The following is a list of things that I have found to be really useful and necessary essentials for traversing safely and comfortably in the backcountry. Recently, while getting ready for a hike I realized that it had become habit to just choose certain items to put in my own pack. I decided I needed to write down my own list so I won’t forget anything and the reasoning behind it.
These items are things I have learned to bring through the experience of others and also through my own trial and error. Hopefully, the following items will help you as much as it helps me.
I have found that it’s best to try out your gear and become very familiar with it before taking it on more serious expeditions in case something does go wrong.
Well fitted backpack
This is important and not as hard as you would think to find or expensive. In some mountain towns just going to the local thrift store or a sports store at the end of the summer season can reveal some great finds. Online stores like Sierra Trading Post or Backcountry.com also have some really good deals.
A basic day-pack with a decent hip-belt can do a lot for making the hike more comfortable because this takes less weight off your back and puts more on your hips. I really prefer to try on gear before I buy it as a general rule. Also, check the return policy so once you test the gear and found it unsuitable can be returned easily.
Water
Not only is the amount of water important, but the container to which it is carried in. Generally, I bring a 2 Liter water bladder for easy sipping while on the trail and a 32 ounce stainless steel water bottle. The reason I take the stainless steel bottle is because in case a survival situation occurs as long as I have a way to make a fire I can possibly boil and disinfect water. Plus, I don’t get the plastic aftertaste you can sometimes get from a plastic water bottle.
The amount of water you take depends on the weather, length of hike, difficulty and if water sources are available during the hike. Almost always I take about 3 Liters of water with me, but if it’s going to be a particularly hot day I may take more. If a water source is readily available along the way I may just bring my water purifier with me. It’s always best to use your good judgement and I would rather carry more water than needed.
Food
My go to for snacks on trail is protein bars. Lightweight, easy clean up and carry sufficient nutrition to get you through. Always take at least one or two extra in case a survival situation does occur.
It depends on how much you want to eat while on trail. Sometimes it’s fun to plan an actual meal or just take a couple of beers with you. I don’t seem to eat much on trail. Recently, I cleaned out my room and found quite a few protein bar stashes.
Maps and/or GPS
If you have read some of my previous blogs you’ll see I am a big fan of my GPS unit as far as tracking and sending messages on trail to let friends/family of your location. As well as having the SOS emergency feature. Being able to track your location and back track in case you do get lost is a great tool to have. However, it’s always best to have a physical waterproofed map of the area you are hiking in.
Recently, this occurred to me where I did not have a physical map with me and had wrongly assumed that I had downloaded the correct maps of the area. It turned out I had not and the hike was not successful in the way of getting to the correct destination though it was still a really good hike.
Bandanna
This simple little piece of gear can have a multitude of uses. You can: wrap a sprained ankle, support a broken arm, wipe sweat from your brow, strain water before disinfection, tourniquet, use as a strap or simply just keep your hair back. This is just a few of the uses a bandanna can offer. It’s almost a no-brainer.
“Puffy” Jacket
I am a big fan of a “Puffy” which is a generic term for a down or synthetic down jacket. They have very little weight and can be stuffed into one of their own pockets so takes up very little space as well. I have heard it described as wearing a sleeping bag and is great for being outside where the temperature can drop drastically.
Waterproof shell
As well as the puffy jacket I will bring a waterproof shell to wear over it. Also, very lightweight and takes up very little space. This can be very important in a rainy and/or windy situation.
Camera
You will see some beautiful sights in the backcountry. Why not take a few pictures to show everyone back home?
Ziploc bags
A couple of gallon Ziploc bags can be very useful for storing garbage, as an emergency water vessel or just keeping some of your gear dry.
Knife or Multi-tool
I prefer my knife with a partially serrated edge for sawing. A multi-tool is useful because it takes a few items out of your first aid kit and can be great if
55 Gallon Garbage Bag
Again, another amazing very compact multi-use item. This can be used as a shelter, windbreak, solar still, water catcher or just keeping your gear dry.
String
Need I say more?
Fire kit
This depends on the environment and length of stay, but generally Storm proof matches, fire starter such as a small bag of dryer lint, a small lighter and/ or a magnesium fire starter. It’s really important to test out and build your own fire starting kit in case of an emergency you will be proficiently skilled at starting a fire.
In some areas, especially in California, where there is a drought and the risk of wildfire is very present it is very important to be able to stay in control of whatever fire you start.
Small first aid kit
To be built at your own digression. Mine is small enough to fit into a Ziploc sandwich bag and includes: ankle wrap, reflective blanket, moleskin, a small packet of ibuprofen, tissue, iodine, a few gauze pads, hand-warmers, small bit of rolled up ducktape and band-aids. My fire starter kit is also small enough to fit into this bag as well.
The items listed are my essentials that I bring when I go into isolated wilderness areas to protect myself and to help me in case an emergency happens. It’s always important that you use your own good judgement and keep your own situational awareness. Please only use the above as guidelines for building your own essentials as you learn and traverse in the backcountry.
Please comment or let me know if this helps! I would love to hear if there is anything anyone else brings that they always find useful!
