The 10 essentials for hiking – take these on every hike
Written By: Hannah
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, it’s important to pack the 10 essentials and hiking gear to ensure your safety on the trails.
Packing the “Ten Essentials” for hiking is a good habit to adopt whenever you step into the backcountry, even on day hikes, and no matter how long or short the hike.
You may only use a few of them or none at all on routine trips, but it’s when something goes wrong that you’ll truly appreciate the value of carrying these items that could be essential to your survival.
The original Ten Essentials list was created in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers, to help people be prepared for emergency situations in the outdoors.
The original essentials for hiking list included a map, compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife, and extra food.
The list remains much the same as it was back then. The difference is that instead of individual items, the list focuses on an issue rather than the specific items needed.
October 4, 2023
Hannah
I’m Hannah and That Adventurer is about my outdoor adventures worldwide. After 6 years of living in Vancouver, I’m now back in Europe, spending a month in a new place for the next year while I decide where to live more permanently.
I started this blog after graduating in 2013 and have documented my adventures with my now husband since then. In true adventurer style, we got married in the Arctic in November and started the wedding with a hike!
In 2017, we moved to the west coast of Canada with Elvis the Van (a self-converted Ford E150 that I lived in for 5 months).
As of 2023, That Adventurer is a proud member of 1% for the planet and we donate at least 1% of all the money we make from this blog. This money goes directly to non-profits that help make the world a better place and protect it for future generations.
Explore More Content
Media Mentions
It absolutely works like a charm whether you’re sitting in the backyard or hiking deep in the woods.
.png)
Media Mentions
If you have some that isn’t pre-treated with permethrin, you can buy some to spray on your own netting/clothing before use.
Media Mentions
“We tested this bug repellent on park outings and used it for a long day of yard work. It earns high marks for effectiveness, keeping us protected from any bug bites, even despite exposure to sweat,” The Spruce says.
From the Squad
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
