Most new hikers, as they head out on a thru-hike, believe they will be happy to listen to nature for the six months of long-distance hiking. This is almost universally untrue, as many need variability to keep up their mental composure, so let’s dig into the best headphones for hiking on the trail.
When climbing challenging peaks and short on energy, sometimes you need a boost that only a hard rock song or something similar can bring you to grind it out and reach that peak. This means you want a lightweight and easy-to-access set of headphones or earbuds.
I love bone conduction headphones as they keep my ears open to sounds I need to hear, for example, rattlesnakes, but they produce less bass; otherwise, I carry earbuds for relaxing in camp, finding earbuds very comfortable to relax while wearing.
As you may notice, there are no over-ear headphones on this list as most people will prefer not to have sweat magnets on their heads for 8 hours of hiking as they would cut out outside sound and become sweat-soaked and gross in record time!
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Instantaneous Recommendations
Quick Headphone Comparison
| Gear Name | Type | Battery Life | Vendor Link | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Airpods Gen 2 | True Wireless | 5 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Apple Airpods Gen 3 | True Wireless | 6 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Plus | True Wireless | 11 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Shokz OpenRun Pro | Wireless | 10 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Shokz OpenSwim | Wireless | 8 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Shokz OpenMove | Wireless | 6 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Razer Hammerhead Earbuds | True Wireless | 6 Hours | Check Price | Check Price |
| Sennheiser CX 300S | Wired | N/A | Check Price | Check Price |
| Apple EarPods | Wired | N/A | Check Price | Check Price |
My Choice for Headphones for Thru-Hiking
Now that you have seen my list above of my top choices for headphones, let’s dig into each and explain why I chose to rate them there and why they may be a perfect match for you and your long-distance hike.
Apple Airpods Gen 3 / Pro – Best Apple Option
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes the music to your ears
- All-new contoured design
- Force sensor lets you easily control your entertainment, answer or end calls, and more
- Sweat and water-resistant
- Up to 6 hours of listening time with one charge
- Up to 30 hours total listening time with the MagSafe Charging Case
AirPods are the epitome of wireless audio. Effortless setup ensures they’re ready to go with all your devices. Powered by the Apple H1 chip, they offer fast, stable connections, lower gaming latency, and intuitive controls with smart sensors.
AirPods are designed for clear conversations with beamforming microphones and feature voice-activated Siri. The available Wireless Charging Case simplifies charging. Choose from various models to suit your preferences, from the basic AirPods to the advanced AirPods Pro.
They all offer exceptional battery life and instant device connectivity. AirPods make listening to music, taking calls, and interacting with your devices magical and effortless.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus – Best Android
- Exactly what you want to hear – Galaxy Buds+ are the perfect fitting earbuds to isolate you from distracting noises so you can stay focused on what you want.
- Twenty-two hours of serious sound – Get up to 11 hours of nonstop music on a single charge, then pop your Galaxy Buds+ in the wireless charging case and get nearly 11 more.
- Your voice is loud and clear – Ensure you’re heard clearly. A dedicated internal and two external microphones pick up your voice and isolate it from outside noises. When you’re on a call, your voice comes through richly and confidently, even in noisy locations.
- Android and iOS are compatible – Pair with smart devices via Bluetooth. 5 Use the Galaxy Wearable app on Android and Galaxy Buds+ app on iOS to make the most of your earphones.
These lightweight, comfortable earbuds are designed for all-day wear, with up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. That’s plenty of power to last through a long day on the trail.
They deliver surprisingly powerful sound in a compact design. The AKG-tuned drivers pump out crisp highs and deep bass to make your favorite hiking tunes sound amazing. Even with wind noise, the earbuds use multiple microphones to isolate your voice for clear calls. The earbuds are sweat-resistant, too, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a downpour. Just wipe them off and keep listening.
When your day is done, the Galaxy Buds Plus case provides an additional 11 hours of battery for 22 hours of listening time. That’s enough for a multi-day backpacking trip! The case is small enough to fit in a pocket easily. With its rugged design, great sound, and long battery life, the Galaxy Buds Plus is the perfect wireless earbud companion for backpackers and outdoor adventurers.
Shokz OpenRun Pro – Best Bone Conduction
- Open-Ear Comfort – OpenRun Pro features our best fit yet. Avoid the discomfort of in-ear headphones with our bud-free design. These headphones stay put during any workout. Includes Shokz headband.
