These are the most important items in your pack. Applicable to both dayhikes and backpacking trips, these will improve your safety, comfort and quality of your outdoor adventure.

First recommendation is to obtain a map of the area that you will be hiking. You don’t want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center, ranger station or download one at www.usgs.gov. If you suffer an injury, you can use the map to aid rescuers in locating you.

A map reading compass will help you find your bearings and keep you from getting lost. Using the map and compass together will keep you correctly oriented to know which direction you’re heading.

Staying hydrated is crucial. You can survive about a month with no food, but only a few days without water. You can become dehydrated quickly by exertion, perspiration, heat and exposure. It’s a good idea to have 2 one liter bottles of water. Also, carry some water purification means with you. I use a liquid water treatment drops.

Take a bit more food than you think you will need, to get you through an extra day if need be. This can easily be accomplished by having a few whole food bars with you, each of which constitute a complete meal replacement. Important for maintaining energy output.

A few more layers of clothing for comfort and safety. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly or at nightfall. If you hike through rain or fall into a creek, having only one layer of wet clothes when it starts getting colder can spell disaster. Make sure to wear synthetics as they are more insulative when wet and dry quickly.

Pack some sort of light source like a headlamp or flashlight. If you are forced to make camp or hike out in the dark, you will be able to see trail debris an obstacles that could cause danger.

Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don’t forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.

On rare occasion one must light a fire in the backcountry as a matter of survival. I’ve been on a kayak trip where someone overturned and they were soaked just as the temperature started to drop. Do not light a fire unless absolutely necessary. Bring matches and a lighter in a waterproof case and use caution to avoid wildfires.

A folding camp knife will serve many a purpose. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. I’ve seen knives that don’t lock take off finger tips.

Ultraviolet protection is really important. The suns rays can be damaging to eyes and skin, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a small tube of sunblock and perhaps a wide brimmed hat.

James Warner is a mountain guide and wilderness emt who believes that outdoor adventure can improve one’s life mentally, physically and spiritually. If you are new to hiking or backpacking and would like to learn more, check out: beginner hiking and backpacking guide

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