Summer is here…for the most part, and the hiking season has arrived and the trails, parks and backcountry will be hot with visitors from all over. This season stock your pack with these essentials… I’ll cover each one with a brief summary. It’s up to you, however, to thoroughly inform yourselves outside this article. I’ll provide some links below to start you off. And here it is in no particular order the TOP 10+ things to take with you on the trail this summer! 1. Water/purification: Very essential for you to bring water with you on the trail and possibly a means to purify water (tabs, filter). I take my 100oz. camelbak MULE. Quick Story: My friend and I went on an 8 mile rugged hike to see a popular water fall. We had spend most of the day hiking through rough and steep rock-filled ravines, and on our way out as we reached the trail head we encountered a couple on their way to the falls. They stopped us and asked us how the trail was and we told them it was pretty rough yet moderate. But upon seeing their attire (1 water bottle, huge tripod, an unleashed dog, a camera, a book, no food, and flip flops) we encouraged them to not undertake the trail considering the summer heat and ruggedness of the hike. Being grateful, they thanked us and returned back to the lot and went on an alternate and less intense hike. That would have been a hairy situation.
2. Food or extra food: My favorite essential…Food. Grub. Chow. Whatever you want to stick in your pack. Energy bars, pepperoni, crackers, sandwiches, salami, GORP… Food gives you energy to power through those calorie-blasting hikes.
3. Headlamp/flashlight (and extra batteries): You took that extended lunch and nap out by a scenic waterfall and now daylight is escaping. It’s good to have one handy just incase you need to spend an unexpected night in the woods or for a hike back to the trail-head at dusk. I use a Petzl Tikka Plus because it is water resistant and lives light for over 80 hours.
4. Pocket knife or Multi-tool: With these tools, Utility is important. Get something that is durable and functional. I recommend a Swiss Army Knife or Multi-function Pliers.
5. Map, Compass and Knowledge: I know, I know. “When am I actually gonna use this?” you ask. But wait till you decide to get adventurous and realize that you can’t find your way back to the trail head and its getting dark…(hope you packed that headlamp!) Before you begin your hike, get some general knowledge of the trail. Example: If a there is a main road west of the loop trail, then you know that you may have to travel west to get to that road if you get lost (Which way is West?). Make sure you inform yourself on how to use a compass. Take the time to print out maps if they are available online or stop by the rangers station to get map and info essential to the hike. Here is a site to get you started: http://www.compassdude.com/
6. FIRE! Matches, lighter, magnesium starter: Again…for those unexpected nights on the trail. Practice using a Magnesium starter at home (small fires of course!) so you know how to properly use each fire starter. Light My Fire has great solutions.
7. First Aid Kit & emergency blanket: It’s always great to have a small First Aid kit even for short hikes. Always essential. Add any extra meds that might be handy ( Advil, Neosporin, chapstick, prescription, etc…)
8. Raingear/Poncho: Any lightweight raingear is always appreciated when a downpour catches you. Lightweight so you don’t know it’s there, but ready to go when you do. If needed, you can use a poncho as a way to make a shelter, should you get caught an extra day.
9. Sun block/ Bug dope: Sunblock…I always regret not taking it. Good for when you might get be exposed on a ridge line or open field. Bug Dope (repellant): I hate mosquitoes…but I hate ticks even more.
10. Signaling: whistle, signaling mirror: A whistle is good and loud and helps you signal in case you get out too far. A signaling mirror can be seen for miles. Get these items, because they may be the only way to get out of a predicament.
Don’t forget to take common sense and the understanding to use these items. These items don’t guarantee survival but they sure do help in a situation. These items and cultivated understanding will help boost your experience in the outdoors. With a lot of consideration for lightweight packing you can fit all of these items in a small bag making it even more comfortable for you to hike in. Heres a picture of my essentials (minus food & water) laid out by my MULE Pack.
Other essentials to consider: Duct Tape (see my post about this), extra clothes (fleece jacket, cap, etc), Digital camera, Parachute Chord, binoculars, Sunglasses, GPS receiver. Links to consider: http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html , http://www.wilderness-survival.net/ , US ARMY Survival Manual
Pikka | VentureTree Team [+]
