When venturing onto the trails, backcountry, or any remote location, it is crucial to create and share a plan and itinerary, even more vital than any gear or equipment you bring along. Inform your friends and family about your destination, companions, intended activities, and expected departure and return times. By doing so, in the event of an emergency, there will be at least one person aware of your whereabouts and capable of requesting assistance.
A device for navigation and communication
Garmin inReach Explorer+ Satellite Communicator
Being oriented is essential when venturing into remote locations. It is also helpful to have physical maps and compasses, and it is advisable to familiarize yourself with trail or topographic maps before going there. However, devices such as the Explorer+ (as well as the smaller, lighter Mini 2) offer the advantage of providing digital access to those maps and the topography of the area.
Garmin eTrex 22x
When The Mountaineers initially created the Ten Essentials, GPS was not yet widely available. Although you can still choose the traditional method of using a map and compass, this portable GPS device should provide a more efficient solution. Just remember to carry extra batteries as a precautionary measure.
Sun protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunblock
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoodie
Spending extended periods of time outdoors and being exposed to harmful UV rays can result in sunburn, eye damage, and potentially lead to skin cancer. By wearing UPF clothing and utilizing appropriate sun gear such as sunglasses and sunscreen, not only can your outdoor experience be more pleasant, but it also prevents the detrimental consequences of prolonged outdoor exposure.
BALEAF UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Shirts
If you plan on doing a canyon hike or being in a terrain with minimal natural shade, it is crucial to prioritize sun protection. To ensure safety, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, but you can also consider acquiring sun-protective clothing. The Baleaf shirts, in particular, offer a lightweight and breathable option, providing 50+ UPF protection.
Extra layers, extra socks, a neck gaiter, and a dry bag to carry it all in
Sea to Summit Lightweight 4L Dry Sack
Keeping these extra layers dry should be a priority as they are crucial in protecting you from the elements, such as rain jackets and insulating tops and bottoms. It is important to have the right layers to keep you dry, warm, and generally guarded from long-term exposure to the outside elements. The choice of insulation to bring will vary depending on the season and location.
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho
When hiking, it is essential to wear multiple layers to ensure you are neither overly warm nor freezing cold. It is advisable to carry extra clothing options that you can add or remove as needed. Additionally, wearing damp clothes in an emergency situation can be extremely hazardous. To be prepared, always have spare clothes stored in a dry bag. Moreover, it would be wise to include a lightweight poncho in your backpack as it is uncomplicated, occupies minimal space, and will protect you from rain for as long as required.
A light source and a backup power source
Although you may initially feel a bit silly wearing a headlamp, the convenience it offers on the trail makes it worth it. Whether you’re preparing meals or setting up camp, having both hands free is crucial, and flashlights can be cumbersome. Additionally, with the option of purchasing an affordable two-pack, you won’t be the only one utilizing this handy tool.
Before the sun goes down, it is important to have a clear view of your surroundings. The Petzl headlamp, weighing 75 grams, is capable of emitting 450 lumens at its maximum brightness setting. It also provides a red light option, which is useful for reading and performing tasks around fellow campers without causing discomfort to the eyes due to its softer illumination. This headlamp surpasses the typical range of most camping headlamps, which fall between 200 to 400 lumens. For optimal visibility on the trail, a lumen setting of approximately 300 is recommended.
For ensuring my safe journey, it is essential to carry an additional power source, such as the Goal Zero flip power bank. This will allow me to recharge my GPS device or headlamp, especially if the headlamp, such as the Actik Core, has a rechargeable battery. In case it doesn’t, make sure to bring extra batteries. It is crucial to have extra power to rely on these devices and reach a place of safety.
First-aid supplies
First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials Kit
Having a basic first aid kit is essential, particularly for prolonged hiking or camping expeditions. It is crucial as minor injuries such as blisters and scrapes can escalate into major issues if you become lost or stranded. Therefore, you will constantly appreciate having it. This particular kit contains all the necessary items and is compact and lightweight, ensuring that it won’t weigh you down.
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
The size of your group will determine the medications or medical equipment you should include in your first-aid kit, as they come in various sizes and configurations.
Tools and wildlife protection
GVDV Utility Pocket Knife
I won’t be showing you how to hunt for food in order to survive, but it’s essential to possess a trustworthy and dependable knife. During most hiking trips, you’ll only need to utilize your knife for cutting vegetables for your camp meal. However, it can also be useful in emergency situations, starting fires, and fixing your equipment. The knife I recommend is a simple foldable pocket knife equipped with a liner-lock safety mechanism for added security.
