10 essentials for your next day hike

I’ve logged thousands of hiking miles all over the United States. Along the way, I’ve met incredible hikers who have become dear friends, including some who serve on local search and rescue teams. Hiking with others is a great way to pick up tips and tricks, and my search and rescue friends have helped me fine-tune what I carry in my pack.

Looking back, I cringe a little at how underprepared I was during some of my early backcountry adventures. I hadn’t yet heard of the “10 essentials,” a list first developed in the 1930s by a Seattle-based outdoor group to help people prepare for emergencies in the wilderness.

I never considered what I’d do if I had to spend an unplanned night in the woods. But even the most experienced traveler can be one misstep away from a dicey situation if they’re not prepared.

Danni Harris knows this well. She’s been a volunteer with Eugene Mountain Rescue and Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue for the past 14 years.

“It’s a lot of work, but outside of my family, [search and rescue] is the most rewarding thing I have ever been involved with,” Harris said.

She recounted how one hiker she helped sustained a broken leg in the Three Sisters Wilderness, but had the right gear and was able to stay warm and comfortable while waiting for help.

But another rescue she helped with was a different story.

“I was on a mission for a couple of folks who made a series of bad decisions,” she said. “They started late in the day, made a wrong turn in very steep terrain with low visibility, had inadequate clothing, and spent the night huddled on a mountainside. One of them was suffering from hypothermia by the time we reached them and had to be airlifted off the mountain.”

Both missions had happy endings, Harris said, but the outcomes could have been far worse, especially for those lacking the basics to stay safe while waiting for help.

These days, thanks to my search and rescue friends, I keep my favorite daypack stocked with the 10 essentials, plus a few extra items I’ve found useful. I keep the pack on a heavy-duty clothes hanger in my closet so it’s always ready to go. I just have to fill my water bottle, pack my food for the day, and I’m off.

If you’re new to hiking or the 10 essentials, use the list below to get familiar with the gear that can help keep you safer in the woods, so you can focus on the joy of being out there.

1. Navigation

Never rely solely on phone apps, as they can fail due to dead batteries or lack of reception. Always bring a topographic map and compass and know how to use them. YouTube has great tutorials, and books like “Wilderness Navigation” by Mike Burns and Bob Burns are also helpful.

While not a substitute for map and compass, tech can be a useful backup.

“If someone can afford it, a standalone, two-way satellite device is a really solid insurance policy for when things go sideways,” Harris said. “Though no device is completely foolproof, these are generally very reliable. I personally carry one and have had to activate it during an emergency.”

Because I often hike alone, I carry a Garmin inReach (SPOT and ZOLEO are also popular devices). It has an SOS button that alerts search and rescue teams to your location and allows for text messaging. I use it to update my off-trail contact if I change my route mid-hike. It also includes helpful GPS features for planning and navigation.

2. Illumination

I’ve definitely needed this one when hikes have taken longer than anticipated or I’ve planned ambitious daily mileage and know I’ll be starting or ending in the dark. Think of your cell phone light as a backup and always carry another form of illumination like a headlamp, making sure it’s fully charged before you head out.

3. Sun protection

The level of sun protection you need depends on the terrain you’re exploring. In the desert, for example, you might want to bring along a sun umbrella or loose layers that cover as much skin as possible. In areas with greater tree cover, a favorite baseball cap, pair of sunglasses and sunscreen does the trick.

4. First-aid supplies

Start with a premade kit that includes basics like scissors, tweezers, gloves, sting relief pads, antiseptic wipes, bandages and gauze. You don’t need the whole thing: pack a couple of each item in a Ziploc bag to keep your load lighter. Over time, adjust based on your needs and those of your hiking buddies. You may want to add a tick remover, insect repellent, ibuprofen or blister care.

5. Repair kit and tools

A few items in my pack are there in case I need to “MacGyver” something on trail. These include some duct tape (no need to bring the whole roll, just a few wraps around your water bottle or hiking poles), some thin rope like paracord, and a multitool with a knife.

6. Fire system

In cold or wet conditions, the ability to start a fire could be a lifesaver. Pack reliable, waterproof matches or a lighter, along with fire starters that work even when damp. A waterproof container helps keep everything dry and ready when you need it most.

7. Shelter

Even if you’re not backpacking, you should be prepared to spend an unexpected night in the woods if you get turned around, injured or otherwise can’t make it off trail that same day.

“Our [search and rescue] teams will come for you, but it can take a long time for us to get there,” Harris said. “Folks need to be prepared to take care of themselves for at least several hours or a survivable night out. You don’t need to always carry a tent and sleeping bag but some extra clothing layers and a small tarp or emergency bivy sack will go a long way toward making sure your situation does not get worse while you wait for us to arrive.”

8. Nutrition

In addition to the food you plan to eat during your day hike, bring calories to get you through an unplanned extra day. I store a few calorie-dense favorites and electrolytes in an internal pocket in my pack and remember they’re only for emergency munching.

9. Hydration

You need to be able to access clean water beyond what you carry on a day hike. I bring a gravity filter so I can enjoy some giardia-free mountain stream or lake water along the way with ease. Purification tablets are a great lightweight backup, especially if your main filter malfunctions. Just know different tablets treat different contaminants, and some can take up to four hours to fully work.

10. Insulation

Always carry extra layers of clothing to stay dry and warm. Even if it seems like a warm day out, it could get a lot chillier at night. Also, take into consideration the next day’s weather forecast. I carry a beanie, gloves, wool socks and a puffy down jacket along with my base and rain layers.

Bonus items and trip planning

While the 10 essentials are the foundation for safe outdoor travel, you’ll likely find a few personal must-haves over time. I carry a strong whistle to signal for help, a portable power bank in case my devices need a boost, and in areas with black bear activity, a small air horn (surprisingly effective at scaring off curious bears).

Trip planning is just as important as packing. Check the weather, trail conditions, terrain and water sources before heading out. Leave a detailed trip plan with someone you trust, including your route, any potential side trips, when you expect to return and who they should contact if they don’t hear from you.

Harris also emphasized that “training and good decision-making” can be even more important than what’s in your pack. She recommends taking a wilderness first-aid course and learning wilderness navigation skills. Her team has seen too many backcountry emergencies caused by poor choices, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.

With the 10 essentials, smart planning and sound judgment, you’re better equipped to handle the unexpected. So, load up, plan well and head out with confidence. As Harris said, “Nature is vital for our physical and mental well-being. Get out there and live it.”