Pro Tips For Using & Choosing An Ultralight Waterproof Hiking Wallet

What to carry in your backpacking and hiking wallet

• I.D. / Driver’s license
• Credit & Debit Cards
• Health & Car Insurance Cards
• AAA Card
• $100+ in Cash,
• Note With Relevant Medical Info & Emergency Contacts
• House Key & Car Key
• America the Beautiful Pass for Parking, Park Access
• Permit if not Displayed on Exterior of Pack

Why it’s still worth carrying cash in your hiking wallet

Yes, it’s still worth carrying cash into the backcountry, ideally in a waterproof wallet, and for a plethora of reasons. For starters, you may find yourself at a rural general store that does not accept card, or that is experiencing technical difficulties with their card reader. You may also want cash to incentivize a hitchhike, or whatever kind of assistance is necessary. It can be helpful to have as a bartering currency to use with passing hikers, in case you run out of a particular supply that they might have extras of. For example, food, a spare lighter, blister tape, or stove fuel.

Why choose a waterproof wallet for hiking and backpacking

The more time you spend in the backcountry, the more likely you are to get wet. A waterproof wallet will protect cash, key fobs and written information from rain and sustained exposure to wetness. Some waterproof wallets will even protect your valuables if submerged, such as in the event that you fall into a river while fording. Unlike leather, it won’t be damaged if it becomes wet. It won’t absorb water like a cloth pouch. There is basically no reason not to choose a wallet without some degree of water protection.

Why you should choose an ultralight wallet for hiking and backpacking

Because a plethora of great options exist that weigh less than one ounce, there is simply no reason to bring something heavier, because it won’t offer any performance benefits that a lighter option does not. Weight savings allow you to hike faster, father, and/or more comfortably, and are generally desirable. As such, a lighter wallet is more desirable. Soft sided is better than hard sided for being easier to stow and carry in pocket.

How much waterproofness does your hiking wallet need?

We use and recommend open-sided bifold wallets, highly water resistant zipper pouches, and TPU submersibles. For a day trip, unless you’re expecting heavy rain (in which case why not reschedule?), we recommend your everyday bifold style that does not involve switching cards and cash around. For multi day backpacking which may expose your valuables to extended periods of wetness, we recommend switching over to zipper pouches. If you’ll be rafting, canyoneering, paddling, or otherwise getting all up in it, we recommend a submersible.

Where to store your waterproof wallet while hiking & backpacking

Honestly, this one comes down to personal preference. The logic is that you should store it where your least likely to loose it, but that means difference things to different people. You might choose to store it in your pants pocket, just like you do while walking around town. This means you can always feel it against your leg, reminding you that it’s still there.

However, this is only safe in zippered, and/or deep secure pockets. You might also place it into your ditty bag with other knickknacks and accessories. Or perhaps your backpack’s brain compartment. Or keep it in a shoulder mounted pack pocket. Or in your main compartment, securely nested with your sleeping bag. Choose a system that works for you!