The Ten Essentials for Hiking
Updated 12/16/2025
The ten essentials are all about being prepared. While you may not need all of these items on every trip, they can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.
Being prepared is key when hitting the trails in the Pacific Northwest, where conditions can change quickly and even familiar paths can present unexpected challenges. That’s why having the right essentials matters.
These ten items aren’t just gear — they’re the basics that help you stay safe, handle unexpected situations, and get the most out of your time on the trail. You might not need every item on every hike, but carrying these essentials gives you the confidence to explore, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Navigation
Don’t get lost — bring a paper map, a GPS app, and/or a compass, and make sure you know how to use them. Before your hike, practice using your GPS app and be sure to download the map for the area you’ll be exploring. Carrying a paper map is important as a backup in case your phone isn’t working or runs out of battery.
Maps are especially helpful when you’re unsure which trail to take at a junction or want to understand the terrain ahead. Even on familiar trails, a map can be crucial if you need to go off-trail for any reason.
There are several GPS app options, but my favorite is Gaia GPS, which is easy to use and offers more useful layers than other apps.
Illumination
Stash a headlamp or flashlight in your pack to light up the trail when it gets too dark to see. Like all gear, know how to use it before hitting the trail, and check the battery level and/or bring extra batteries.
Sun Protection
Getting a sunburn is never fun, so always use sun protection when hiking, no matter the season. Apply sunscreen and cover up with a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves or pants. It’s easy to overlook sun protection on the many grey, cloudy days in the Pacific Northwest, but clouds block visible light more effectively than harmful UV rays. At higher elevations, the thinner, cleaner air increases UV exposure, making protection even more important. Snow adds another risk: it reflects sunlight, intensifying UV exposure and increasing the chance of sunburn. Staying protected year-round helps keep your skin safe and your hike enjoyable.
First-aid
Sh*t happens. Be prepared to deal with it by taking a first-aid kit with medical supplies. The size of your first aid kit will depend upon the length of your journey and the size of the group that it is meant to treat. Ideally, each hiker will carry their own first aid kit with items specific to their needs. Here is what I carry in my first aid kit.
Emergency Shelter
Sometimes things don’t go as planned and a shelter can make things more tolerable… and survivable. Emergency blankets made of a thin reflective mylar material are commonly provided in survival kits for this purpose. Additional options include bivy sacks, tarps, rain ponchos, and large plastic bags. My favorite option is an emergency bivvy that’s shaped like a sleeping bag to provide better protection in cold conditions.
Insulation
Prevent hypothermia with outer layers to stay warm and dry on outdoor adventures. Even on the sunniest of days, the weather can change abruptly in the backcountry, so bringing extra layers to deal with varying conditions is always a good idea. In the Pacific Northwest, a rain jacket should go on every trip regardless of the forecast, and I also like to carry a lightweight puffy jacket that I can put on when stopping for breaks on trail.
Fire Starter
The ability to start a fire with matches or a lighter can be a literal lifesaver in an emergency situation. But it’s not always the easiest task in the soggier areas of the Pacific Northwest. Essential gear for starting a fire includes a lighter or waterproof matches and dry tinder of some type. For economical and lightweight tinder options, bring lint from a clothes dryer; coat cotton balls in petroleum jelly; or add wood shavings to unscented candle wax.
Repair Kit & Tools
A knife, multi-tool, or duct tape can be handy to repair broken gear or provide protection. They can assist in cutting food, sawing wood, splitting a bandage, or fixing a zipper. Instead of a knife, I find that a small multi-tool with scissors is more useful. For a repair kit, duct tape works well for almost everything, at least temporarily. A needle and thread can help with repairing tears in shoes or boots, clothing, tents, and backpacks. Ultralight repair kits are a great option that take up very little space in your pack.
Extra Water
Always bring plenty of water and a way to treat more using filters, purifiers, or chemicals from natural sources if needed. In general, plan to drink a half liter of water for every hour of moderate exercise, increasing the amount in hot weather or during periods of intense exertion. I like to carry a small water filter that can attach to my water bottle and a way to collect water to filter.
Extra Food
Throw an extra snack or two in your pack in case a hike is unexpectedly extended. In addition to your planned snacks or meals, bring a small amount of extra food in case a hike or trip is unexpectedly extended. Items that don’t need cooking are best, including trail bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
One More Essential
Common Sense: Staying calm and making well-considered decisions in an emergency is your best ally for getting home safely. When stress rises, take a moment to breathe and focus. Rely on the skills you’ve practiced — navigation, fire-starting, first aid, and other essential techniques — to guide your actions. Clear thinking, patience, and preparation can make all the difference in safely handling unexpected situations on the trail.
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