Are you familiar with the Ten Essentials of Hiking? I’ll admit that until a few years ago, I wasn’t familiar with the term, but I did always have a few key items in my pocket or backpack (matches, a map, a flashlight, rope, a knife, and a whistle).
Recently, the term “Ten Essentials” has come to include a number of things that you’ll want to include on any hiking packing list. You can find info on these pretty much anywhere online; I like REI’s list (they have great outdoor how-to blogs). Generally, the 10 essentials look something like this:
- Navigation
- Flashlight
- Sun protection
- First aid
- Knife
- Fire
- Shelter
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra layers
Let’s walk through each of these one at a time.
Navigation
For navigation, I like to have a couple of options, which allows me to have some extra peace of mind. I tend to use my phone for navigation, using AllTrails or some other app. On longer hikes or backpacking trips, I also use a Garmin InReach Mini 2, which provides navigation and can call for emergency services in the event of an accident. It’s the type of thing you don’t want to need, but when you need it, you want to have it.
Yes, the inReach is a little bit expensive, but if you do some research, you may be able to find a good deal (I bought a refurbished one, which brought down the price a bit).
If you’re doing a longer trip, you should also pack a paper map. This will be useful in case your phone dies or something goes wrong. Again, you shouldn’t need it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it. On solo backpacking trips, I make sure that there’s a paper map in the car (not in plain sight) with my emergency contact info. I also always make sure that a friend (or Jerry) has my route and GPS link so they can alert emergency services if I don’t check in with them on time.
While this isn’t typically included as “navigation,” I think it’s important to always have a safety whistle. Most backpacks have this built in to the chest strap clip. I recently discovered our new running vests from Osprey have a little whistle tucked into the pocket. Again, this is something you don’t want to need…
Flashlight
Once upon a time, I used to carry a mini flashlight with me in my daypack. I’ve since upgraded to a headlamp, and I haven’t looked back. It’s lightweight, bright, and works reliably.
Make sure your headlamp has plenty of batteries (or carry spares) before every hike! My headlamp has a red light that turns on when the batteries are running low during use, which makes it easy for me to make sure that I never run out of light.
Sun Protection
This one is important – even if it’s cloudy when you set out. I always carry sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Always. And I always put on sunscreen before getting started for the day.
I also generally prefer to wear long sleeves (specifically – a long sleeved shirt with a hood) and pants when hiking and backpacking. This past summer, I did some hikes in shorts. While I liked that the shorts were nice and cool, it did mean I had to reapply sunscreen frequently, which was a pain. I used a spray on sunscreen, which was fast to apply, but left my legs pretty greasy by the end of the day. It’s a tradeoff, I guess – but not something to be ignored.
First Aid
While there’s a lot of great first aid kits out there for purchase, I’ll admit that I build my own. I know what I use the most of and what kinds of injuries I’m most prone to, and I pack accordingly. This makes my first aid kit pretty small and specialized.
You might consider adding a self-adhesive wrap to your first aid kit. I went through a phase (that I sincerely hope is over) where I sprained and re-sprained and re-re-sprained my ankle. Having a wrap gave me some peace of mind that I wouldn’t get stranded far away from a trailhead with an ankle I couldn’t walk on.
While this isn’t technically a first aid item, I always have some strong rope with me. I carry a length of paracord daisy chained and clipped with carabiners to the outside of my pack. Rope is incredibly valuable for all sorts of emergency situations – from first aid to on-the-trail gear repairs.
Knife
Always have a knife on hand when hiking or backpacking. It can be used for all sorts of things, from cutting summer sausage and cheese (the perfect hiking lunch) to cutting moleskin for blisters.
One thing you probably shouldn’t use the knife for is protection. Prevailing guidance (or the guidance I’ve found) is that women shouldn’t attempt hand-to-hand combat with a knife, because the knife is very likely to be taken away from them and used against them instead. I realize this is a kind of a dark thought – but don’t try to use your knife to fight unless you’re well trained in this or are a ninja.
If you travel on planes with your daypack, remember to remove your knife before carrying on your backpack!
Fire
So this one comes with a really big caveat – know the rules about fire before heading out. The idea with bringing matches or a lighter is to be able to keep yourself warm through the night – but you don’t want to end up starting a forest fire. So if you’re in a desperate situation in a place with a fire ban…yeah, you’re between a rock and a hard place. I’m not going to weigh in on what to do in that situation.
Many people like lighters for this; personally, I struggle to use most of them. Instead, I carry matches designed for backpacking. REI has lots of low(ish) cost essential gear; I use their matches. Make sure your matches are waterproof.
This is another item that you want to make sure to remove before using your daypack as a carry-on.
Shelter
So I’ll admit I take an easier route on this one – instead of carrying an emergency bivy, I always have an emergency blanket (sometimes called a space blanket). They’re small and inexpensive, so it’s easy to have a bunch of these stashed in different places (each backpack, the car, etc.) Fortunately, I’ve never had to use one.
Extra food
This one is easy – pack more food than you think you’ll need. At a minimum, I like to take a couple extra granola bars or stroopwaffles. I prefer my extra food to be sugar-heavy…if you get to the point of needing extra food, you’re probably pretty worn down, so the extra sugar hit will help you feel a LOT better. Speaking of sugar, the BEST hiking snack ever is, without a doubt, Nerds gummy clusters. I will die on this hill.
These are my favorite stroopwaffles – they’re a great source of energy:
Extra water
So this is a tough one. Yes, you need to have plenty of water, and you should absolutely err on the side of extreme caution (particularly if you are new to hiking or hiking in a new climate and you don’t know your water consumption rate). However, if you carry too much water, you risk putting yourself in danger in a different way. Water is an easy way to add a lot of weight (1 L of water is 2.2 lb!!); carrying this extra weight will tire you out faster and increase your water consumption. Sounds a bit like a catch 22, huh?
I’ve tried to quantify my water intake, but I’ve never really been successful. I’ve developed a few general guidelines over the years, and these have tended to be mostly OK. Note that these are for me specifically – these guidelines may not work for you.
- For any backpacking trip, I plan to have 3 L per day (note – I almost never actually drink this much water, but I probably should….)
- For any day hike over 3 miles, I take 1-1.5 L
- If I’m hiking in the Texas heat, I always take 3 L (or 4, if it’s really hot – and the extra liter will have electrolytes)
- NOTE: It’s a really bad idea to hike in the Texas heat. I’m from there, so I’m slightly used to it, but it can get dangerous quickly. Know your limits, and don’t risk it.
- If I’m day hiking at elevation (about 12,000 ft or higher), I take at least 3 L
Extra layers
This one is pretty straightforward – bring some extra clothes to make sure you’re able to stay warm in case of unexpected conditions or situations. Typically, this means at least a good raincoat. Ideally, you’d also include a warm jacket of some sort. Remember no cotton – if cotton gets wet, it gets cold, which puts you at risk. You should never wear cotton while hiking; opt for technical fabrics or wool instead.
The Eleventh Essential
Ok, there’s really no such thing as the eleventh essential, but I think this one is pretty important…
Remember to have fun!! If you’re not having fun, you’re missing the point of hiking.
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