10 Essentials For Backcountry Hiking

It is important to be prepared when backcountry hiking because you are often miles away from civilization and may not have access to help or resources if something goes wrong. It is essential to have the necessary equipment and supplies to handle emergencies, navigate the terrain, and take care of your basic needs such as shelter, water, and nutrition.

The “10 essentials” is a list of items that are essential for backcountry hikers to have with them on every hike. These items are designed to help hikers handle common emergencies and take care of their basic needs while in the backcountry. The 10 essentials include items such as a map and compass for navigation, sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection, extra clothing for insulation, a headlamp or flashlight for illumination, first-aid supplies, a firestarter and waterproof matches, a repair kit and tools, extra food for nutrition, extra water and water treatment, and an emergency shelter.

Having the 10 essentials with you on every backcountry hike can mean the difference between a safe and enjoyable trip, and a dangerous or even life-threatening situation. It is important to always be prepared and to have the necessary equipment and supplies to handle any situation that may arise while in the backcountry.

The 10 Essentials

1. Navigation (map and compass): Navigation is an essential part of backcountry hiking. It is important to have a good understanding of how to use a map and compass to find your way and to stay on course, especially when you are miles away from civilization and may not have access to other forms of navigation such as GPS.

To use a map and compass effectively, it is important to have a good quality topographic map of the area you will be hiking in. Topographic maps show the contours of the land and can help you visualize the terrain you will be hiking through. It is also helpful to have a map that is printed on waterproof paper, as you never know when you may get caught in the rain while out on the trail.

To use a compass, you will need to first orient the map by aligning the north on the map with the north of the compass. Then, you can use the compass to determine your direction of travel and to follow a bearing to your destination. It is important to keep in mind that a compass is not always 100% accurate, so it is important to also use other cues such as landmarks and the contours of the land to help you navigate.

In summary, a map and compass are essential tools for navigation while backcountry hiking. It is important to be familiar with how to use them and to always carry them with you on the trail.

2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen):

Sun protection is an important consideration while backcountry hiking, as the sun can be damaging to your skin and eyes. It is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and other harmful effects.

Sunglasses are an essential item for backcountry hikers to protect their eyes from the sun. UV radiation can damage the eyes and lead to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection can help to prevent these problems and keep your eyes healthy.

Sunscreen is another essential item for backcountry hikers to protect their skin from the sun. It is important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) and to apply it liberally to all exposed skin. It is also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

In summary, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items for backcountry hikers to protect themselves from the sun. It is important to choose good quality products and to use them properly to prevent sun-related health problems.

3. Insulation (extra clothing):

Insulation, or extra clothing, is an important consideration while backcountry hiking to protect against the elements and to stay comfortable on the trail. The weather can be unpredictable, and it is important to be prepared for changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind.

It is a good idea to carry extra clothing that can be added or removed as needed to help regulate your body temperature. Layering is a good way to do this, as it allows you to easily adjust your clothing to suit the conditions.

For example, a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric can help to keep you dry and comfortable, while a mid-layer of insulation can help to keep you warm. An outer layer of wind- and waterproof fabric can help to protect you from the wind and rain.

It is also a good idea to carry a hat, gloves, and other accessories such as a neck gaiter or a bandana to protect against the sun and wind.

In summary, it is important to carry extra clothing while backcountry hiking to protect against the elements and to stay comfortable on the trail. Layering is a good way to do this, and it is also helpful to carry a hat, gloves, and other accessories.

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight):

Illumination, or a light source, is an essential item for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail. It is important to have a light source in case you are out after dark or in low light conditions such as in a dense forest or during a fog.

A headlamp is a good choice for backcountry hiking as it allows you to have both your hands free while still being able to see where you are going. Headlamps come in a range of brightness levels and beam patterns, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

A flashlight is another option for backcountry hikers. It is important to choose a flashlight that is durable, water-resistant, and has a good battery life. It is also a good idea to carry extra batteries or a charging device in case the batteries run out.

In summary, it is important to carry a light source while backcountry hiking in case you are out after dark or in low light conditions. A headlamp or flashlight are good options, and it is important to choose a good quality one with a long battery life and to carry extra batteries or a charging device.

5. First-aid supplies:

First-aid supplies are an essential item for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail. Accidents can happen at any time, and it is important to be prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses while out in the backcountry.

A basic first-aid kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, wound dressing, antiseptic wipes, pain medication, allergy medication, and tweezers. It is also a good idea to include any personal medications you may need such as inhalers or insulin.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the contents of your first-aid kit and to know how to use them properly. It is also a good idea to take a first-aid course to learn basic first-aid skills such as how to treat cuts, wounds, and other common injuries.

