10 Essentials for Hiking (plus 1)
Be prepared when you are hiking. Stay safe while hiking a trail with you family on TrailCollectiv and make sure you have all the 10 essentials!
10 hiking essentials
1. Navigation Tools:
Carry a map and compass and/or a GPS device to help you navigate through the trails.
There are lots of great tools for navigating the trails.
TrailCollectiv family hiking app is great for navigating trails in service (soon to be able to be used out of service). Routes are also available for download on that app as well to be used on your GPS devices!
The truth behind tech navigation systems. For longer trails where the route intersects and can be difficult to navigate, it is always a good idea to bring along a waterproof map/print out of the area.
Why?
Technical tools can run out of batteries and occasionally glitch. Be prepared with various tools is important. Experienced hikers highlight this all the time about various outdoor tech and the need for traditional navigational tools alongside technical tools.
2. Water
It is important to stay hydrated by carrying enough water for each person on a hike. The amount will vary depending on the length and intensity of the hike.
If you are hiking with kids and dogs, try to have separate water containers for each so that you know how much water everyone is drinking.
A general rule is half a liter for every hour hiked on a moderate trail where the weather is moderate.
3. Food and Snacks
Depending on the length of the trail and difficulty, make sure to pack enough snacks to keep you fueled for the whole hike. For kids, an easy 2-5 km trail may not require as much fuel for an adult, but kids will likely each double their typical food portions.
Lightweight, high-energy/high fat snacks and meals are great options. Granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, and sandwiches are good options.
4. Clothing
Dress according to the weather conditions and always pack layers in case of an emergency.
Hikes in areas like the mountains acn experience extreme weather changes. A trail can be very hot one moment and then experience snow or hail on the same day!
For layers:
Moisture-wicking, layered clothing made of polyester or merino wool helps you stay warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot. Avoid cotton materials.
Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, and gloves. Comfortable hiking shoes or boots alongside wool socks to keep feet dry. Runners are fine for some on the easier less technical trails.
5. First Aid Kit
Bring along a basic first aid kit while on a hike. For longer and more challenging trails, bring along a more extensive first aid kit.
Include in the kit:
bandages
antiseptic ointment
pain relievers
blister pads
tweezers
anti-bite
Benedryl or other allergy medication in case of an unknown allergic reaction (make sure to have kids medication as well)
personal medications.
Emergency Shelter
6. Sun and Bug Protection
Pack sun screen and wear bug protection to prevent bug bites.
Sun protection: Bring a long a hat, sun protective clothing or sunscreen witha high SPF rating, and sunscreen.
Bug Protection: Wear bug spray or bug repellent clothing to prevent mosquito and tick bites. Bug spray with Deet can work well but is not recommended for young children and damages technical outdoor clothing. Bug repellent clothing is also not recommended for children.
For kids, bug repellent made of Icaridan is recommended and protect against both ticks and mosquitoes. It also does not ruin technical clothing.
7. Illumination
Bring a headlamp or flash with extra batteries in case you end up hiking in low light conditions or if your hike takes longer than expected.
8. Emergency Shelter
Bring along a lightweight emergency shelter like an emergency blanket or a bivvy sack.
These are important to have in case you get stranded or need to take shelter from adverse weather conditions. Even spraining an ankle on a 5 km trail might have you staying the night until help can come.
9. Multi-Tool
A versatile multi-tool can be handy for various tasks such as creating wood shavings for an emergency fire, repairing gear, cutting ropes, or opening cans. Pick a multi-tool with a knife, scissors, pliers, and other useful tools.
10. Communication
Bring along a fully charged cell phone or a satellite communication device and leave a trip plan.
What to include in the Trip plan?
It is also important to tell somewhere where you are going (include the route), when you will be back, and when they should be worried that you haven’t checked in.
Adventure Smart has a Trip Plan app.
What is a satellite communication device?
Satellite communication devices allow you to request help even if you are out of service. These are an investment. There are two popular communication system like the SPOT device or Garmin In-Reach. Various models have different features and we recommend the models that allow for two way communication.
BONUS 11: Bear Spray
If you hike where there are large animals such as bears or cougars then it is important to always bring bear spray AND know how to use it.
Bear spray is not only for spring through summer hiking. Pack it on your hikes all year long. Cougars do not hibernate AND bears do not hibernate as long as you might expect. Bring it along on all hikes just to be safe.
