It is a common occurrence every year to come across news stories about hikers and campers who veered off course and met unfortunate endings during their trips. If only they had taken a small quantity of essential survival equipment and supplies along, their chances of survival would have greatly improved, and they might have been able to make it back home safely.

Regardless of how well-acquainted you are with a certain place, unexpected situations can arise. For instance, you may decide to venture down an unfamiliar trail in a park you have frequented countless times before, only to become disoriented and unable to retrace your steps. Alternatively, if you happen to twist your ankle, simply walking out may become an unachievable dream rather than a feasible option.

Assembling a hiking survival kit is a simple task, as you likely already possess most, if not all, of the necessary items. All you need to do is ensure you bring them along whenever you go hiking. Here are a few gear items to contemplate including in your packing list.

There are multiple available apps that can be used alongside your phone’s internal GPS system to monitor your progress while hiking. One of these apps, Map My Run (previously called Map My Hike), is free to download and utilize. It offers various features, including the ability to display a map of your hiking route. In case you make a wrong turn, you can rely on this app to guide you back to the main trail. However, this assumes that you will have a phone with sufficient battery life. To ensure your safety, it is advisable to also carry non-powered tools.

Get rid of the small button compass. Their accuracy is often compromised, especially when in close proximity to metallic objects like the handy mint tin you’re using as a survival-kit container. Invest a few extra dollars in a baseplate compass. However, this is only one aspect of the situation. While the compass provides direction, it is the map that will guide you to your intended destination. Many parks offer maps at the trailhead.

Fire Kit

Fire serves various purposes such as providing warmth and drying us. It also purifies water by boiling it, making it suitable for consumption, and helps in alerting search parties to our whereabouts. Additionally, a robust fire illuminates the surrounding darkness at night. Moreover, there is a significant psychological aspect at play, which functions in two ways. Firstly, sitting close to a campfire tends to enhance our overall perception of the circumstances. Secondly, the act of building and sustaining the fire offers us a sense of control. While we may be unsure of finding our way back home, we can, at the very least, actively contribute to improving our situation through this particular action.

Having a high-quality lighter is a good beginning, but it’s advisable to also carry a backup option like a ferrocerium rod and striker. It’s also important to have some readily ignitable tinder in case you encounter difficulty finding dry resources, especially during a continuous three-day rain.

Knife

Having a sharp blade significantly simplifies various tasks, such as constructing a makeshift shelter or preparing firewood. It is not necessary to possess a large hunting knife; even a foldable pocketknife is preferable to lacking a blade altogether. However, overall, a compact fixed blade is the superior choice. Opt for a sturdy yet easily sharpened option. Interestingly, wearing a leather belt guarantees access to a strop for restoring the knife’s edge.

Cordage

Creating cordage from plant fibers can be a enjoyable pastime when you have nothing else to do, and it is not as difficult as it may seem. However, it depends on both having the knowledge and being able to locate suitable materials. Having the correct tools can significantly simplify life. Including a bundle of parachute cord in your supplies is a smart decision. This versatile cord can serve various purposes, such as constructing shelter or as a substitute for a damaged bootlace.

Signaling Tools

Despite using full “Angry Dad” volume, the human voice does not carry far in the wilderness. Furthermore, after shouting for a while, one is likely to end up with a sore throat along with other woes. Instead, it is advisable to carry a few items that can be employed to attract attention when necessary. A basic whistle is the most recommended option as its sound can travel for miles.

You can attract someone’s attention by waving a vibrant bandana above your head. When it’s dark, substitute it with a glow stick attached to a short paracord. Activate the light by cracking it, and swing it in a circular motion before you. You’ll be amazed at how visible that glowing signal can be from a considerable distance.

Water Bottle

Make sure to bring a water container as dehydration can be a severe danger, even in cold temperatures. It is important to have a full water bottle at the start of your hike. Opt for a single-walled stainless steel container, which allows you to boil water for safer consumption. Alternatively, using a small water filter is an even more preferable option.

