Good judgment and level-headedness go a long way when venturing into the wilderness. Part of following suit with that mindset is gearing up before leaving the comforts of civilization. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast planning an easy day hike or squaring up for a 'brawl' with the backcountry, make sure you are equipped with the necessary resources and that you know how to use them.
The supplies listed below, in concurrence with information published by the U.S. National Park Service and experienced survivalists, will help you manage an injury, bad weather, hunger, thirst, and getting lost. Even an alert and experienced hiker or outdoors person can run into trouble—being aware and prepared for that possibility can be life-saving.
#1 Wayfinding
Avoid aggravation with NAVIGATION! Invest in a topographical map, compass, handheld GPS, and personal locator beacon. Do not end up lovin' on a blood-stained Wilson volleyball for four years of your life. Know where you are and where you are going—and tell at least two people.
#2 Illumination
The wilderness is dark, and if there is no moonlight, it is even darker. Pack a headlamp (extra batteries) or risk stumbling in the dark along the trail or in search of your camp. Flashlights and lanterns work well too, but going hands-free is what the modern world expects of you.
#3 Sun Protection
It's all fun in the sun—until your lobster-colored and in severe pain. It is not a good look and will make your adventure miserable. Be sure to include protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and an all-weather, wide-brimmed hat to minimize sun exposure. Fret not—having unburnt skin is better than being ridiculed for looking like a Kentucky Derby attendee.
#4 First Aid
A 20th-century humorist once said that "once you start buying first aid kits you start having accidents." Well, do not listen to him. Get a first aid kit—and better yet, customize it for your particular needs. Whether it is prescribed medications, bug spray, or portable hand warmers, you want your first aid kit to be ready for YOU and YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
#5 Tool Kit
"If you can't fix it with duct tape, you're not using enough duct tape."
All silliness aside, a proper pack will include a knife, scissors, and the ubiquitous, multipurpose duct tape. But just as you would customize your first aid kit, your tool kit should also match your particular needs, environment, and skillset.
#6 Fire
Fire is useful in so many ways, from providing a source of heat, and cooking food, to signaling for help. It can be a complicated process as it requires selecting a location, creating a pit, collecting kindling and fuel, and getting the dang thing started. Always include waterproof matches, a lighter, or a fire starter in your arsenal.
But.....what if you can't have fire????
Coming this fall, our NEVERFLAME cooking system is powered by a smart battery, not fuel or wood. The battery can charge your devices between hikes, and can be repowered by the sun's light. This cuts down on prep work for a normal fire, since you don't need to forage for burnable wood. There's no risk of fire, so you can hike even with burn restrictions in place!
If you want to find out more about our cooking system, click here!
#7 Emergency Shelter
The ability to deploy an insulated shelter or shade shelter can protect you from severe weather conditions, such as extreme cold, wind, rain, and heat. In fact, experts agree that setting up a shelter supersedes finding water and food.
Unless you plan on living off-grid or putting your bushcraft skills to the ultimate test, you do not need some palatial, motorized pop-up contraption or to construct a tree-stand out of dental floss and bark. Survival tents are not meant to replace your camping tent bush residence. They are compact and lightweight and designed for emergencies. Just get one.
#8 Water
Quest for hydration
this quenching sensation
slake my parched, desert mouth
Not digging our water-promoting haiku?
That's okay, just know that packing water and water treatment supplies are the number one priority. Keep in mind that the greater the distance and the greater the exertion, the more water you will need. There is nothing poetic about the ails of extreme dehydration. Drink water regularly and before you feel thirsty; the standard is 2-liters per day and two to three times that if you are active. Experts recommend identifying any bodies of water near your trail or area of exploration in the event you run out of water or get lost.
#9 Food
Eating 'good in the wood' involves bringing no-cook items that pack a nutritional punch, such as jerky, granola, dried fruit, crackers, and energy bars. Make room in your pack for extra food—you never know when you may need it.
#10 Outdoor Apparel
Conditions in the outdoors can be highly unpredictable. Prepare yourself for sudden weather changes and bring multiple layers of clothes. Preferably a moisture-wicking layer, another layer for insulation, and a third layer that is water and wind-proof. Even a large, black trash bag could be extremely useful in wet conditions.
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