As you embark on the fall hiking season, you may find yourself searching AllTrails or breaking in new hiking boots. However, it would also be wise to allocate some time for gathering a hiking emergency kit. This doesn’t necessarily mean a concise kit that conveniently fits in your backpack’s front pocket (although if you possess such packing skills, we applaud you). The range of items required for an outdoor emergency can vary from ibuprofen and tweezers to bivy sacks and GPS communicators. In order to ensure your safety while on the trail, we have examined the essential hiking gear you should consider packing.
What belongs in a hiking emergency kit?
The concept of the “10 Essentials”, which are the 10 important items hikers should have during outdoor adventures, was introduced by the Mountaineers, a hiking and conservation non-profit organization, as previously reported by SELF. These items are designed to be useful in unexpected situations or emergencies. Essentially, they can be considered as a compact survival kit in the form of a comprehensive list. They will assist in navigating if lost, fixing belongings, organizing the campsite, providing sustenance and warmth, and ensuring a place to sleep throughout the night.
This list is highly recommended by outdoor experts and reputable sources as a valuable packing guide for outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level. Keeping the 10 Essentials in mind when preparing for a day hike or camping expedition can ensure that you remember to bring items you might otherwise overlook. However, it’s important to note that even the Mountaineers acknowledge that this list is not comprehensive, and your own personal gear checklist may differ to some extent.
What are some additional items you might need to bring?
Depending on your plans, you may need to include additional gear in your outdoor survival kit to complement the safety essentials mentioned above. For instance, you may consider augmenting your basic first aid kit with medical supplies suitable for treating fractures, sprains, and allergies. If you are embarking on a longer expedition like a multi-day backpacking trip, it becomes even more crucial to have a backup sleeping arrangement readily available. For biking excursions, it is essential to prioritize lightness and efficient packing, so you may want to seek out compact versions of the items you would typically bring on a hike. Additionally, individuals planning to camp by car should anticipate potential vehicle issues and ensure they have the necessary equipment to maintain the functionality of their vehicle.
No matter what your plans are for the autumn season, it is always wise to be well-prepared when venturing out into nature, even if you end up not using all the items you bring along. Keeping this in mind, we have selected some top-notch equipment that you might consider adding to your personal emergency hiking kit.
10 Essentials for Outdoor Adventure Safety
1. Navigation
Make sure you have the necessary devices to navigate, especially in bad weather and low visibility. GPS devices are easy to use, and it is important to bring additional batteries. It is crucial to have a topo map, compass, and pencil for triangulation, but they only work if you have the knowledge to use them effectively. Before going out with a map and compass, be sure to attend an orienteering course.
Garmin 010-01879-01 InReach Mini Compact Satellite Communicator
Even though it is pleasurable to reconnect with nature through a tranquil solo hike, it is crucial to carry communication and navigation tools at all times. The Garmin InReach Mini, an award-winning satellite messenger, conveniently combines both functionalities in a compact design. Unlike a mobile phone, this device enables you to transmit an SOS signal and seek assistance even in areas without network coverage.
2. Sun Protection
When traveling on snow, sunburn on the skin or eyes can cause complete immobilization, which is why protective hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are all essential items.
Alba Botanica While Wet Sunscreen Lotion
Those hikers who give priority to skin care have expressed their preference for Alba Botanica sunscreens because they can be applied to wet skin, ensuring effortless attainment of sufficient sun protection.
3. Insulation
Remember to bring additional clothing and ensure that you have suitable attire for the possible conditions you may encounter. The specific clothing you pack will vary depending on the season and location, but it is essential that it is lightweight and designed to wick away moisture. It is advisable to avoid packing cotton, as it becomes heavy when wet, dries slowly, and draws heat away from your body. Base layers should consist of wool, specialized synthetics (like polypropylene), or a combination of the two. Insulating layers can be made of down or fleece, while outer layers should be constructed from water-resistant materials, such as Gore-Tex.
4. Illumination
Having the ability to observe and locate your path and environment is of utmost importance.
