SOTHH 10+ Essentials

Enumerated Hiking Essentials Information: 

1. Appropriate Footwear: Waterproof shoes/boots are helpful for crossing streams, etc. Carrying an extra pair of dry socks is also helpful.

2. Map & Compass/GPS: While GPS units are very useful, carry a topo map and compass as a back-up. Do not totally rely on your phone for navigation. A watch is also helpful for keeping track of the time!

3. Extra Water & a Method to Purify: (Water Filter; i.e., such as a Sawyer Mini Filter or purification tablets). Without sufficient water, your body will not perform as efficiently; & you may experience fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, weakness, numbness or overheating, which can cause heat exhaustion. You could also be susceptible to hypothermia or altitude sickness, depending upon the conditions. Electrolytes will replenish salts, potassium, calcium, etc., that are lost during perspiration. Water is not usually sufficient. A recommendation of the amount of water to carry is: ½-1 liter for 5 miles of hiking or ½ liter/every hour for moderate hikes and temperatures. If it is a hot day, or a considerable amount of exertion will take place, you will need more water/electrolytes! The CamelBak folks suggest 100+ oz. (3 liters)/3+ hours (3 liters weighs about 3-1/2 lbs.).

4. Extra Food: In case of an emergency or a delay in your plans, you will need extra food to keep up your energy and morale. Always have a back-up, in addition to what you normally consume.

5. Rain Gear & Extra Clothing for Insulation: Be prepared in the event of any weather change. Dressing in layers is very helpful in adapting to temperature/weather changes & activity level. Do not wear cotton as “cotton kills” as it keeps moisture close to the skin and can cause major chilling. Use wool or poly blends that wick away moisture from the skin. And always carry or wear a hat for sun, rain, or wind/cold protection.

6. Safety Items: Fire/Light/Whistle/Signaling Mirror. In the event of an emergency, it is important to have a way to build a fire, have dry fuels to start a fire, and/or a way to signal for help (a signaling mirror is very helpful, if you cannot build a fire). Use waterproof matches in a water-tight container and have a dry or waterproof striker. To start a fire, a Butane lighter, candle, solid chemical fuels, or balls of compressed wood chips work well. A head lamp (& extra dry batteries & a functioning bulb) are a must, if you get caught out in the dark. Do not rely on your cell phone. A whistle (using 3 short bursts) is more effective than using your voice when calling for help, as you eventually can get hoarse!

7. First Aid Kit: Carry a hiker’s First Aid Kit (in waterproof packaging) for injuries that might occur on the trail and to address any hotspots or treat blisters. Also, have bug/tick repellent, aspirin/Tylenol/Advil, allergy medications and personal medications. Do not rely on others to address your needs--it is up to you to carry what you might need!

8. Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool: This can enable you to cut strips of cloth for bandages or cut moleskin; remove splinters; fix broken eyeglasses; and perform many repairs on malfunctioning gear. It is also a good idea to carry a repair kit with duct tape; a sewing kit with a large needle/strong thread; etc.

9. Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Sun Hat & Insect Repellent: Have sunscreen, sunglasses, & a sun hat available for sunny days or when above the tree-line and exposed to sun or on snow (to prevent snow blindness). Have bug/tick repellent available, along with a pair of tweezers and allergy medication, in the event of a bite or sting.

10. Emergency Shelter: Besides carrying an emergency space blanket in your pack, it is also advised to carry an emergency shelter, in the event that one has to spend the night or is injured, goes into shock, or is awaiting rescue. A lightweight emergency bivy sack, tube shelter, or lightweight tarp is very useful in order to keep dry and warm. A foam pad is also helpful for ground insulation.

11. Day Pack: It goes without saying that you will need a comfortable pack to carry all of these items! A chest/sternum strap is helpful, as well as a hip belt in order to help to take the load off of your shoulders and back. Invest in a rain cover for your pack (a heavy-duty black garbage bag could also suffice to keep the contents of the pack dry or can be used as an emergency rain poncho, if you are caught without your rain gear).