Leatherman Free P4
Swiss Army knives are a Boy Scout classic for a reason: they offer a variety of tools for all sorts of backcountry tasks in one device. This stainless-steel Leatherman, which, at 8.6 ounces, is on the heavier side. But it has so many handy tools that you may still have to carry with you on day hikes or whenever you’re camping. Extra paracord can come in handy for replacing torn shoe laces, creating shelters, or hanging up a clothesline. Bear sprays and bear horns are also more important to bring for specific locations, especially in the mountain West, so do your research to know what kinds of wildlife might be in your area. If you’ll be in a location with a lot of insects, you might consider bringing bug sprays or a bug protective layer to shield against mosquitos and ticks.
Fire-starter materials
FIRE: Bushcraft Survival Ferro Rod Fire Starter Kit
In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to possess the ability to construct a fire quickly and efficiently. However, as a Survivor enthusiast, you understand that achieving this task is not always straightforward, especially in situations where Jeff is unwilling to provide the necessary flint. Depending on your personal preference, there are several options available to ensure preparedness. While some hikers opt for carrying butane lighters or waterproof matches, others may choose a fire-starting kit. This kit includes a flint starter, a ferro rod, and a tinder rope for kindling. It boasts a lightweight design and user-friendly nature, allowing for convenient storage in your backpack or around your neck.
UCO Stormproof Matches
If your circumstances permit, the act of making a fire can enable you to stay warm, get rid of moisture, and cook meals — all of which are vital for staying alive in the wilderness. In order to accomplish this, you require a dry setting, water-resistant matches, and fire starters with ferro rods that facilitate the ignition of kindling and the construction of a bigger fire.
Nutrition
Mountain House Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food
When preparing for a backpacking trip, it is common to create an intricately planned food strategy to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Nonetheless, if you find yourself unexpectedly staying in the woods for another night, having some additional provisions will prove beneficial. The freeze-dried pouches offered by Mountain House are compact, lightweight, high in calories, and delectable. Simply add hot water, and within 10 minutes, you can enjoy a warm meal of chili mac & cheese, pad Thai, or chicken Alfredo.
Clif Bar Energy Bars
Even if you believe you won’t require it, it is wise to carry additional food. Opting for calorie-dense options such as energy bars ensures that you remain satisfied and capable of functioning properly while spending an unexpectedly extended period of time in the wilderness.
Hydration
LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle With 2-Stage Filtration – 22 oz
When venturing into the wilderness, it is crucial to have access to sanitary drinking water. In the event that you deplete your supply, a portable water filter can be used to remove dangerous bacteria from streams and ponds. This particular bottle includes a filter cap, allowing you to fill it up with water from a stream and begin drinking through the straw.
Nuun Energy
To be prepared for challenging hikes, make sure to pack Nuun hydration tablets that contain electrolytes, along with 80 milligrams of caffeine per tablet.
Aquamira Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment
It is advisable to have a backup plan, despite carrying sufficient water along. There are various choices available, such as filtration straws or pumps, but personally, I prefer an alternative plan that is not prone to failure. These Aquamira drops require approximately 30 minutes for complete utilization, enabling the purification of water from natural sources for consumption or cooking. A single set can treat up to 30 gallons of water, and they also enhance the taste mildly.
Emergency-shelter materials
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Survival Shelter
Regardless of whether you are on a backpacking trip or a day hike, it is advisable to have an emergency shelter with you. In case of getting lost or encountering unanticipated weather conditions, finding shelter becomes crucial. This Go Time Gear tent is spacious enough for two individuals and conveniently collapsible into a handheld carrying case. It weighs less than a pound and can be easily assembled within a few minutes.
SOL Emergency Blanket
If you lack sufficient insulation in colder surroundings, an excellent emergency solution is a heat-reflective blanket similar to those employed by marathon runners post-race. The preservation of a stable core body temperature is vital for survival when facing harsh weather conditions, and this compact layer can assist you in achieving that goal.
Kammok Kuhli Camping Tarp
If you have enough space (and lack a more secure shelter, such as a tent), you can utilize a tarp such as Kammok’s ten-ounce model to provide protection from rain, wind, and other weather conditions.
Conclusion
If you are not well-prepared, the enchantment experienced hikers feel can disappear rapidly. Although the wilderness may seem captivating, unforeseen emergencies can occur. While careful planning and awareness of warning signs can usually help you avoid them, it is crucial to have the appropriate equipment in case of any mishaps, as it could genuinely be a lifesaver.