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Being able to see clearly is crucial for safety purposes, or even just for locating items like a granola bar that might be hidden at the bottom of your backpack. A headlamp is an excellent choice for illuminating your surroundings due to its convenience. Backpackers highly recommend this specific Petzl model because of its light weight and adjustable strap, allowing it to comfortably fit various head sizes and hairstyles.
5. First-aid Supplies
Self-assembled first-aid supplies are a cost-saving option, whereas pre-packaged kits offer convenience and time-saving benefits.
It is essential for a first-aid kit to have:
- Personal medications and pain relief medication
- Antibiotic ointment
- Band-aids (various sizes)
- Gauze pads
- Sports tape (doubles as repair kit)
- Sports underwrap tape (protects skin from adhesive tape, and serves for creating tendon braces and splints)
- Safety pins (for slings or larger bandages)
- Latex gloves (for treating others)
A first-aid kit could contain:
- Burn cream
- Moleskin and/or Vaseline (combined, both and prevent almost any hiking blister)
- Hand sanitizer and/or soap
- Sports lotion/cream (to prevent chaffing)
- Anti-diarrhea medications
- Allergy medications
6. Fire
In the event that you become stranded, having a reliable fire can provide comfort and warmth for a prolonged duration. It is advisable to have fire starters that encompass the following items:
- Waterproof matches
- Lighter
- Slow-burn candles (doubles as illumination)
- Fire-starter kit with natural pitch. Not necessary but certainly can expedite and ease the process of getting a fire started.
7. Repair Kit + Tools
A utility knife and tape are necessary tools. If needed, duct tape or durable Gorilla-style tape can be utilized, but sports tape from a first-aid kit might be sufficient. Additionally, it is advisable to bring along a sewing needle and extra thread.
Leatherman Signal Camping Multitool
No matter if you engage in hiking, backpacking, or car camping, having a versatile multi-tool device such as the Leatherman, recommended by experts, is always a wise decision. This tool includes a knife, pliers, an emergency whistle, a fire starter, a saw, and 14 other incredibly practical tools.
8. Nutrition
When packing for your trip, make sure to bring food that aligns with your dietary preferences and the length of the journey, and remember to bring a surplus amount in case your trip ends up lasting longer.
9. Hydration
Ensure that you consume a minimum of 2 liters of water daily and, depending on the accessibility of water sources like creeks or lakes, always have at least 1 liter of water with you. In regions with arid climates where water scarcity is a possibility, it is advisable to carry a greater amount. To acquire additional safe drinking water, it is recommended to use a water filtration system or a UV device. While iodine tablets are lightweight, it is important to note that they can also affect the taste.
When temperatures drop below zero, hydration bladders like hydration containers are not suitable for winter travel. The most effective option to prevent water from freezing in cold winter conditions is to use insulated containers.
10. Emergency Shelter
In the event that you are required to stay in one place, ensure that you have a space blanket or bivy sack packed and ready to use for staying warm and dry.
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket
Similar to a bivy, an emergency blanket can provide warmth and comfort in unexpected situations. This particular blanket is spacious enough for two individuals and has received more than 300 five-star ratings on Backcountry.
Extras List
Some other items that could be considered for safety and comfort include:
- Rope: Thin Gauge/High Strength. Useful for erecting shelters, drying clothes, and hanging food storage containers.
- Extra Zip Lock Bags: good for keeping items in your pack separated and dry.
- Warming Packs: can be the critical tool to ward off frostbite during extended winter adventures.
- Insect Repellent: key for comfort when necessary.
- Whistle: allows sound to travel extremely long distance, and can be the key tool to help you be found.
- Flagger’s Tape: If you traverse off trail or in the backcountry where visibility is nearly zero, or in any situation where you think you might have to retrace your steps, flagger’s tape should be used to mark your route. Because the use of flagger’s tape violates Leave No Trace principles, it should only be used when absolutely necessary.
- Toilet Paper.
