The Ten Essentials of Hiking

Ten Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

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

1.

Appropriate Footwear

Happy feet make for pleasant hiking. Think about traction, support, and protection when selecting well-fitting shoes or boots.

10 essentials of hiking map and compass/gps icon

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 Essientials of Hiking - Extra Water and a way to Purify it Icon

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 of Hiking - Extra Food Icon

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 of Hiking - Rain Gear and Extyra Clothing Icon

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 of Hiking - Safety Items Icon

6.

Safety Items

(light, fire, and a whistle)

Have means to start an emergency fire, signal for help, and see the trail and your map in the dark.

10 Essentials of Hiking - First Aid Kit Icon

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 of Hiking - Knife Multi-Tool Icon

8.

Knife or Multi-Tool

With countless uses, a multi-tool can help with gear repair and first aid.

10 essientials of hiking sun protection icon

9.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing should be used in every season regardless of temperature or cloud cover.

10 essentials of hiking shelter icon

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.

Related Hiking Resources

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.

Alternative Spring break participant using tools on a trail project
Matthew Mage

Leaders

AHS prepares the next generation of trail stewards and advocates from local parks to Capitol Hill.

Volunteer Vacation participants haul materials to a trail project site.
Ryan Nelson

Stewards

Volunteer to help maintain trails in some of the nation’s most beautiful parks and wildernesses.

AHS NextGen Trail Leaders pose infront of the US Capital building during Hike the Hill.
Kelly Snavely

Advocates

AHS keeps you informed and gives you the tools to take action and make your voice heard!