The 10 Essentials

What every hiker needs on the trail!

Basics vs. Essentials—what’s the difference?

When you think of what’s essential for a hike you might think good shoes and a daypack. Those are some of the basics for being comfortable on the trail along with clothing and socks that wick moisture. In addition to the basics for a good experience, the essentials are meant to keep you safe in the outdoors. 

What in the past was a list of 10 specific items to bring along, the list of the 10 Essentials has evolved over the years into categories for emergency preparation. While not everyone will bring everything, I do try to have something from all the categories on each hike since the intent of the 10 Essentials is to have what you need in case you end up outside longer than expected or experience a drastic change in weather. It’s part of being prepared in the outdoors, the first of the Leave No Trace Principles--watch for an upcoming post about these!

The 10 Essentials

1.        Navigation (things you use to help you find your way like a map, compass, or GPS device)

2.        Sun protection (things you put on to help beat the heat like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF clothing)

3.        Insulation (things you put on to keep you warm like gloves, hat, jacket—these are somewhat weather dependent, but for some parts of the world having them is important all year round)

4.        Illumination (things to light your way like a headlamp or flashlight)

5.        First aid (you can buy a ready-made kit or grab some bandages, antibiotic cream, and NSAIDs, from home before you head out)

6.        Fire (what you need to light a fire to keep you warm at night like matches or a lighter)

7.        Repair tools (things you need to repair your backpack or trekking pole, or if going overnight your tent, like scissors, knife, multi-tool, tape, string)

8.        Nutrition (always a good idea to bring extra snacks, especially if you are out longer than you expect to be—you’ll be glad for that additional protein bar!)

9.        Hydration (same goes for extra water, and especially so in the warmer months—bring more than you think you’ll need unless you are certain of a water source and have a filtration system)

10.  Emergency shelter (this is in case you unexpectedly get caught outside and need to spend all or some portion of the night outside, so an emergency blanket, bivy, or popup tent)

If you are hiking on an overnight or multi-day backpacking trip, you’ll have lots of these with you already. But, if you set up camp and head out on a day hike, you’ll want smaller, lighter versions from each category, plus a way to take them with you, like a smaller backpack or hip pack.

Back to the Basics

A comfortable daypack or backpack is important when heading out on any type of hike, balancing weight and size with what you will want to carry. I’ve got a pack in almost every size but find that my 16L is my regular go-to for day-hikes and my 60L is perfect for multi-night backpacking. Both daypack and backpacks for longer overnight trips are sized two ways, first by the volume in liters that they will carry, and second, by the size of the pack for how it will fit your body (torso length and hip size). Often, it’s a good idea to measure and check the size chart, or better yet, head to your local outdoor store where they can help fit you with one. Some packs are a one size fits most, but many come in sizes and are adjustable to fit each person. One good reminder for volume—if you happen to have a larger pack, you don’t need to fill it completely since it will feel heavier as you get tired. Just bring what you need. 

After acquiring a nice pack and choosing some  comfortable clothing and footwear, my next favorite basic is a set of trekking poles. Some might argue that poles aren’t in the basic category, however I think they will help anyone at any age and ability to have a better hike. Here’s why. A pair poles that fit your body (turn them over and grab the ends of each pole in a hand and your elbows should form right angles with your forearms parallel to the ground) will help support joints, provide balance, and offer a little propulsion as you hike—plus moving your arms in this way helps hands not swell due to exercise or altitude.

So those are the basics and the essentials.

Watch for specific gear recommendations in upcoming posts!