10 Essentials You Need to Pack on Your Next Hike (Full List!)
Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Kelly
Before we head out for a hike, it’s important that we pack the 10 Essentials. These items are important to have on hand in case we encounter a wilderness emergency. We bring them along whether we go for a short hike or a long hike. Hopefully we will not need these items, but they could be life-saving!
The 10 essentials list was created by a mountaineering group based in Seattle to help prepare people for outdoor adventures. Since then, the list has been updated a bit to reflect technological advances and best hiking practices. (The National Park Service’s website on the 10 Essentials is a good educational resource.) Note that this list is just a foundational set of items. Depending on your travel plans, you likely will need specialized items depending on the terrain and weather.
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Overview of the 10 Essentials
1. Navigation
If you become lost and lose the trail, you’ll need to find a way to get back to the trail. Not all trail locations have cell service, so you can’t always rely on your cell phone for navigation. You also can’t rely on your cell phone to make an emergency phone call. It’s good practice to carry a map and a compass. We also recommend downloading your hiking map offline before you start your hike. We also take photos of the maps typically posted at the trailhead.
One of the best pieces of gear you can take on the trail is a Garmin. It will allow you to use satellite message when you are beyond cell coverage. Although it is by far the most expensive item on this list, it could truly save your life.
2. Headlamp or Flashlight
If you plan to do a sunrise or sunset hike, a headlamp will be essential. It will help prevent injury from tripping over roots or rocks on the trail. However, even if you’re not planning to hike in the dark, it could easily happen if you experience something that will cause you to complete the hike slower than anticipated. This might be a minor injury that slows you down (like blisters!), not researching the time the sun sets, or thinking you can hike a little further than you originally planned. We were once on a hike and decided to hike to a point a bit farther than we had planned. By the time we got back to our car, the sun was just starting to set. We barely made it in time, and if we didn’t have headlamps, we could have been in a dangerous situation.
3. Sun Protection
This includes a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. We think it’s a good idea to choose a hat that has a wide brim, UV protection, and is waterproof.
4. First Aid Kit
If you experience any injuries, blisters, or burns, you’ll need a first aid kit. This essential item is definitely worth its weight! We were once on a trail and had forgotten our first aid kit at home. My husband got a blister from his hiking shoes, and thankfully a passerby was able to give us a bandaid. That would have been a very painful hike back to the car. Learn from our mistake, and be sure to carry a first aid kit just in case.
5. Multi-Tool Knife
A multi-tool knife is foldable and small.
6. Fire Starter Kit
This fire starter kit comes with a compass and a whistle. It’s designed to start a fire in variable weather conditions.
7. Shelter
If weather conditions change, or if you find yourself spending the night in the forest, you will need shelter. We recommend packing a lightweight survival tent that is waterproof and windproof. We’ve found survival tents that weigh less than 9 ounces, so it’s easy to bring along on any hike.
8. Extra Food
For emergency preparedness, you will need to pack more food than you think you will need. Some of our favorite non-perishable items are dried mangoes, whole almonds, and protein bars.
9. Extra water
Bring more water than you think you’ll need. You will be exercising, and your body will need more hydration. On top of that, if you’re hiking in warm weather, you’ll need a lot more water than you think you will need. In addition to packing bottled water, it can also be helpful to have a water filtration device on hand. This will let you drink water in streams, lakes, and rivers with increased safety.
10. Extra clothes
In case temperatures drop or you are stranded overnight, you will need a high-quality insulated jacket. I’m a big fan of the KÜHL brand. (You can read our full review of all of our KÜHL products! We own 10 pieces of KÜHL clothing at the moment.)
Hike Responsibly
In addition to packing the 10 essentials, please also follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Do not litter, stack rocks, feed wildlife, or walk off the trail. Protect the habitat by sticking to the trail and packing out anything that you take in. Basically, leave the wilderness as you found it without leaving any traces of your visit.
Summary
We hope you found this post helpful in learning about the 10 essentials! If you don’t already have these items, be sure to add them to your hiking daypack.
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.
