Jasper Van Der Meij
American Hiking Society recommends everyone pack the “Ten Essentials” every time you head out for a hike. Whether you plan to be gone for a couple of hours or several months, make sure to pack these items. Become familiar with these items and know how to use them.
The Ten Essentials
![10-essentials-hiking-appropriate Footwear hex green icon-200px 10-essentials-hiking-appropriate Footwear hex green icon-200px](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-appropriate-Footwear-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
1.
Appropriate Footwear
Happy feet make for pleasant hiking. Think about traction, support, and protection when selecting well-fitting shoes or boots.
![10 essentials hiking--map compass gps--hex green icon--200px 10 essentials of hiking map and compass/gps icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-map-compass-gps-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
2.
Map and Compass/GPS
While phones and GPS units are handy, they aren’t always reliable in the backcountry; consider carrying a paper map and compass as a backup and know how to use them.
![10 essentials hiking--extra water--hex green icon--200px 10 Essientials of Hiking - Extra Water and a way to Purify it Icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-extra-water-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
3.
Water
(and a way to purify it)
As a guideline, plan for half a liter of water per hour in moderate temperatures/terrain. Carry enough water for your trip and know where and how to treat water while you’re out on the trail.
![10 essentials hiking--extra food--hex green icon--200px 10 Essentials of Hiking - Extra Food Icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-extra-food-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
4.
Food
Pack calorie-dense foods to help fuel your hike, and carry an extra portion in case you are out longer than expected.
![10 essentials hiking--rain gear extra clotrhing--hex green icon--200px 10 Essentials of Hiking - Rain Gear and Extyra Clothing Icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-rain-gear-extra-clotrhing-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
5.
Rain Gear & Dry-Fast Layers
The weather forecaster is not always right. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Wear moisture-wicking items and carry a warm hat.
![10 essentials hiking--first aid kit--hex green icon--200px 10 Essentials of Hiking - First Aid Kit Icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-first-aid-kit-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
7.
First Aid Kit
Supplies to treat illness or injury are only as helpful as your knowledge of how to use them. Take a class to gain the skills needed to administer first aid and CPR.
![10 essentials hiking--knife multi-purpose--hex green icon--200px 10 Essentials of Hiking - Knife Multi-Tool Icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10-essentials-hiking-knife-multi-purpose-hex-green-icon-200px.png)
8.
Knife or Multi-Tool
With countless uses, a multi-tool can help with gear repair and first aid.
![10-essentials-hiking--sun-protection-hex green icon- 10 essientials of hiking sun protection icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/10-essentials-hiking-sun-protection-hex-green-icon-.png)
9.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing should be used in every season regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
![10-essentials-hiking-shelter-hex-green-icon 10 essentials of hiking shelter icon](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/10-essentials-hiking-shelter-hex-green-icon.png)
10.
Shelter
Protection from the elements in the event you are injured or stranded is necessary. A lightweight, inexpensive space blanket is a great option.
Bonus
Trash Bag
Pack this 11th essential to making sure that the trails you love stay beautiful for generations to come. A ziplock bag is a great option for keeping the trash you pick up along the trail separate from the rest of your gear. Level up by including a pair of disposable gloves to use when picking up less-pleasant litter.
Samuel Scrimshaw
Be a Part of the National Hiking Community
Give to American Hiking Society today and help build and maintain hiking trails, conserve America’s natural landscapes, build a more inclusive outdoors, and ensure that tomorrow’s hiking experience is even better than today’s. Your gift makes you part of a growing hiking community helping to protect the places you love to hike.
![Matthew Mage 20170309-DSC_0792-square Alternative Spring break participant using tools on a trail project](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Matthew-Mage-20170309-DSC_0792-square.jpg)
Matthew Mage
Leaders
AHS prepares the next generation of trail stewards and advocates from local parks to Capitol Hill.
![Ryan Nelson 171003-AHSWorkDay-200 Volunteer Vacation participants haul materials to a trail project site.](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Ryan-Nelson-171003-AHSWorkDay-200.jpg)
Ryan Nelson
Stewards
Volunteer to help maintain trails in some of the nation’s most beautiful parks and wildernesses.
![Photo Feb 13, 12 55 51 PM AHS NextGen Trail Leaders pose infront of the US Capital building during Hike the Hill.](https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Photo-Feb-13-12-55-51-PM.jpg)
Kelly Snavely
Advocates
AHS keeps you informed and gives you the tools to take action and make your voice heard!