Backpacking trips and day hikes often deviate from the expected course. The weather may unpredictably alter, injuries can occur, and encounters with individuals in need may arise. Moreover, various seasons may require diverse survival tools and supplies. Although all the equipment carried on backpacking trips or day hikes, such as food and layered clothing, can be considered survival gear, many individuals tend to omit items necessary for genuine emergencies when the trip veers off track. This occurrence is not uncommon, even among the most experienced individuals.
Included is a checklist of essential survival gear, accompanied by helpful notes highlighting their intended purpose and practicality.
Emergency Communication Devices
Using a cell phone to send a text message is the best method for calling for search and rescue help in places with cell tower coverage. It is recommended to attempt this before reaching out to search and rescue services via a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon. Texting is the preferred form of communication as it consumes less energy and helps conserve your smartphone battery for a longer period of time.
Satellite messengers such as the Garmin inReach and inReach Mini, Spot Gen 3, and Spot X offer the capability to engage in two-way text messaging or email exchanges using a satellite communications connection in regions devoid of cell phone or landline coverage. Similarly to cell phones, they function through private networks and necessitate a subscription fee. Moreover, in cases of emergencies, they can also call upon public Search and Rescue services.
Personal Locator Beacons, which operate on public satellite links, are a cost-effective alternative to Satellite Messengers for sending SOS messages via satellite over a public network. However, their functionality is more restricted. Individuals typically choose to carry either a satellite messenger or a personal locator beacon, not both.
If you want to grab someone’s attention, blowing a loud whistle is more effective than yelling since it can be sustained for a longer duration. Whistles are particularly useful in situations where you lose visual contact with a hiking companion, yet have knowledge of their proximity.
The signal mirror is utilized to signal search and rescue aircraft in order to assist them in pinpointing your position while flying above.
Emergency Shelter and Insulation
The Emergency Blanket/Bivy Bag is designed to retain your body heat and offer warmth, making it suitable for warming a hypothermic person. Moreover, it is considered more effective in protecting against wind due to its improved insulation.
A sleeping pad serves to provide insulation against the cold ground, in situations where you might find yourself unexpectedly spending the night outdoors. It is also beneficial for preventing hypothermia caused by a person’s contact with the cold ground, particularly if they are injured. Foam pads are regarded as the most resilient and lightweight option.
If you find yourself unexpectedly needing to stay outdoors overnight, a bivy sack serves as a minimalist emergency shelter. It offers superior durability compared to a mylar Emergency Bivy.
The Black Diamond Bipod Bivy is one of the simplest and most compact emergency shelters available. This highly acclaimed product from Black Diamond is both waterproof and effortless to assemble, providing a cozy space for a standard sleeping bag.
A tarp can serve as a basic overnight shelter or offer protection from heavy rain during the daytime.
If there is a high probability of having to overnight during long day hikes, it is wise to bring along a tent. Alternatively, carrying just the rain fly of a double-wall tent could be enough, as it can serve as insulation similar to a bivy sack, allowing you to wrap yourself up in it.
Tools and Protection
The Folding Saw is suitable for cutting firewood or creating a splint.
The magnetic compass is a dependable method for determining direction.
Local area: Paper map.
If you are unaware of how to start a fire with tinder, make use of emergency matches, a lighter, or a sparker, as these will assist you in generating sparks to ignite the fire.
Items to use as fire starters or tinder include cotton balls dipped in Vaseline, lint from a dryer, or commercially-made fire starters.
Besides providing a sense of psychological ease, a headlamp or flashlight allows you to navigate outdoors during nighttime without the risk of tripping. Utilizing a mobile phone as a substitute for a flashlight is not very effective.
An important aspect of ensuring safety, or simply locating items in your backpack like a granola bar, is having proper illumination. A headlamp is an excellent choice for lighting as it offers great portability. The Petzl Tikka Headlamp is highly praised by backpackers due to its adjustable strap and lightweight design, making it suitable for various head sizes and hairstyles.
Alternative Water Purification Method: An additional water filter or purification technique to utilize if your initial method malfunctions or becomes ineffective.
Ensure that you have batteries that are compatible with all important electronic devices you possess, or alternatively, carry a versatile power pack equipped with various recharging adapters.
The Multi-Tool, which consists of a folding knife and essential tools, is ideal for fixing equipment, especially during snowy winters for repairing skis or traction. Additionally, scissors can come in handy for administering first aid.
The Leatherman Signal Camping Multitool is a highly recommended device for anyone going hiking, backpacking, or car camping due to its versatility. It includes essential tools such as a knife, pliers, emergency whistle, fire starter, saw, and an additional 14 useful tools. It’s always a wise choice to have this Leatherman multitool with you.
The survival knife is a durable tool that serves multiple purposes such as cutting material, creating feather-sticks, and splitting firewood.