- Premium Sound Quality – Experience premium audio delivered through your cheekbone with our 9th bone conduction technology. Engineered with Shokz TurboPitch technology, the OpenRun Pro headset features our best listening experience with clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass.
- Secure Fit – A lightweight, wraparound titanium frame keeps your wireless headphones stable and in place during intense training.
These revolutionary bone conduction headphones allow you to hear your surroundings while enjoying your favorite playlists and podcasts on the go. The OpenRun Pro hooks securely around your ears, with no earbuds to block external noise. This innovative technology sends sound through your cheekbones, informing you of fellow hikers, wildlife, and other hazards.
And the OpenRun Pro is perfect for extended backpacking trips thanks to its lightweight yet durable titanium frame. At just 1.6 oz, you’ll barely notice them in your pack. They’re also IP67 waterproof, meaning they can withstand dust, rain, and even immersion for 30 minutes.
With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can jam out all day on the trail between charges. And when it’s time to set up camp, the OpenRun Pro doubles as a Bluetooth speaker so you can continue the tunes at your site.
When safety, awareness, and nonstop entertainment matter most, reach for the Shokz OpenRun Pro – the ultimate headphones for backpackers on the go.
Shokz OpenMove – Budget Bone Conduction
- Bone conduction technology – Transmits audio through cheekbones instead of over ears, allowing you to hear surroundings for safety.
- Lightweight and comfortable – Weigh just 26 grams and have a flexible “fitband” for a customizable, secure fit during activities.
- IP55 water resistance rating – Can withstand heavy sweat, rain, and even be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep.
- 6 hours of battery life – Provides up to 6 hours of continuous music, podcasts, or calls per charge.
- Bluetooth connectivity – Easily pairs with phones, tablets, etc from up to 10 meters away for wireless listening.
- Affordable price – Delivers premium features at a budget-friendly price point for hikers.
The Shokz OpenMove headphones are the perfect audio companion for backpackers who enjoy music and podcasts on the trail without compromising situational awareness. With Shokz’s unique bone conduction technology, OpenMoves headphones deliver premium sound quality while keeping your ears open to hear your surroundings. This revolutionary design allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes or shows without tuning out the natural world.
Weighing just 1.6 ounces, the OpenMoves are incredibly lightweight and comfortable for prolonged wear. They are also sweat and water-resistant with an IP55 rating, meaning your headphones can withstand the elements on your backpacking adventures.
Eight hours of battery life ensures your entertainment doesn’t cut out when you need it most. For backpackers seeking lightweight, comfortable headphones that won’t distract from the sounds of nature, the Shokz OpenMove is the ideal choice.
Treat yourself to premium sound on the trail without compromising safety or situational awareness. The OpenMoves are a must-have for any backpacker’s kit.
Sennheiser CX 300S – Best Wired Headphones
- Precision German engineering ensures excellent audio clarity so that you will hear every detail of your music perfect for on trail.
- One button inline smart remote makes it convenient to play and pause music and take calls without fumbling with your phone.
- Four sizes (xs, s, m, l) of ear adapters are included to get an individualized fit for personal comfort and to ensure they don’t fall out.
- The in-ear design creates a secure fit for excellent ambient noise reduction so you can relax and focus on the music.
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- Connector type: 3.5 millimeter Jack
The Sennheiser CX 300S earbuds are the perfect audio companion for backpackers looking for great sound on the go. These lightweight, compact earbuds deliver stunning stereo sound in a durable, sweat-resistant package built for adventure. The angled design ensures a secure, comfortable fit so you can focus on the sights and sounds of nature, not your earbuds.
But it’s the impressive audio quality that makes the CX 300S stand out. Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology and neodymium magnets provide rich, natural sound across an expansive frequency range. You’ll hear every detail of your favorite playlists or podcasts come to life.
The isolation from ambient noise lets you immerse yourself in your audio, making those long stretches on the trail fly by. And with the convenient in-line controls, you can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls without missing a step.
For backpackers seeking elevated sound for their outdoor excursions, the Sennheiser CX 300S delivers exceptional audio in a rugged, no-fuss package. Slip them in your pack and enhance every adventure with a pristine sound.
