What Should I Bring Hiking?

Being an eagle scout as an avid Outdoorsman, I've done quite a lot of hiking and time spent outside in my life. The Scout motto is to be prepared, which always comes in handy. My personal mottos are to learn to improvise and to not overcompensate, though, which are also very important rules to live by. This is especially true if you're packing for any sort of trip and what you will not be around the comforts of home, which will pretty much be everywhere, unless you are camping out in the hotel room instead of in tents. Here, I've compiled list of some items you should definitely bring and not bring on a hiking trip.

1) A compass or some other method of orientation (such as a sextant).

When you're out in the wilderness, your surroundings can change in an instant, leaving you lost for words as to where you are located. As a rule of thumb, it is important to not rely on a GPS or piece of electronic equipment to bring you back to civilization. In the wilderness, electronics are prone to fail, lose service, or die. Learning how to use a compass will be a valuable skill. Just as well, there are several tips and tricks to finding society when you are lost.


2) A water filter.

Of course, when you're out hiking, you need to remain hydrated. If you're in the middle of the woods and your water supply runs out, having a water filter can save you from almost certain dehydration on your hike. There are some that are so efficient that you can put it in the stream and drink directly from the stream. I've taken many a drink from many a stream, but it is much more efficient and healthy and safe if it has been purified or filtered.

3) Lots of Trail Mix or granola.

When you are out hiking, it is easy to forget to eat lunch, lost in the beauty of your surroundings. Is even more likely that you will run out of physiological fuel and need to replenish. When I hike, I always bring a bag of granola trail mix with me to put put a pleasant taste in my mouth and to replenish my energy.

4) Airtight bags containing extra clothing and rain gear.

On this note, learning how to gauge the weather patterns by looking at the clouds in the sky is a valuable skill, as is checking the weather forecast before departing. You should always come prepared with extra clothing in case of inclement weather, and keeping it in air-tight bags will ensure that your clothing actually stays dry should your pack run out of water proofing. Getting a can of waterproof spray is also a helpful precautionary measure as well.

5) A first aid kit.

There are many of small pocket-size first aid kits available nowadays, and each one is very valuable for trail hiking. A lot of camping stores also give free or discounted classes on wilderness medicine, where you will learn the difference between treatments and items for discounted price. One notable store is REI.

6) A multi-purpose tool.

Trying to cut a piece of tinder for your fire? Open a bottle or can? File something down to size? Need to fix a loose nut or Bolt somewhere along the line? A multi-purpose tool will become your best friend as such. Plenty of retailers carry multi-purpose tools, and finding a good one is essential for any outdoorsman.

7) Safety items, such as a magnesium stick, whistle, and rechargeable flashlight.

Purchasing a wind-up flashlight or flashlight with rechargeable batteries will come in great usage out in the wilderness, where there is a great potential to see nothing for miles and miles and quite literally so. You can use a flashlight as a signal, to see your way around, or even as a way of telling directions if you know how. With a magnesium stick, you won't have the risk of it getting wet like matches or drying out and cracking like flint and steel. A magnesium stick such as this one goes right on the keychain and produces an insane amount of Sparks when scraped with a steel knife. And a whistle will come in great use as well if you are stranded (or bored).

8) A companion.

By way of common knowledge, it is always a good idea to utilize the buddy system when in an unfamiliar area, especially when that area happens to be fairly uncharted and unorganized territory. Not only will you reduce your risk of falling victim to an injury and not being able to receive medical attention or help, but bringing a friend with you ensures that you have someone to share your wonderful memories with. The best voyages are often taken with the company of others. And, if you lack the resources of outdoorsy friends, then try to stick to well-lit and highly-traveled areas.

9) Rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger.

If you have anything at all that runs on electronics, getting rechargeable batteries and a portable recharging station can be the difference between life and death. If you don't have access to a recharging station, make haste to bring plenty of extra batteries. Solarchargers also come in handy for cell phones end other USB adaptive technology, since you definitely won't have access to a wall outlet in the middle of the Woods.

10) Pack smart, pack light.

In general, remember to pack light and only pack what you need. When searching for gadgets online, try to get a gadget that does at least more than one thing. It will save on pack weight and overall expenditure. For comparison, this survival kit only costs around $30, whereas the individual components would be well over $40 and take up more space. 

These are just a few of the basics, which hopefully prepare you for a successful excursion outdoors.