Don’t hit the trail without having the ten essentials with you. Here is a list!
Why the ten essentials?
It may seem like a no brainer but there are some things you really shouldn’t leave home without if you are a day hiker of multi day hiker. The ten essentials for hikers really can be carried in your day pack or even split between several hikers and you really don’t want to go without them. Most are inexpensive and easy to obtain. We have been hiking for years and have accumulated all the essentials.
Our suggestions
This article will contain some of our suggestions for the items we really like. They are all available in our Amazon store in one place titled the ten essentials. Hopefully that will help you organize you gathering the items you need. You can find them all listed here.
What are the ten essentials?
1. Navigation-Maps, GPS, Compass etc.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t hit the trail for either a day hike or a long weekend backpacking trip without a map. Today we all have access to some sort of GPS which is great. I love the AllTrails app and the Gaia app while hiking. You can download the route before you leave while you have service, and it will be available to you even when you lose service. That’s the best part of both these apps. The trails are available even when you lose service.
However, you may not always have access to your phone, or you may lose the battery. For that reason alone, you need to always have access to paper maps. We spend a lot of time in National Parks, and I love the National Geographic National Park maps. You can find them in our Amazon store. Make sure you know how to use a topographical map.
Even if you don’t grab a National Geographic map, please at least stop at the a visitor center for a park map or even print something online. You don’t want to head out on a trail for a hike without a backup option. You can also bring a compass. Just make sure you know what to do with it.
2. Sun Protection-Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses etc.
This category is so important no matter the season. You need protection from the UV rays even in the winter. It’s so easy to keep yourself protected. Make sure you bring a hat to keep the rays off your face. I especially love a hat that covers the back of your neck. Get yourself some good sunscreen and some sunglasses and you will be ready to hit the trails. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to protect your skin. Do it now to keep yourself hiking for years to come!
3.Insulation – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear
This category is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t head out without consulting the weather and make sure you are ready for the day. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that hats are super important, raincoats are amazing and if it’s cold those gloves are lifesavers. Make sure you keep the essentials in your backpack for those strange weather occurrences.
4. Illumination – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp
Lighting is so important when hiking especially in the evenings when there are no other light sources. Lighting for the ten essentials will include flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps and would depend on the type of trip you are taking. Are you on a day long hike or a several days hike? For longer hikes you may need lanterns and flashlights. Headlamps are usually the preferred light source for almost any hike because they are hands-free. Be sure to pack extra batteries. It would be sad to have a light source and no batteries.
5. First-aid supplies – First Aid Kit
Please don’t leave for a hike, climb or other adventure without a small first aid kit. I learned first-hand how important this was on a hike this summer to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. I slipped and fell, and my hubby was able to fix me up with the small kit I always carry. You can check out our Amazon store for our suggestions on small, light first aid kits to round out this category of the ten essentials.
You can add extra things to your kit that suit your needs. Make sure to resupply after a hike when you used items and also to check expiration dates every year. You might want to add some basic emergency aid information in case you come across a situation on a hike or adventure that requires extra help. We aided someone this summer who was having a heart attack and waited with him for 3 hours until rescue came. Thankfully my hubby has medical training but for those who don’t, a basic emergency guide would be helpful.
6. Fire-Matches, lighter and fire starters
Fire can be an important aid in an emergency. It can help you signal for help or help to keep you warm. Pack matches (preferably waterproof) or some sort of fire starters that can sustain a light like a lighter or some other firestarter that can still work when wet and not be useless. Make sure you know the fire use regulations of your park before heading out for your hike.
7. Repair Kit-Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors
Carry a basic repair kit with you on backpacking and hiking trips. The kit should have things like a knife, scissors, and some duct tape. A multi-tool (like a leatherman), is a compact multipurpose tool that has a little of everything and can check lots of boxes. In addition to these basics make sure you bring items needed specifically for whatever you will be doing on each hike or trip.
8. Nutrition-Food/Snacks
You should always be ready for changes in your hiking plans. You may get lost or injured or any number of things could happen that would make you delayed. Always pack extra food/snacks for such a circumstance. Make sure you bring items that are high in nutritional value and will give you energy. Bring things that don’t need cooking. I like salty snacks and others that are easy to carry like nuts, granola bars and dried fruits. One of my most favorite are peanut M&M’s which I like to think are nutritious.
9. Hydrations-Water and water treatment supplies
Even more important than nutrition is hydration when you are considering the ten essentials. You need to make sure you don’t get dehydrated while hiking and especially if you have an emergency or get lost or are on a long backpacking trip. You need to carry the water you need for each planned adventure but in addition you should carry filtration or water treatment supplies. Make sure you are drinking before you start to feel thirsty and keep it up as you are hiking.
It’s always good to check in advance if there are water sources to take advantage of where you will be hiking. Then you can take use your water filter or life straw when you reach each location. This allows you to carry less water from the beginning of your hike so your pack is a little lighter.
10. Emergency Shelter- Tent, emergency blanket, tarp, etc.
Shelter and warmth are one of your most important needs in emergency situations. A shelter of some sort, like a tent, tarp or emergency blanket can protect you from severe weather and elements. Look for lightweight options to make it easier to carry. I carry a very small size emergency blanket that weighs next to nothing and fits easily into my pack. Find what works for you but please bring one sort of shelter item to keep you safe in emergencies.
Be Smart-Check your list twice!
Please make sure you check through this list of ten categories and ensure that you have each thing that is represented. It could end up being the difference between life and death and having planned ahead will make all the difference. I have an entire category dedicated to the ten essentials in my Amazon store so check it out and see what might benefit you and your hiking pack!
I hope this information was helpful to you. This is important stuff. I’d love for you to like, comment on, and share this post. Help someone else know all about the ten essentials. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Enjoy your travels and keep exploring safely!
Stephanie
seymoreoftheworldwithme