How to Build Your First Aid Kit

One of the Ten Essentials that should always be taken on a hike is a first aid kit, which becomes especially important during an overnight backpacking trip. Certain items inside, such as moleskin for blisters, bandages, and aspirin, will be used regularly and should be regularly replaced. On the other hand, some items are rarely used but could be vital in case of an emergency. The contents of each person’s kit should be adapted based on the medical conditions of the hikers, the length and duration of the trip, and the specific hiking location.

Although prepackaged kits are available for purchase, you might have to include extra equipment such as any prescribed medications and specific medications for the hikers in your group (for instance, an epinephrine pen for those who are allergic to bee stings).

Make sure to use small resealable bags and plastic bottles to arrange and make your kit waterproof. It’s important to label your medications. Additionally, you can add other frequently used items to your first aid kit, such as lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, a multi-use tool, and a small roll of duct tape, which is incredibly useful for any repairs.

SUPPLY CHECKLIST

Although not an exhaustive list, the suggested items for an overnight first aid kit could be as follows:

Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
4-inch closure strips or butterfly closures: For closing large wounds. 4-inch strips are more effective than butterfly.
4 inch by 4 inch sterile dressing pads (5 to 10): To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding
Non-adherent sterile dressing (2 inch by 2 inch): Use these or Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations.
Gauze roll: Holds dressing in place.
Small roll of 1-inch adhesive tape: Holds dressings in place.
Multi-use tool or knife: Should include knife, scissors. A scalpel and blade are also useful for first aid.
Forceps or tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds.
Scissors: Trauma scissors, which have a blunt end to protect the patient, can be used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting medical tape, etc.
Thermometer: Digital is generally more accurate, but batteries do wear out.
Malleable splint: Lightweight foam-covered aluminum, such as a SAM splint.
Irrigation syringe (35 cc): Used to flush and clean wounds.
Suction syringe (65 cc): Used to clear mouth of fluids when giving CPR.
Safety pins: Can help remove splinters, fasten arm sling, or make a hole in a plastic bag for improvised wound irrigation.
Cotton-tip swabs: For removing foreign objects from eye, or applying antibiotic ointment.
Resealable plastic bags: Many uses, including icing a swollen joint or creating wound irrigation device.
ACE, Coban or other rubberized bandage: Can be used as outer wrap on splints, wound dressings or support for joint injuries. Be careful not to wrap too tightly.
Antiseptic towelettes: For cleaning small wounds.
Cleansing pads with lidocaine: For cleaning. Includes a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
Topical antibiotic ointment: For application to wounds. Simple Vaseline can also be used in dressing a wound.
Moleskin: Prevents blisters. Cut and apply a section to your foot as soon as you discover a “hot spot.” Duct tape also works for this purpose.
Povidone Iodine USP 10 percent, 1 oz.: For preventing infection. Bottled PVD iodine 10 percent solution should be diluted to a ratio of 1 percent or less for flushing wounds.
Aloe vera gel: Found in packets or small bottles for relief of minor burns.
Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.
Antihistamines: For relief of pollen allergies, or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.
Immodium 2 mg capsules or tablets: For relief of diarrhea from intestinal infections.
Pepto Bismol or antiacid tablets: For relief from general diarrhea, abdominal upset.
After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.
Latex or nitrile gloves: Protects against blood-borne diseases and infection.
CPR microshield mask: A compact flexible barrier with a one-way valve for rescue breathing, which protects user from blood, vomit or saliva.
Oral rehydration salts: Packet of electrolyte salts and glucose for treatment of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or loss of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
Space bag/blanket: Lightweight emergency shelter. For treating hypothermia victims.
Paper and pencil: For recording medical data such as body temperature, pulse, time and date of symptoms, injuries, medicines administered, etc. Most repackaged kits include accident report forms.
Wilderness First Aid booklet: Many prepackaged first aid kits contain one. An excellent pocket guide is the Wilderness Medical Handbook by Paul Nicolazzo, available for $20 from Wilderness Medical Training Center, www.wildmedcenter.com or (509) 996-2502.

There are a few items mentioned above, such as forceps, CPR masks, trauma scissors, and suction syringes, that are not usually present in standard first aid kits.