The 10 Hiking Essentials You Need to Add to Your Pack

Have you ever had this experience…your hike took way longer than you anticipated. Maybe you got lost on the trail, took too long of a lunch or rest break, or you underestimated the difficulty or mileage of the hike. The sun is slowly beginning to fade beyond the horizon and the worry sets in about navigating the rest of the trail back to the safety of your car in the dark.

This was my husband and me as we were descending Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We went hiking with friends and let’s just say, it was a bit more strenuous of a hike than they anticipated. Although we had our cell phones we could have used as a light source, it would have been nice to have a head lamp to keep both hands free. We vowed to never make that mistake again, so every hike we explore, we religiously take the 10 essentials. A piece of advice, don’t make our same mistake. Here is what you should be packing in your bag, even for a day hike:

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1. Navigation

Some type of navigation is essential, whether that be a good ole’ map, compass, cell phone, or my favorite tool, the AllTrails app. For only $17 a year, you can download offline maps to use, even when you are in areas with no service. I also have this tool that serves as a fire starter, but also has a compass attached as well.

2. Light

Unless you want to be stuck in a situation like my husband and me, then you need a reliable light source. This can be a cell phone, flash light, or a head lamp like this one from amazon. What I love about this head lamp is it is rechargeable, conserves battery life extremely well, and has multiple settings to use.

3. Sun Protection

Even in the winter, sun protection is needed. Depending on the weather, different forms will serve you best. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are great to take along, especially in the summer months. Another piece of gear I highly recommend is a sun shirt. I love this one from Amazon because it comes in several different colors, it’s not too heavy or hot (even while hiking with it on in the summer), keeps you cool by wicking moisture, and dries quickly.

4. First Aid

Everyone’s first aid kit may look a little different. Some choose to take only a few band aids, mole skin, ointment, and heartache medicine. Some people make their own first aid kit, customizing it to what they think is essential for their needs; however, I prefer to use these already-made kits that are small, lightweight, and have all the basics you would need out in the woods.

5. Knife

Knives can be an important piece of tool while hiking, such as cutting paracord, dicing food for dinner, opening items, or even widdlling at camp. This is my go-to knife because it serves as a multi-tool, complete with a knife, nail file, screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and toothpick.

6. Fire

Fire is one of the most important items on this list. Forms can consist of a lighter, matches, or fire starter. Whatever your preference, even if it’s a combination, make sure you have some form packed, just in case!

7. Shelter

For overnight backpacking trips, you most likely are taking a tent along, which will count as your shelter. However, even on intended day hikes, it’s vital to take a form of shelter, just in case of an emergency. I never leave for a hike without taking this emergency shelter and blanket. It is light enough, that I can’t even tell it is in my pack, and even though it doesn’t seem like much, it would serve well in a pinch where you had to camp out overnight unexpectedly.

8. Food

Although all the survival shows say you can technically last 21 days without food, would you really want to be in that scenario if you could prevent it? Packing extra food is always a good plan, even for a day hike. I recommend packing at least 3 days worth of extra food. Obviously, this is not going to be gourmet meals or even three square meals a day, but packing more than what you intend to use for the day, is advisable.

9. Water

Hydrating while on the trail keeps your body functioning properly. Not only should you stay well-hydrated while being active, but you should also plan for worst case scenario of running out of CLEAN water. Also, please do not be that person that drinks straight from a stream or creek for your water supply…unless you want to have a bacterial infection in your body that causes you to vomit or have the poops, causing you to become even more dehydrated. There are lots of ways to replenish your thirst on the trail, whether you choose to drink from some type of bottle, such as a Nalgene, or hydration bag. I am a hydration bag girl myself. I have tried several, but this one from Amazon is by far my favorite because of the bite nozzle on the end. The flow is so much better than any other bag I have used, which is ideal when you are thirsting, hiking 20 miles! Aside from a carrying source, you need to have some type of filtration method. Again, there are several different styles, but I choose to use the Katadyn Befree water replacement cartridge filter with a CNOC 42 mm bladder blag that I use for dirty water only, then filter into my clean bladder bag. Other methods could include things like boiling your water or using water purifier tablets, but both of these methods take a lot of time. Decide what method is right for you and let these handy products keep you safe and hydrated!

10. Clothes

Extra clothes in your pack can save your butt, especially in the colder months. I usually always take a rain jacket, extra socks, and if it is cold outside, my thermals (if I am not already wearing them), and my down jacket from Decathlon.

And that is it! You have made it through the list of the 10 essentials you should take on EVERY hiking trip, even if your plan is to only hike for a few hours. It’s always better to feel secure than feel like Jesse and me navigating back to the car in the dark, so take my advice and start getting your gear ready to take on your next adventure!