Essential Items For Your Next Hike

Nothing makes me feel more like a cowboy than gathering my hiking gear together for a five-day trek. There’s something about carrying all my belongings on my back and only taking what I need to survive that feels so primitive and rewarding. Packing is fun but, with limited space in my bag it can be difficult to know what really is essential!

For decades, outdoor stores have advertised the idea that you need hundreds of expensive and specialized items to survive but the reality is that all you really need are a few key items. After all, the cowboys survived just fine without access to a local Tiso!

Here are the essentials you need to get going on your next adventure.

Navigation tools

You see it in the news all the time, “Hikers become stranded in mountains after getting lost" but that won't be you. Before setting out on your hike study a map of the area to prepare your route, fold the map so the part you’re using is facing out and put it in a water proof map case with a compass. Electronic navigation can be useful but always bring a backup map as sometimes signal in the mountains is unreliable. As the Navy SEALS say, “Two is one and one is none”.

Sun protection

A hat and sunscreen are essential for any hike as a sunburn could put you off hiking for a long time. Camping with a sunburn is horrible because the sunstroke will cause nausea and chills and you will find it very difficult to get any rest. If you have fair skin, like me, you might even need to use sunscreen in colder weathers as the wind is a lot stronger in the mountains and can cause windburn which is just as bad as sunburn.

Extra food and water

You should always plan meals in advance and bring the food you need for the days you will be hiking with a little bit extra in case of an emergency. It’s wise to always have a high glucose/energy item (such as Kendal mint cake) in your bag as it doesn’t take up much space but could be a lifesaver if you get lost.

When planning your route, you should check that your path crosses a source of drinking water regularly to assure that you will remain hydrated. Water from the top of a stream or lochs are great sources of drinking water but if you aren’t sure if it’s safe enough to drink there are a few options:

1. Water chlorine tablets – Putting one of these in your water can kill any harmful bacteria but it can often leave the water tasting like a swimming pool.

2. Boil the water – Boiling water is a great way to kill off bacteria but it can be time consuming and you’ll have to wait for the water to cool before it’s drinkable.

3. Portable water filter – This is the most expensive of the options but filters are a great way to get clean water quickly.

If you find yourself getting tired of water, a small bottle of diluting juice can be a great addition to your bag.

First Aid

First aid kits are essential for hiking as you never know when you will need one. Most outdoor stores sell affordable first aid kits packed with bandages, scissors and tweezers. You may also want to add your own necessities to it such as lip balm, sanitary products, personal medication and paracetamol. Compeed blister plasters can be a life saver on long hikes!

In my personal first aid kit, I store a small switchblade knife for cutting bandages and getting ticks out of my skin. The knife can be sterilized by holding a flame to it until the metal turns red or using a sterilizing wipe. Knives can also be used for many things including emergency repairs, helping to start a fire and preparing food.

Extra clothes

Weather is often unpredictable but when you’re in the wilderness a spot of rain and a sudden change of temperature can be dangerous. Always make sure to pack some extra clothes in case the clothes you are wearing get wet. Items such as leggings, thermal t shirts and fleeces are excellent for keeping warm and getting a good night sleep. Spare pants and socks can also be luxurious to change into after walking with wet clothes on all day.

If you are hiking in freezing cold conditions when your clothes get wet, you must change out of them immediately and try to dry off your body before changing into dry clothes to avoid hypothermia. Star jumps are a good way to dry off while keeping warm.

Putting your spare clothes in a plastic bag in your rucksack is a great way to ensure that they don’t get wet as well.

Emergency shelter

Emergency shelters come in many forms including ultralight tarps, space blankets and large plastic bags. They can protect you from the elements if you become injured or stranded on your hike and need to wait for help. You might feel ridiculous sliding into a giant plastic bag, but it could save your life!

When shopping for an emergency shelter you don’t need to spend a lot of money as basic shelters are cheap and effective. Just make sure you get a bright or reflective one so it’ll be easier for rescue to spot you.

Hand Sanitizer

I know this can take away from the feeling of really being immersed in nature, but hand sanitizer is very important to carry with you at all times. Your hands will become your main utensil for preparing and eating food so you will want to make sure they’re clean.

You do not want food poisoning up a mountain!

Torch

Night time in the countryside is a lot darker than night time in the city. If you need to pee during the night you will need a torch to make sure you don’t trip or injure yourself. If your tent falls down during the night you will need a torch to put it back up. Torches can also be life savers if, for some emergency reason, you have to keep hiking during the night.

This is by no means a definitive list, but it should help you make sure you have the essentials next time you go hiking. There will also be things that I haven’t mentioned that are essential to you so make sure you pack what you need.

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