Are you thinking about going on a fun adventure? A 30-mile backpacking trip or a five-mile hike during the day? Either way, planning a trip like this requires ample preparation to ensure you have a good time.

Injuries may happen, the weather may change, and you are bound to get hungry. Thus, you must keep a couple of must-have items before you set out. Below is a list of 10 of these items, which are essential whenever you go hiking. They will ensure that you are nourished, safe, and warm, no matter how far into the wilderness you wander.

What to Keep When Going Hiking?

1. Headlamp

Imagine being stuck in pitch dark with only a phone flashlight. Scary, right? So, you should be prepared and ensure you do not end up in a situation like this. If you head out at midday and stay after sunset, you will need a source of light to help you navigate.

The good news is that you do not have to break the bank to get some much-needed illumination. A simple battery-powered LED headlamp can make all the difference in the world.

2. First Aid Kit

Keeping a first aid kit becomes a necessity when you are going hiking. You do not know when you or someone else may need assistance, and you are far away from the nearest hospital. However, you do not need to keep everything. Antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and a couple of bandages can go a long way to treat wilderness ailments.

Here are a few other things to take with you in a first aid kit.

Medications

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen
• Imodium
• Antihistamines

Tools

• Pocket CPR mask
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Lighter
• Plastic bags
• Alcohol prep pads

You should also remember whether you draw blood or twist your ankle, analyze the situation, take deep breaths, and devise a plan of action to treat the wounds.

3. Trail Food

You cannot spend your entire hike without candy and energy bars. You need  nutritional food to ensure your body does not stop moving on the trail. In addition, food is necessary to keep you nourished if there is an emergency or shortage.

When shopping for trail food, look for something that combines electrolytes and carbs and is small in size. They should also be a source of endurance and energy. Want to know what these are? Dried fruit and granola bars!

4. Fire Essentials

If you have been a part of boy or girl scouts, chances are that you already know how to light a fire with things you find in the wilderness. But while that can be a fun challenge, you do not want to spend your nights in the dark with no light keeping you company.

You should keep a fire starter and a lighter with you. The former can be cotton balls dipped in Vaseline, which you can keep safe in a pill bottle.

5. Knife

There is no limit to the benefits a knife can provide you on a hike. It comes in handy when opening a food package that will not open or crafting a sharp bow to hunt some game. But you must pick a sharp, small blade to make the most out of a knife. They are easy to carry.

You can also choose from a vast number of options regarding this tool. Pick a fixed, multitool, or foldable blade; it is entirely up to you. 

6. Water

Now, this is one essential that you need everywhere, but when you are huffing and puffing from walking up and down trails, the only thing you will want first is water. If you are planning your hike in hot climates, you will need a bottle of water even more.

Thus, you must always keep a sturdy container filled with water. You can also take a couple of backup purification tablets as a backup.

7. Insulation

The weather on trails is not the same as on land below. It can change in the blink of an eye and leave you freezing. But the good news is that you have this list to ensure you are prepared for anything.

You should take a light puffy jacket to ensure that your core temperature stays warm in cold weather. But if you want to carry something even lighter, you can always take a space blanket as an alternative. The word on the street is that it can save you from inclement conditions.

8. Navigation Essentials

There is no shortage of high-tech GPS devices and apps in the market that can help you find your way on trails. However, keep your compass and map handy in any case.

9. Sun Protection

You need to ensure your skin is protected from sunburnt using sun hoodies, floppy hats and sunscreen. Too much heat can drain your energy, quickly wear you out, and turn your hike on a beautiful summer day into a sweaty walk. It is why you need maximum protection.

Be sure to apply SPF lip balm and sunscreen generously at least an hour before you start your hike. Also, keep in mind to reapply after every few hours.

10. Shelter

If conditions start to disintegrate around you and you cannot get back to the trailhead before dark, do you know what would come in handy? A tarp or an emergency bivvy. While climbing into a coffin-sized enclosure may not be appealing, it will keep you safe in bad weather.

Embark on Your Adventure

Now that you have these ten essentials do not forget to pack them with you. Also, remember that while this may be enough for some trails, others might require additional items too.

But before deciding what to take with you, you need to know where you are going. Check out Crowdsourced Explorer to get tips and recommendations from locals about the places you are visiting and find some information about the best hiking spots within their region. Happy hiking!

CrowdsourcedExplorer.com provides advice, tips, recommendations, and more from true experts: locals. Discover what people from all over the world think you should know before moving to or visiting their cities – whether you’re planning an adventure or a move.