improved fit.
The Jaybird Vista 2’s military-grade protection (MIL-STD 810G) promises high durability. This includes resistance to shock, freezing, and impact. They also have an IP68 rating making them dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof. All this makes them highly suited for rough usage and outdoor activities, including intense trekking and hiking. The battery life is a very impressive 24 hours battery life. You’ll get 8 hours of uninterrupted playback with 16 additional hours in the charging case. They also have a 5-minute quick charge feature that will get you an extra hour of battery life.
Best Hiking Headphones For Battery Life
Anker Soundcore P3
The easy-to-carry Anker Soundcore P3 wireless earbuds are ideal for hiking trips! The compact case is very practical because it easily fits in your pocket. This design keeps your earbuds safe and also gives a sleek look. The earbuds are available in 5 different colors, including black, coral red, navy blue, oat white, and sky blue. You’ll have plenty of choices to pick from. If you are someone who enjoys bass, you will be glad to hear that these earbuds have a special BassUp mode. Enabling this mode in the app intensifies bass in real-time! The ambient sound mode also makes them great for outdoor use.
These earbuds have an amazing battery life of 7 hours in general and almost 35 hours with the charging case. This makes them ideal for hiking trips. You won’t have to worry about them dying on you during the journey. They are also rated IPX5, which means they are water-resistant! These true wireless earbuds are a very affordable option considering how earbuds with similar features can cost over $100! They also offer you a customizable listening experience as you can go on the Soundcore App to adjust the EQ to your preferences.
Honorable Mentions
Sony SP800N
The Sony SP800N wireless headphones are available in a unique in-ear design. They have soft-cushioned arc support, which provides an improved and comfortable fit. They are available in black, orange, and blue. The level of comfort and the portable size makes them an excellent option for hiking and jogging trips. They fit seamlessly, which means they won’t disturb you while running. They also come with digital noise cancellation and ambient sound mode. The Sony SP800N true wireless earbuds have great sound quality and a good companion app. You can customize the EQ through the app or choose multiple presets.
Most hikers are concerned about battery life when it comes to headphones. These earbuds will run for 9 hours and 18 hours more if you are carrying the case! In case you want them to last longer, you can turn off the noise-canceling and enjoy almost 26 hours of play. Another great feature of these earbuds is that they have an IP55 rating which means they are water and sweat-resistant. The Sony SP800N comes with built-in support for a voice assistant. Alexa or Google Assistant software can be used. This makes interacting with your phone much easier during outdoor activities. They also come with a built-in microphone with which you make phone calls hand-free. This is another great feature that makes them an ideal option for hiking trips!
Anker Soundcore Life A1
If you are looking to add some life to your hiking trips, the Anker Soundcore Life A1 true wireless earbuds are a great option! They come in a unique black design. They have a sleek black body and wings. This design allows a secure fit. The result is no discomfort during prolonged use. These earbuds have custom sound modes that are a favorite feature of most users. You can pick from 3 modes including Signature, Booster, and Podcast depending on your current preference.
As a hiker or camper, you will be impressed by the battery life of these earbuds. They last for up to 9 hours from a single charge. If you have the charging case, then they can run for a staggering 35 hours. These earbuds are also waterproof with a rating of IPX7. This means they can be submerged in water without fear of malfunction. The on-ear playback options allow you to easily control your music as you run or jog. They also pair with devices easily. The in-built microphone makes it easy to take phone calls while running or hiking! In case you are on a budget, these earbuds are a relatively affordable option. They offer great value for money, considering all of their fantastic features.
Important Features For Hiking Headphones
Comfort and Fit
Most physical activities like running, weight-lighting, and hiking require some motivation. Most athletes find music to be an excellent motivator. Outdoor adventures like hiking or trail running can last long periods. This means listening to music or a podcast for extended periods of time. An uncomfortable fit can cause ear fatigue. It’s important to find comfortable headphones to avoid discomfort. An example would be earbuds with wings that allow a comfortable as well as a secure fit. A secure and comfortable fit is equally important, especially during intense movements. Loose headphones can easily move around and struggle to stay in place. The Jaybird Vista 2 and AfterShokz Aeropex are excellent options in this regard. They offer lightweight comfort and designs that fit comfortably.
Design and Durability
Durability is a critical consideration for sports-grade devices, such as headphones for hiking. Hiking is an activity that involves rough weather conditions, exposure to dust, and excessive sweating. These things can potentially cause irreparable damage to electronic devices like headphones. Durability can be bolstered by weatherproof capabilities. The Jaybird Vista 2 is a great example. Its military-grade construction guards the headphones against extreme weather and water damage. Design is yet another feature to take into account. The best hiking headphones are wireless ones that use Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless headphones reduce the hassle and potential hazard that comes with cables.
Noise Cancelling and Ambient Mode
Most hikers can benefit from noise-canceling features in headphones. However, it’s not always smart to be blocked off from the outside world. It is important to stay alert and conscious of your surroundings at times. Listening to music motivates you to keep going. However, it can also potentially distract you from surrounding noise. Ambient sound mode is a great feature to combat this problem. Anker Soundcore P3 is a good option that is equipped with ambient sound mode. It is both a safety feature and a convenient one. It allows you to stay aware of your surroundings and in tune with your music. Noise-canceling features are also useful. They allow superior and high-quality audio, even in loud surroundings like heavy wind or a nearby waterfall. Some hiking situations and circumstances call for alertness. Others circumstances allow for isolation. Several wireless headphones on this list have you covered for both.
Battery Life
Hiking is an outdoor activity done on mountains and trails. This means readily available charging ports and sockets are not available. The battery life of your devices quickly becomes very important. Think about the length of your typical hike. Make sure to select headphones that will last long enough for you. This will ensure that you don’t run out of battery halfway through the hike. Some models come with cases that allow instant and quick charging to extend the battery on the go. Wireless headphones with the best battery life include models like the Anker Soundcore P3 and Jaybird Vista 2.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.