In summary, first-aid supplies are an essential item for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail. A basic first-aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, wound dressing, antiseptic wipes, pain medication, allergy medication, and tweezers. It is important to familiarize yourself with the contents of your first-aid kit and to know how to use them properly.

6. Fire (waterproof matches/firestarter):

Fire is an important consideration for backcountry hikers for a variety of reasons. Fire can be used to cook food, purify water, provide warmth, and serve as a signal for help in an emergency.

Waterproof matches and a firestarter are essential items for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail. Waterproof matches are designed to stay lit even when they are wet, and a firestarter such as a lighter or ferro rod can help to get a fire going in damp conditions.

It is important to know how to start a fire safely and to follow Leave No Trace principles when doing so. This includes using a fire ring or fire pan if one is provided, or building a fire on a bare spot or rock if one is not. It is also important to never leave a fire unattended and to make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the campsite.

In summary, fire is an important consideration for backcountry hikers for a variety of reasons. Waterproof matches and a firestarter are essential items to have on the trail, and it is important to know how to start a fire safely and to follow Leave No Trace principles when doing so.

7. Repair kit and tools:

A repair kit and tools can be essential for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail in case something needs to be fixed or repaired. This can include items such as a multi-tool, duct tape, wire, cable ties, and a sewing kit.

It is a good idea to include a repair kit and tools in your backcountry hiking gear, as it can be helpful to have these items on hand in case of an emergency. For example, if your backpack breaks or a piece of gear fails, having a repair kit and tools can help you to fix the problem and continue on your hike.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the contents of your repair kit and to know how to use the tools properly. It is also a good idea to include a repair manual or instructions for any gear that you are carrying, as this can help you to troubleshoot and fix problems if they arise.

In summary, a repair kit and tools can be essential for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail in case something needs to be fixed or repaired. It is important to familiarize yourself with the contents of your repair kit and to know how to use the tools properly.

8. Nutrition (extra food):

Nutrition is an important consideration while backcountry hiking, as you will be expending a lot of energy while on the trail. It is important to carry extra food to fuel your body and to help you maintain your energy levels.

It is a good idea to carry a variety of nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods such as nuts, dried fruit, jerky, and energy bars. It is also a good idea to carry some type of stove and fuel to cook hot meals if desired.

It is important to plan your meals and snacks carefully and to consider the weight and space that your food will take up in your backpack. It is also a good idea to practice proper food storage and disposal techniques to prevent attracting wildlife and to minimize your impact on the environment.

In summary, nutrition is an important consideration while backcountry hiking, and it is important to carry extra food to fuel your body and maintain your energy levels. It is also important to plan your meals and snacks carefully and to consider the weight and space they will take up in your backpack.

9. Hydration (extra water and water treatment):

Hydration is an important consideration while backcountry hiking, as you will be sweating and losing fluids while on the trail. It is important to carry enough water with you and to drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

It is a good idea to carry a water bottle or hydration reservoir to hold your water, and to carry enough water to last you for the duration of your hike. It is also a good idea to carry a water treatment method such as a water filter or purification tablets to ensure that the water you are drinking is safe.

It is important to be aware of your water sources while on the trail and to only drink from sources that are safe. It is also a good idea to practice proper hydration techniques, such as drinking water before you feel thirsty and drinking small amounts frequently throughout the day.

In summary, hydration is an important consideration while backcountry hiking, and it is important to carry enough water and to drink enough water to prevent dehydration. It is also important to carry a water treatment method and to be aware of your water sources.

10. Emergency shelter:

An emergency shelter is an essential item for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail in case of an unexpected overnight stay or an emergency situation.

There are a few different options for emergency shelters, including tents, tarp shelters, and bivy sacks. It is important to choose a shelter that is suitable for your needs and the conditions you may encounter.

It is also a good idea to practice setting up your emergency shelter beforehand so that you are familiar with how it works and can do so quickly in an emergency situation.

In addition to an emergency shelter, it is also a good idea to carry a sleeping bag and pad to provide insulation and comfort.

In summary, an emergency shelter is an essential item for backcountry hikers to have with them on the trail in case of an unexpected overnight stay or an emergency situation. It is important to choose a shelter that is suitable for your needs and the conditions you may encounter, and to practice setting it up beforehand.

Conclusion: 10 Essentials For Backcountry Hiking

It is also important to follow Leave No Trace principles while hiking in the backcountry to minimize your impact on the environment and to protect the natural surroundings for future hikers.

In summary, it is important to always bring the 10 essentials on your backcountry hikes and to always be prepared. It is also important to follow Leave No Trace principles while hiking in the backcountry.