A day hiker’s kit should consist of a backpack, hiking shoes and water. But for those planning an overnight trip, additional items are necessary.
Hikerkind co-founders Chelsea Rizzo and Allison Levy recommend bringing the ten essentials: Some version of navigation (including a map and compass), sun protection, insulation and illumination, first aid supplies and fire. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Hiking Essentials.
Water is vital for your health and safety on the trail. Drinking contaminated water can make you sick with diarrhea or stomach pain, especially in remote areas and foreign countries. Having a way to treat and store water is essential when hiking. Water purification systems like iodine, bleach, Aqua Mira, filters and UV pens are all recommended for use in treating and cleaning your backpacking water. You should also bring a water bottle or hydration reservoir and know where to refill it on your trail.
Dehydration is one of the biggest problems hikers face on trails, especially in hot weather and at altitude. This can be very dangerous because as your body sweats, you lose electrolytes (salt and potassium) and water. If you don’t replace these nutrients, your body will not function properly, resulting in dizziness, headaches and fatigue.
It is best to work on the assumption that all natural water sources may contain germs or parasites, even if they look clean and clear. You should also be aware that the water may be tainted by chemicals from nearby farms or factories. This is why it is important to research the trail you are going on and find out if there are potential water contamination issues.
A good rule of thumb is to drink about a liter of water every two hours on the trail. This will vary depending on the temperature and humidity, your level of exertion and your individual needs.
It is a good idea to add some electrolyte replacement drink mixes in your backpack, particularly when hiking in hot weather. These drinks are available as zero-calorie options, such as Crystal Light, or sugary ones like Kool-Aid. Some people also add iodine tablets or chemical water treatment to their backpacking water. Be careful about adding caffeine to your water, however, because this acts as a diuretic, making you urinate more frequently and therefore needing to drink more water. This can be dangerous, especially if you are hiking in hot temperatures or at altitude.
Food
The body exerts a lot of energy when hiking, and it is important to keep it fueled with food. You will want to bring a few food items that are easily digested and take up very little space in your backpack. Choose high-energy foods that you enjoy eating, such as nuts, dehydrated fruit, granola bars and a few chocolate snacks. These are easy to pack and will give you the energy you need for a long hike or to make it through your lunch break when stopping to eat.
Avoid foods with a high amount of sugar, as these will offer a short burst of energy followed by an epic energy crash. Try to eat nutrient-dense foods that will give you lasting energy, such as protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. These nutrients are digested more slowly than simple sugars and will provide a steady supply of energy throughout your hike.
It is also important to consistently replace electrolytes during a hike. Not doing this can lead to hyponatremia, a condition in which the body loses too much sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium. You can replenish electrolytes with salty snack foods like pretzels, Goldfish or salted nuts and with a sports drink or electrolyte supplement.
For dinners, consider bringing foods that are rich in both carbohydrates and proteins to ensure the body has enough fuel for recovery. It is also a good idea to include some low-fat cheeses and legumes in your dinner, as these will help the body repair and rebuild muscles.
If you will be hiking for several days, it is a good idea to plan meals that can be prepared with one pot or are very easy to prepare in the wild. This will save you a lot of time and will ensure that your food is nutritious and full of energy. You will also want to ensure that you have enough non-perishable foods to get you through any emergencies that may occur. If you have to spend a night out in the wilderness, you will need to include a survival kit, including emergency blankets, a first aid kit and a fire starter such as a butane lighter or matches.
Shelter
When you’re hiking, a shelter is the only thing between you and the elements. The type of shelter you need depends on the conditions of the hike and the distance from civilization. It’s always a good idea to pack an emergency shelter, such as a bivy or tarp, in case you get lost or injured and have to spend the night outdoors.
A tarp or bivy will keep you protected from the rain, snow and wind while providing a comfortable place to sleep. It also provides a barrier between you and the ground, which will help to keep you warm while you’re asleep. You can also find other types of shelters in the backcountry, such as caves, gulleys and overhangs. However, it’s important to check that these areas haven’t been occupied by other animals. These can carry hanta virus, which could be dangerous for humans.
If you’re hiking in a remote area, it’s important to know how to build a simple shelter. You should also learn how to make a fire, which will keep you alive and warm while you’re waiting for rescue. You should also bring a knife and fire starter, such as a lighter or matches.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial on any hike, especially during long hikes. A reusable or insulated water bottle is a good option to keep your fluids cold and fresh while you’re out on the trail. Flashlight/flashlight with extra batteries: Even on short day hikes, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp for safety and to help you navigate when the sun goes down. Sun Protection: A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Emergency Shelter: A tarp, bivy sack or emergency space blanket are all good options to have for unexpected situations on the trail.
Other items that every hiker should have include first aid supplies, such as antiseptic wipes, bandages, antibiotic ointment and medical tape. It’s also a good idea to pack some gloves and blister treatment, as well as an emergency whistle to call for rescue if needed.
Gear
If you’re heading out on a hiking trip of any length it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. Hikers of all experience levels can get into trouble on the trail, so having the right gear can help you deal with whatever you might encounter on your adventure. This includes everything from a backpack and the 10 essentials to navigation tools, first aid supplies and a shelter that could save you if you spend an overnight in the backcountry.
A pack that can comfortably carry your food, water and other essentials is a must for all hikers. You can find a great selection of packs online and in outdoor stores. A backpack that is designed for the type of hike you are planning will be ideal. For example, if you are going on a day hike that is very close to town, it may be okay not to carry the more robust backpack designed for wilderness expeditions.
The items in the 10 essentials can be tailored to your particular trip based on the weather, the relative remoteness and difficulty of the trail, and other considerations like duration and seasonal conditions. For instance, if you are planning a very difficult backcountry expedition, having the ability to make fire might be more important than bringing extra water. A good set of waterproof pants is also a nice item to have as well, so you can keep them on if it gets cold.
While you can always improvise in the field, having the proper hiking gear is vital for a great hike and to be prepared for anything that might come up on your journey. A good way to prepare is to create a checklist for every hike you plan. This will help ensure you don’t forget any important gear and it will allow you to adapt your packing to the unique requirements of each trip.
Some of the most important items to include on your hiking checklist are a first aid kit, a fully charged cell phone, a map and compass or other navigational tools, and emergency clothing such as a rain jacket and waterproof pants. You should also bring a bag to collect trash on the trail and some way to mark your location on the map in case you get lost on your hike (e.g., a hiking GPS or a map with compass readings).