Hiking and backpacking are great ways to relieve stress and reconnect with nature, but don't leave home without the 10 essentials for the trail to stay warm, healthy, hydrated, and to be prepared for emergencies and quickly changing weather.
And add to that list an 11th essential – a sense of humor. While not tangible, a sense of humor can calm a tense situation and put people at ease.
These 11 might even save your life.
Lay out your hiking equipment and the 10 essentials before your trip. Learn how to use all equipment including the first-aid kit. Hikers and backpackers should take a CPR class with first aid.
1) Hydration: The most commonly forgotten essential is water. Hikers can easily forget to drink enough water or bring enough water, and additional hydration is needed during the warm summer months. Don't forget electrolytes, also.
2) Nutrition: Bring extra food. The conveniences of a refrigerator are not available in the wilderness. Bringing ample snacks and food not only provides energy, but also helps keep your body temperature up when the weather turns cold. Also, extra food can come in handy in emergencies.
3) First aid: Basic first-aid supplies can provide comfort and relief in an emergency. On long hikes, a blister can turn into a painful experience without proper treatment. Understanding how to use a first-aid kit as well as CPR can save lives. Get CPR certified. The additional knowledge doesn't add any extra weight to your pack and can help save a life.
4) Sun protection: During the hot summer month, the sun isn't your friend if you aren't prepared. UV-rated sunglasses can prevent eye damage. A sun hat with a drop behind the neck can help prevent sun burn and even sun stroke.
5) Insulation: Bring extra clothes if you are hiking at higher altitudes. Mountain weather changes quickly and extra layers will keep you warm and dry.
6) Light: Bring an extra flashlight even on day hikes that could run long. LED headlamps allow your hands to be free and are small, light, and easy to pack. Always change to fresh batteries at home before heading out on the trail.
7) Fire: Matches and a lighter don't always guarantee warmth in emergency situations, but they can go a long way in making an uncomfortable situation more tolerable and keep you alive until help arrives. Test your matches and lighter before leaving home.
8) Emergency shelter: In the event of an emergency or unexpected foul weather a Mylar bivy sack can help retain enough body heat to save your life or the life of a fellow hiker.
9) Tools/repair kit: Carrying a small multifunction pocket knife is a must for all hikers. It has infinite uses from cutting that annoying hang nail to cutting the gauze bandage in your first-aid kit, and more. Bring a basic repair kit specific to your equipment such as an extra pair of shoe laces that fit your hiking boots.
10) Navigation and communication: Take what you know how to use and is appropriate for the trip. Trails are often not well marked, and it's easy to take a wrong turn. A map and GPS (with fresh batteries) are basic for any hike or backpacking trip. 11) A sense of humor: Enjoy your trip, laugh, and bring home stories of your adventure to share with friends and family. It can also come in handy in emergencies and tense situations.
"Bring a sense of humor when you hike," says Neil Fricke of Norwalk and vice president of the OC Hiking Club. "And, a sense of wonder and adventure also can be useful."
Pack the 10 essentials in a water proof container such as a Ziploc baggy to keep them dry for stream crossings and wet weather.
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