Hiking Essentials

Hiking Essentials
  1. Navigation
  2. First Aid
  3. Headlamp
  4. Fire
  5. Knife
  6. Shelter
  7. Food
  8. Water
  9. Clothes
  10. Sun Protection

Hiking Essentials

There are 10 basic hiking essentials that you should be bringing with you no matter the distance or difficulty of the hike. Some would question it and say is it really necessary? Yes, it is, even it’s just a day hike. You may not use any of those items but when you need them in an emergency situation, you won’t thank yourself enough. For more information about Hiking Essentials, visit the link here.

GPS, map, compass, personal locator beacon. Use a GPS with a downloaded map is a effective way to locate yourself. But do pack a traditional map and a good old trusty compass with you. Your GPS device battery won’t last forever, but your map and compass would.

Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)

You will need a first aid kit no matter how short the hike is. It’s even better if the kit is tailored to you if you required special medications. There are many pre-packed first aid kits available in outdoor equipment stores and drug stores. You don’t have to purchase a multi-hundred dollars kit unless you are out there in the woods for days or weeks, otherwise a simple day hike kit would be sufficient.

Headlamp / Torch

Daylight hours are long in the summer days, but do bring a decent headlamp or a torch plus an extra set of battery for just in case you can’t hike back to your car before sunset.

Fire

Bring a lighter, some matches and some tinder (such as cotton ball or paracord) with you. I personally would bring a small ferro rod in case the lighter and the matches have failed on me.

Knife

Always bring a knife with you when you are out hiking. It doesn’t have to be a full tang knife unless you are bush crafting, but a decent quality folding knife will do. The spine of the knife would help starting a fire with a ferro rod, too.

Shelter

Bring an emergency space blanket with you at all times. Its packaging is very small and almost weight nothing. It gives you a cover and keep you warm in an emergency situation.

Food

Always bring a little bit extra food and snacks with you as you might need them.

Water

You may drink more than you think in the trail, bring a bit more water with you can’t go wrong. You may also consider bringing few water purification pills or a water filter with you depending the length of the hike.

Extra Clothes

It’s a good idea to pack an extra layer of clothes with you. Such as a wind breaker and a long sleeve. Just in case you are getting cold. Also, a rain jacket is equally important. If you are wet, you will get cold way quicker and it is hard to warm again unless you have a fire.

Sun Protection

Long exposure under the sun can lead to hyperthermia, dehydration and burns. Sun glasses, sunscreen, a hat/cap would be one of the essential items to have in your pack. We all enjoy sunshine, but don’t let the sun bakes you.