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A lightweight, compact tent can transform a day hike into a comfortable overnight adventure, or provide shelter if the weather turns bad. (anatoliy_gleb/Getty Images)
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Summer weather invites exploration of local, state, and national parks. The vast majority of park visitors spend only a few hours happily traipsing around before heading to their vehicles and safely returning home. However, as the TV series “Gilligan’s Island” taught us, plans can go awry, making it a good idea to be prepared, just in case.
Unless the hike is on a popular trail that doesn’t go far beyond the parking lot and sees a steady flow of other hikers, the first thing to do is have a plan and follow it. Taking it a step further, it’s a good idea to share the day’s plans with friends or family who will know to be concerned if they don’t receive an “I got home OK” call or text at the end of the day.
On summer hikes, consider bring along some of these “just in case” essentials.(Claudiu Maxim/Shutterstock)
The most common issues involve becoming lost, sunburned, thirsty, or a foot injury such as a blister to twisted ankle, which makes it a good idea to carry some basic gear, including sunscreen, a fully charged cellphone, a hat, water, and a few energy bars.
In addition to first-aid basics, add a compact trauma kit that contains first-responder gear such as a tourniquet and QuickClot bleeding control bandages.(Courtesy of MyMedic)
Other items might not occur to everyone but are worth considering, as they fall under the category of “cheap insurance.”
Falling is one of the most common hiking-related injuries. Loose stones or slippery moss can be treacherous, and wearing the wrong type of shoes can also lead to injuries. For example, Western-style boots are a bad choice for trails, as are any other shoes that don’t enclose the entire foot or provide good traction. Those who don’t own hiking boots can make do with cross-training shoes.
It’s a sure bet that hikers will get thirsty, and those seeing a mountain lake or stream may be tempted to take a refreshing sip. However, before indulging, it’s a good idea to use a LifeStraw to filter out bacteria such as E. coli or parasites such as giardia that may be lurking in the water. These personal water filtration systems fit in a pocket, yet can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water.
A burbling mountain stream may be tempting to thirsty hikers, but could contain harmful bacteria or parasite, so don’t take a sip unless it’s through a LifeStraw water filter. (Courtesy of LifeStraw)
It’s also a good idea to carry an old-fashioned compass and to learn how to use it, if you don’t already know how. While there are compass apps available for most phones, they don’t take battery loss into account. A compass can be tucked into a pocket, next to a map of the park, to be used if the trails suddenly begin to look alike, making it difficult to know how to get back to the car. While a cellphone can be used to call for directions, as anyone who watches horror movies knows, phones have a finite range and are susceptible to dead batteries.
A quality pocket knife is easy to bring along and handy for opening snack packages or preparing tinder for a campfire. (Courtesy of Spyderco)
Basic first aid supplies—including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and compression bandages—are the bare minimum to toss into a backpack next to water bottles and energy bars. A better idea is to take a compact pocket trauma kit containing items carried by every first responder. The LTC Pocket Trauma Kit is about the size and shape of an overstuffed wallet, yet can be a lifesaver as it includes a tourniquet, bleeding-control wound dressings, bandages, and more. The company offers online training in the proper use of their kits.
The most common hiking injuries involve slips and blisters, making proper footwear and a first-aid kit with bandages for blisters and sprains a must. (Leszek Glasner/Shutterstock)
A pocket knife is another handy item to have. Spyderco’s Manix 2 weighs less than 5 ounces and has a clip to secure it to a pocket or backpack, making it easy to access. The partially serrated blade opens snack packages with ease, while the non-slip G-10 handles provide a secure grip.
Running out of light is another potential dilemma. Phones have flashlight apps, but a dead battery can leave a hiker quite literally in the dark. Tucking a small flashlight and spare batteries into a pocket is another form of cheap insurance. Magline, best known for large flashlights used by law enforcement, has a compact XL50 LED Spectrum that’s an ideal choice for hikers. Powered by three AAA batteries, it provides up to 31 hours of light at the low setting. It’s available with a green LED bulb that won’t affect night vision, an important consideration when walking on trails after dark, yet it can be seen a mile away, making it a viable rescue beacon.
Sometimes what starts as a day hike turns into a night hike, making a high-quality, compact flashlight essential gear. (Courtesy of Maglite)
Those venturing far into the wild—even if it’s just for a day hike—would be wise to take along matches or a lighter to start a fire in case something unexpected happens. You should also consider packing a compact ax, a particularly useful tool for hikers who find themselves in a fix. The Woodsman from Manly Bands weighs about 2 pounds and has a blade cover so it can be tucked into a backpack until needed. It’s ideal for breaking up small tree limbs for a fire, or even to make an emergency shelter. Bonus: In between hikes, it makes great “man cave” décor. You can visit SmokeyBear.com for a guide to making a safe and forest-friendly campfire.