To deter a charging bear, spray a cloud of bear spray towards its head.
When hiking in bear territory, it’s essential to have suitable gear, such as the Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray (7.9 oz.). This bear spray, along with your other supplies, will ensure you are adequately prepared. With a range of 30 feet, it can effectively deter a charging bear. Additionally, it includes an inert spray to facilitate practicing before heading out on the trail.
Extra First Aid Kit Items
Consumer first-aid kits frequently do not include these items, or if they do, the quantities provided are inadequate for multiple applications, which would be necessary in a genuine emergency.
If you develop a stomach disorder or consume something that disagrees with you, anti-diarrhea medication assists in preventing loose stools and dehydration while improving your personal comfort.
Allergy Medication: Minimize allergic responses to insect stings and other substances, and additionally serve as a sleep aid.
Medication with anti-inflammatory properties aids in the alleviation of pain and reduction of swelling.
Aspirin is specifically used as a blood thinner in order to prevent a heart attack.
A fast-acting clotting agent is utilized as a trauma aid to halt excessive bleeding.
The Sam Splint is a flexible and lightweight split that can be easily bent to provide support and immobilize various common injuries.
Blister bandages are designed to enhance comfort, expedite the healing process, and protect against further irritation once blisters have formed, thanks to their padded and smooth features.
Blister Prevention Tape is a type of protective tape that is placed on the skin to cover hot spots, in order to diminish foot friction and avoid the occurrence of blisters.
The Irrigation Syringe is a plastic device that serves the purpose of cleaning cuts and wounds by eliminating debris and averting infections. It is most effective when paired with clean and purified water. Additionally, it can be utilized for backwashing water filters.
The purpose of medical exam gloves is to safeguard the caregiver from the possible transmission of contagious bodily fluids from a patient.
What are some additional items you might need to bring?
In order to ensure your safety outdoors, it is important to have the essential items mentioned above. However, depending on your specific plans, you may need to include additional gear in your survival kit. For instance, if you plan to deal with breaks, sprains, or allergic reactions, it would be wise to supplement your basic first aid kit with medical supplies. Longer trips, such as multi-day backpacking excursions, require a backup sleeping arrangement to be readily available. Biking trips should focus on traveling lightly and efficiently, so it would be beneficial to seek out packable versions of the items typically brought on hiking trips. Car campers should prepare for any potential vehicular issues by having equipment on hand to keep their car functioning properly.
No matter what your plans are, it is always wise to be ready when venturing into nature—even if you never actually use everything you bring along. Considering this, we have identified some top-rated items that you may consider including in your personal hiking emergency kit.
1. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
Backpackers highly recommend this uncomplicated water filter for convenient and rapid hydration (water becomes safe and drinkable instantly after filtration, eliminating any waiting time). Weighing merely three ounces, it won’t substantially increase the weight of your backpack, especially during long-distance treks.
2. BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
Seasoned campers highly recommend this powerful battery bank to ensure your electronics remain charged. Its USB-C port offers faster charging compared to other USB options, and it has the capability to fully charge a standard phone’s battery up to five times.
3. Cutter DEET Wipes
Bug repellent, primarily intended for prevention rather than emergencies, is a crucial essential for outdoor activities as it effectively wards off various annoying insects. These wipes feature DEET, which is labelled by experts as a reliable deterrent against mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and ticks.
4. Alba Botanica While Wet Sunscreen Lotion
Alba Botanica sunscreens are favored by hikers who prioritize skin care. These sunscreens can be conveniently applied to damp skin, allowing for effective sun protection.
5. Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
We recommend this rain jacket from Outdoor Research for its durability and ultralight weight when it comes to carrying extra layers. It can be easily packed into its own chest pocket and weighs under six ounces.
6. S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket
Similar to a bivy sack, an emergency blanket has the ability to provide warmth and comfort during unexpected situations. This particular blanket is spacious enough to accommodate two individuals and has received an impressive number of 300 five-star reviews on Backcountry.
7. SOL Duct Tape
A basic roll of duct tape can quickly provide solutions for unexpected incidents, such as minor tears in your clothes or hydration bladder, or a detached sole from your boot.
8. Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs
When you’re pressed for time, you desire nourishing and satisfying food that is also convenient. These squeezable nut butter packets, which received the 2022 SELF Outdoor Award for the top trail snack, present an unbeatable and delicious solution.
9. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Always remember to bring spare dry socks whenever you go out. These highly sought-after Darn Tough socks are perfect for hiking as they provide adequate cushioning and are crafted from a Merino wool blend that effectively wicks away moisture and prevents odors.
10. VSSL First Aid Mini Compact Adventure Kit
Including a compass and a light, this canister has been carefully assembled by wilderness medicine specialists, ensuring the reliability of its contents such as antiseptic, safety pins, burn cream, and disposable thermometers for your on-the-go first aid needs.
