If you are only planning to spend a few hours on the trail or in the woods you can get by on a lot less gear than if you were planning to spend the night or the weekend on the trail. With that said, you should still plan to pack the “10 Essentials”. They are your protection from the unexpected. Let’s start by reviewing them and move on from there.
1. Navigation: even if you are taking a GPS you should still carry (and know how to use) a map and compass.
2. Sun / Bug protection: sunscreen, bug repellent, hat, sunglasses. You can find the small, trial size sunscreen and repellent which take up less room and cut weight.
3. Insulation (extra clothing): you never know when the temperature will change, or if you will get cold during a rest so throw in a fleece jacket to take off the chill.
4. Illumination: even if you do not plan to be in the woods after dark you should still throw your headlamp or a small flashlight into your pack for emergencies.
5. First-aid kit: including blister care items, pencil an a few pieces of paper, an “Ace” wrap in case of a sprained ankle, pain killers, a space blanket, and any medications you would normally take.
6. Fire starter: any combination will work, but you want more than one way to start a fire. You could pack a disposable lighter, matches in a waterproof container, a fire steel, and a dry tinder source.
7. Repair kit & tools: It does not have to be all inclusive, but it’s always helpful to have a few feet of duct tape, a couple plastic zip ties, a needle and thread, and a multi-tool at a minimum.
8. Nutrition: in addition to your trail snacks you should have some extra food in case you end up lost and spending the night in the woods.
9. Hydration: I am not referring to coffee or soft drinks but good old water! If you prefer something with some taste, there are several flavorings on the market that help improve the taste as well as aid in the replenishment of electrolytes. You should also carry some way of treating water, a filter pump, iodine tablets, boiling, etc.
10. Shelter: This could be just about anything that will shield you from the elements including clothing, a tarp, space blanket, bivy sack, etc.
Ok, you have the 10 Essentials…. Now what?
I like to include the following 10 items as well:
1. Para Cord (or small diameter rope): a 50 foot hank of it takes up very little space in your pack and is very useful if you need to replace a boot lace, build a shelter, lash something to your pack, or splint a broken leg / arm.
2. Rain gear: If I know it may rain I will take a rain jacket / pants, but it is a good idea to keep one of the emergency rain ponchos in your pack for the times you get caught on the trail when it is not suppose to rain.
3. Hand warmer packets: the disposable type. They only add a few ounces and take up almost no space but provide extra warmth if you get lost and have to spend the night.
4. Garbage bag: in addition to the obvious use, you can use it as a rain cover for your pack, or sit on it if everything around you is wet.
5. Plastic Zip Lock bag: one of the gallon size bags is all you need. It gives you a place to put any trash you generate or find, that can be sealed and thrown out when you get off the trail.
6. Socks: never underestimate your feet. When they get damp or wet blisters can form and make the hike back very unpleasant. If you have a dry pair of socks you can help eliminate some of this.
7. Additional tools: a watch, pocket knife (I have always been an advocate of the Swiss Army Knife), a folding or wire saw (strictly for emergency use)
8. Camera: you may want to record your hike to share with friends and family.
9. Cook kit: if you plan to take lunch or wish to have a hot drink when you take a break a small cook pot and light weight stove will be an asset.
10. Day Pack: it goes without saying that you will need something to carry your gear, but you don’t need a full sized pack if you do not plan on spending the night. A decent pack around the 2000 cu/in – 3000 cu/in size works well. After you have went on few day hikes and tweaked your gear a bit you may choose to go with a higher capacity pack or something under the 2000 cu/in size. It is up to you and what you are comfortable with.
It may seem like a lot of gear for just a few hours on the trail but you never know when that few hours could turn into an overnight or multi-day stay in the woods due to getting lost or injured. So with that in mind the most important item you can take with you anytime you are going onto the woods is knowledge! The best gear on the market can not save you if you do not know how to use it and are comfortable using it. With knowledge comes confidence, and when you are confident that you know what you are doing it can greatly reduce the chances of an unexpected emergency from happening. Follow the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared”!
Get out there and have some fun! Take lots of pictures, and encourage someone else to share your adventure with you!
Picture is of the Superior Hiking Trail (www.shta.org)
