Ten Essential Items for Hikers & Backpackers

Heading off into the wilderness can be an imposing and nerve racking experience, especially for those  without the knowledge or experience of how to be prepared for the outdoors. The best way to be ready to tackle what nature can throw out you is to be as prepared as possible. This means having the right mix of essential gear, hydration, and food for any adventure.  You never know what will happen on the trail, from changes in weather to injuries, heat or cold related issues, hunger or getting lost, the wilderness can be a dangerous place if we are not properly equipped for what we may face.  So whether you are new or old to hiking and backpacking there are ten essentials that every person and group leader should carry for emergencies and proper safety on the trail.

Psst: Please make sure to always follow all local regulations when heading out into nature, Leave No Trace and respect wildlife. Also: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no cost to you.

#1. FIRST AID KIT 

Every time you go hiking or backpacking make sure that at least one person in your group has a first aid kit. You never know if and when you may sprained an ankle get a bee sting, cut, abrasion or sun burn and need something to help.  I cater my first aid kit to what I need and keep it in a small waterproof bag inside my backpack. I carry at minimum: 

• Neosporin
• Bandaids
• Gauze
• Bleed stop
• Ace wrap or athletic tape
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• An antihistamine like Benadryl
• IB Profen or Aspirin
• Electrolyte tablets.
• If you don’t want to make your own kit you can get great ready made kits for every type of adventure from My Medic. 

#2 Navigation

It is imperative when heading out hiking or backpacking that you bring a map, compass and GPS device for tracking the trail. When I head out solo I always bring my Garmin In reach Mini, and a map downloaded on AllTrails or another trail tracking App like Gaia which also has 4 x4 and off road tracks or Cairn; on Cairn there is a feature to actually message your safety circle after an allotted time of not finishing a trail. While all these GPS Services do have a monthly fee for using offline maps or communication it is well worth the nominal fee to be able to keep track of the trail and stay connected in case of emergency. Even with these devices it is still important to have a paper map and compass and know how to use them. 

#3. Sun Protection 

Even on cloudy days it is so important to protect your face and body from the damaging rays of the sun and wind. Essential items for every hike are always a hat or visor, long sleeves, neck gaiter or bandana to protect your face from sun and wind as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. 

#4. Insulation

No matter the time of year, you will want to be prepared the elements with a few items to keep you dry and warm. Packing a jacket/raincoat and extra layer is always a good idea.  Even on a warm summer hike you will want something to protect you from rain, heat or changing weather conditions, especially if you are hiking to higher elevations where the temperature is going to be very different than the temperature where you begin your hike.  I also recommend extra socks especially if you’re hiking where there may be water on the trail. For colder climates use the 3-1 System of layering starting with a base layer of wool or dry wicking material, a middle layer of warm insulation and a top layer that protects you from wind and rain. For more on layering read my Winter Gear Guide for hikers. 

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#5. Illumination 

I can’t tell you how many times I have been saved by having a flashlight in my pack. Always pack a headlamp and flashlight in your kit and make sure you bring extra batteries and make sure your devices are fully charged before hitting the trail. Sometimes trails take longer than you thought, and the worst thing is trying to stay on a trail in the dark without a light, it can be the difference between life and death. 

#6 Fire 

Every emergency kit should have some sort of fire starting device. There are many options so choose what works best for you and always keep it in a waterproof bag. Here are a few ways you can start a fire: 

• Lighter or USB lighter (I just got one of these and they are awesome) 
• Fire Starter Kit 
• Flint Stick 
• Cotton balls/tampons or other paper products for kindling

#7. Repair Kit

It is good to carry a few essential items that can help you repair any broken items, or help cut wood, tape or packaging. I always carry a multi tool or knife and some tape, zip ties, small plastic bag and myler repair kit for my tent, pack or sleeping bag.

#8 Nutrition 

You may think a granola bar is plenty for a short hike in the woods but always be prepared for emergencies by carrying extra food. You will want one day’s supply of no cook nutritious foods. I like to carry dried fruit, trail mix or granola, dry oats, and protein powder as emergency foods, and I always pack my favorite sandwich like a PB & J or some banana pancakes for the trail. 

#9. Hydration

By far the most important essential item on the trail, packing the correct amount of water can make or break any adventure. Always bring more water than you think you need, and make sure you take into consideration the temperature and length of your trip. I like to bring water in a 3 Liter water bladder, and always have a backup way to filter or purify water if I run out. Depending on your adventure you may want a water filter like the Sawyer squeeze bottle, a Lifestraw or the Ketadyn Be Free. 

#10. Emergency shelter:

Being stuck out in the wilderness at night when you aren’t planning on it can be a scary situation. To be prepared always pack some sort of emergency tent, space blanket, tarp or bivy (as in, emergency shelter for a sleeping bag) that can protect you in case of injury or unplanned nights in nature. I carry a space blanket and if you have trekking poles you can erect a small but warm shelter in a pinch. 

One last item I always pack in my bag is a microfiber towel for washing, wiping, or even using as a place to sit while out in the woods, a few wet wipes, some TP and a garbage bag are also great essentials for keeping yourself and the trail clean. While I hope none of you are ever in need of any of these emergency items on the trail, it is essential to always be prepared by carrying the 10 essentials, do your research and Leave No Trace while out in nature. If you want more info on being prepared for the trail check out my hiking preparation series on Youtube and my other posts on getting in shape for the trail. 

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