Twelve Best Hiking Gear Safety Essentials for Every Trip

Many people enjoy exploring nature on foot. It’s important to prepare for any emergency when you venture into unfamiliar and unforgiving terrain. Staying safe while hiking Notes Chloe WasteneysYellowstone Environmental and Safety Director for Delaware North. She says that “keeping food properly stored, using bear proof containers, and leaving zero trace of food waste is essential for wildlife safety.”

Wasteneys also believes that hydration is a safety concern to be kept in mind. first aid, sturdy footwear. moisture-wicking clothing. She also suggests planning ahead: “Check out park websites for the latest conditions, warnings, as well as any road, trail or facility closures.” From changing weather to wildlife encounters and making do with limited facilities, here are 12 emergency items to pack for your next hiking adventure—just in case.

S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer emergency bivvy

Wasteneys advises hikers to always carry an emergency blanket when venturing out further. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly from day to evening, especially when hiking in the high desert. Take an emergency blanket and be on the safe side. this one from S.O.L. Survive Outdoors LongerIf you find yourself in the middle of the wilderness, a good, can make all the difference.

Despite the thin design, this blanket is waterproof and windproof. It also retains 90% of your body heat in order to keep you warm and prevent hypothermia. The essential safety item weighs only 5.4 ounces and is small enough to fit in any bag. daypack or backpack. 

BioLite Dash 450 Headlamp

Hikers can use a headlamp instead of a flashlight to navigate in the dark and keep both hands free. This headlamp from BioLite The design is feather-light and it’s bright. The beam can reach 300 feet when using the highest setting. However, even on the lowest setting, it provides enough visibility for trail navigation up to 60 hours. The device also features red light, flood light and strobe lights to alert search and rescue.

The rechargeable feature ensures you always have a fully charged headlamp on your next adventure without the need to use disposable batteries. The headlamp only weighs 2.75 ounces, allowing for comfortable hours of wear.

LifeStraw Collapsible Water Filter Bottle System

It’s important to bring enough water with you for your hike. Bring one liter per two hours hiking. However, hot and humid weather can require more water. If you’re visiting a high-altitude park, it is essential to stay hydrated. In addition to packing lots of water, she suggests having a water filter or purifying device on hand, like this LifeStraw filter This system includes a 650ml squeeze-bottle. The system is only 4 ounces in weight, and its membrane microfilter can handle up to 2,000 liters water during its lifetime.

The filter meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for drinking water. The system can be combined with this carbon filter attachment Further purifies water by protecting it from heavy metals.

Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat

Have coverage from the sun It is wise to avoid sunburns and heat exhaustion. Staying cool can help you stay hydrated longer. This sun hat from Outdoor Research This hat is a great choice for those who want to protect themselves from the sun. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and wicks away moisture. The three-inch wide brim is perfect for providing shade. And the drawstring adjustability makes it easy to use.

Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle

Wasteneys stresses the importance of always having a whistle, compass and map on hand. this four-function whistle It does all that, and more. The compass also has a glowing dial, a thermometer, and a magnifying glass. It’s easy to use a whistle to signal for help if you get lost or hurt. It can be clipped on a lanyard strap or belt to make it more accessible.

Paka Men’s Aire Long Sleeve Shirt

Wasteneys stresses the importance of wearing clothing that is moisture-wicking, breathable and in layers.  Wasteneys advises that you should have three layers: a base layer and a mid-layer.

This long-sleeve base layer This is my favorite for winter and summer hiking. The blend of alpaca and Tencel fiber from eucalyptus adds warmth and softness to the garment. It also has excellent moisture-wicking properties. If you’re in the wilderness, staying dry will help prevent hypothermia and chills. This base layer is also breathable, making it suitable for a variety of activities. sun protection Spring and summer hikes.

Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles

Preventing injuries on the trails is an important aspect of staying safe and avoiding emergencies. These lightweight trekking poles They can help you maintain your balance and reduce the impact on your joints, particularly when navigating uneven terrain, steep slopes, or rocky terrain. They can also be used in a pinch to build a makeshift tent and scare away wildlife.

These poles feature cork and EVA foam grips to make them easy to hold. The poles are adjustable in height, and their aluminum alloy construction with twist-locking system makes them durable.

Swiss Army Rescue Knife

Preparing for the unexpected is a common mantra for hikers and campers—and for good reason. This handy multitool It has 13 functions, both for emergency and non-emergency use.

Swiss Army designed this tool in collaboration with professional rescuers. It includes heavy-duty emergency applications, such as a seatbelt cutter and a shatterproof, glass saw to use after a car accident. This is a useful feature for driving off-grid to remote destinations or in the wilderness. The tweezers are useful in a number of situations. According to one customer who was prepared, “it’s a great size for all its features.” The smaller tools can be used to remove splinters and other small issues.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Mountain Hiker Medical Kit

According to Wasteneys first-aid kit This is another item that you should always have on your hikes. It should also include supplies for common hiking hazards such as blisters and cuts.

This adventure-ready first-aid kit This kit is designed to address common medical problems on the trail. The kit includes antiseptic pads, butterfly bands, trauma pad, and medical tape to treat wounds. The kit also contains elastic bandages to stabilize a sprained foot and medications for fevers, allergic reactions and other conditions. The package is water-resistant and well-organized. It weighs less that half a kilogram.

Counter Assault bear deterrent and holster

Safety gear is something you’d like to never use but it’s still worth keeping on hand just in case. One such item is bear spray. Wasteneys stresses that you should make sure the product isn’t expired and know how to properly use it. She adds that “most ranger stations, such as Yellowstone, in bear territory will teach you the proper way to use bear spray, and what to do when you encounter a black bear.” 

This bear deterrent Uses a formula designed for all the bear species that you may encounter while camping in North America. It is also registered with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The bear spray has a shelf life of four years, and it comes with a holster that is useful for carrying the bear spray.

Ben’s Eco-Spray Insect and Tick Repellent, 2-pack

Ticks, mosquitoes and other insects are not a threat to hikers. However, they can cause discomfort and illness. If you plan to hike in an area where ticks are present, this effective spray This product contains a picaridin (20%) formula, which is specifically designed to repel ticks. 

Picaridin is an insect repellent that works by preventing ticks from sensing their prey. This repellent also lasts for up to twelve hours. One spray should be enough to last most hikers.

Paramo Velez Adventure Smock 

Wasteneys says that the weather can change quickly at any time. This waterproof jacket The jacket has proven to be a reliable companion for me on several hikes. This includes a three-day trek into Colombia’s Los Nevados National Park. We reached an elevation of over 13,000 ft. It is double-layered for warmth, compared to the traditional rain shell. But regulating temperature can be done easily with upper arm vents, two zips on the front pocket and two zips at the back. 

I love the design of the adjustable ‘halo’ hood, which remains rigid to trap out the elements while still allowing a wide field of vision. With its ergonomic design and articulated shoulder and cropped-front, it is easy to move around on the trail. Its roomier, yet adjustable fit makes it compatible with both a mid-layer and base layer.

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