Apple EarPods – Best Wired Apple Headphones
- Lightweight and compact design – Weighing just 22 grams, EarPods are extraordinarily light and pack down small, perfect for tossing in your backpack.
- Comfortable fit – The smooth, tapered design naturally fits the shape of your ear for a secure and comfortable fit during active use.
- Crisp, balanced sound – EarPods deliver rich bass and sharp treble for an immersive listening experience on the go. The redesigned drivers minimize sound leakage.
- Inline remote and mic – The convenient remote and mic built into the 1.5m cable allow you to control music playback and phone calls quickly.
- Durable construction – EarPods feature improved water resistance and a sweat-proof design that can withstand the rigors of hiking and outdoor activity. The durable cables are tug-resistant.
These classic wired earbuds were designed by Apple from the ground up to deliver high-quality sound in a durable, lightweight package built for the outdoors. The sleek contoured design fits comfortably and securely in your ears, perfect for hiking long trails.
The EarPods feature a unique driver design that minimizes sound loss and maximizes output. You’ll be amazed at the crisp mids and sparkling highs these budget-friendly earbuds pump out. The inline mic and controls make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls on the go.
And don’t worry about getting these earbuds wet – Apple EarPods are designed with water resistance in mind. Sweat won’t faze them, and light rain is no match for their rugged build. The long cord gives you plenty of length while staying out of the way. Just toss them in your pack’s pocket, and you’ll always have great audio handy.
EarPods work seamlessly with all Apple devices and many Android models. For backpackers seeking durable wired earbuds as a primary or backup, these deliver stunning sound without breaking the bank. You can’t go wrong with Apple EarPods.
Buyers Guide for Great Headphones For Thru-Hiking
When choosing headphones for a thru-hike, there are a few critical considerations. For many, weight is always key, but since headphones, in general, are lightweight as nearly any gear can be, the focus turns to more technology-faced issues and considerations.
Important Considerations for Purchase
Overall, you want a headphone that is going to be comfortable since you will likely be wearing them for hours on end, has excellent sound quality, and can stand up to the elements since they will also probably be accompanying you on wet, cold, and/or muddy adventures.
The type of headphones you choose is also necessary as some are better at blocking out outside noise (proper in crowded hostels or shelters) while others work best for music listening only.
Comfort
You want a pair of headphones or earbuds that you can wear for hours on end without discomfort. This means they should be lightweight and have soft, comfortable earpieces that won’t hurt your ears after extended use.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth quality and connectivity matter when it comes to headphones for thru-hiking. Look for headphones that have a good Bluetooth range (30 feet or more) and are NFC compatible in case you want to use them with a phone or other device.
This is much more concerning if your phone is kept in your backpack and there is interference between it and your headphones.
Battery Life
The battery is a concern as you want them to last a long time but also be able to charge fast and efficiently when in the case and connected to a charger. This is where USB-C or similar quick charge capabilities come in handy.
Frequency Response
The range of frequencies a particular device can reproduce can make or break some people’s listening experience. A wider range means you’ll be able to hear the highs and lows of music better, while a narrower range may cut out some of the higher or lower frequencies.
IP Rating
The IP rating is vital to the water defense your earbuds can provide because it rates how well the product can keep moisture and dust out. The scale goes from IP0 to IPX9. With each number, the protection gets better.
An IP0 rating would be something like a basic pair of earbuds that don’t have any water protection, while an IP68 rating means the product is completely dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Ability to Hear Surroundings
How open is your hearing to the environment when wearing these headphones? This can be important for safety when you are out on the trail and must be aware of your surroundings.
Headphones that completely block out all noise can be dangerous as you may not hear vital sounds that can keep you safe from bears, big cats, snakes, or even other hikers.
Comfort
Some people prefer the feel and fit of over-ear headphones, while others find them too bulky and prefer the smaller in-ear models. It comes down to personal preference, so it’s essential to try out different types before purchasing.
It would be best if you also looked at how comfortable they are over a long wear period. If you wear them for 5 hours, are they as comfortable as in hour one? These are what you need to think about on comfort overall with earbuds and headphones on a thru-hike.
Weight
Weight is also an important consideration since you don’t want to add unnecessary ounces to your pack. In-ear headphones are typically the lightest option, but some over-ear models are also quite lightweight.
