When you are preparing your trip, whether it is for a long-distance trail, camping, or a simple day hike, there are essential items you should never forget in your backpack.
Most of the time, you will only need some of them, or perhaps none at all. But when things go wrong, you will be glad you thought to bring this equipment, which could then become essential to your survival.
Here are the 10 items you should never forget:
- A navigation system: map, compass, GPS, altimeter, etc.
- A headlamp, along with spare batteries.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing to protect you from the sun.
- A first aid kit, including blister treatment and insect repellent!
- A knife and gear repair supplies.
- Fire-starting equipment: lighter, matches, camp stove, etc.
- Shelter: a lightweight tent or a simple bivy bag will do the job.
- Food supplies.
- Water supplies.
- Spare clothing.
The exact gear you bring will depend on your trip or hike. It is obvious that for a day hike, you are better off opting for a simple map and compass rather than a GPS and altimeter. On the other hand, for a longer trip, you may need each of these items at some point. Do not forget to take into account the weather, difficulty, length, and distance of your hike when choosing the appropriate gear.
Let us now look in more detail at each of these 10 items. To make things easier, you can also use one of our hiking checklists!
A navigation system
Modern navigation tools can be summarised into five types of equipment: the map, the compass, the altimeter, the GPS, and the personal locator beacon.
- The map: a topographic map should always accompany you when your trip involves more than simply following a marked trail or a frequently used hiking path. It is always useful to know how to read a topographic map.
- The compass: this is the most important tool for finding your bearings if you are able to read a map. Most of our phones, GPS devices, and watches now include a digital compass, but it is always wise to carry a flat compass for the simple reason that it weighs less and is not dependent on charging any battery. It is therefore always useful to learn how to use a compass.
- The GPS: it will allow you to pinpoint your exact location on a digital map. Furthermore, some models exist that are specifically designed for extreme conditions. They will likely be more rugged than most smartphones, which also incorporate GPS, but whose fragility means they will need to be well protected during your adventures. Whatever type you choose, do not forget to bring a charging system and spare batteries, as these little technological marvels still run on electricity… We can help you choose and use a GPS.
- The altimeter: often available in the form of a watch, this is a tool that can be useful to take with you. The altimeter uses a barometric sensor to calculate atmospheric pressure and/or GPS data to provide you with a precise estimate of altitude. This type of information is useful for measuring your progress and determining your location on a map.
- The personal locator beacon: these small devices are useful for alerting emergency personnel when you need help in the wilderness. When activated, it determines your GPS position and sends a message via government or commercial satellites. It is a device that can save you from perilous situations and works, most of the time, in remote locations where your smartphone will have no signal.
A headlamp
Being able to find your way in the dead of night is fundamental, which is why you should always plan to have a light source with you! The headlamp is the best choice and often the favourite among hiking enthusiasts, as it allows you to keep your hands free, whether for cooking or holding your trekking poles. Always remember to carry spare batteries with you.
Sun protection
Yet another obvious necessity: always bring something to protect yourself from the sun! Forgetting this simple precaution can lead to sunburn and other unpleasant consequences.
- Sunglasses: quality sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes during your outings. If you are planning an extended trip on snow or ice, you will need specialist glasses. Most sunglasses sold in our stores block 100% of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). Groups should always think about bringing a spare pair, in case one of the hikers loses theirs.
- Sunscreen: spending long periods outdoors can expose you to high levels of ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, or even skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is strongly recommended to limit your UV exposure. When choosing your sunscreen, it is generally advisable to select:
- A cream that offers a sun protection factor of at least 15, or even 30 or 50, if you are exposed for extended periods or have fair or sensitive skin.
- A cream that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
It is recommended to apply sunscreen generously to all parts of the body that will be exposed. Ultraviolet rays can be reflected by surfaces such as snow and water; do not forget to protect your nose and cheeks well! Depending on several factors (perspiration, unexpected swimming, etc.), you will need to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Do not skimp on lip protection either.
- Sun-protective clothing: clothing is an additional way to protect yourself from the sun and prevent ultraviolet rays from reaching your skin. There is a wide variety of lightweight clothing that provides additional solar protection against UVA and UVB rays. A hat that protects your face is also important, to avoid potential sunstroke.
A first aid kit
It is vital to always carry a first aid kit and, above all, to know how to use one! There are ready-made kits available that mean you do not have to worry about putting one together yourself. Nevertheless, many people customise these to suit their personal needs. A first aid kit should always include supplies to treat blisters, bandages of various sizes, gauze pads of various sizes as well, antiseptic, medical tape, pain relief, a pen and paper. Nitrile gloves are also a valuable addition to your kit. Depending on your destination, do not forget to include insect repellent too!
The duration of your trip and the number of people involved will be of paramount importance when putting together your first aid kit. A small first aid guide will help ensure that even novices in the matter can manage, in the event of any problems.
A knife
A knife is useful for repairing your gear, cooking, administering first aid, making fire, or other emergency interventions.
A basic knife may have a simple folding blade; others, more elaborate, may include additional useful tools such as a flathead screwdriver, a can opener, or scissors. The more complex your needs, the more you will benefit from a multi-function knife.
In addition to the knife, a small repair kit for your gear can be a great help during your trips.
Fire
In an emergency situation, you must be able to rely on equipment that allows you to quickly start and maintain a fire. Most of the time, a lighter should suffice, but matches can also be very useful, provided they are waterproof or stored in a place protected from water. Do not trust standard matches — they are entirely unsuitable for outdoor use.
Fire starters encompass all the elements that will allow you to easily start a fire and remain indispensable in wet conditions. The ideal fire starter ignites quickly and stays hot for longer than a few seconds. Your options include dry tinder stored in a plastic bag, candles, fuel-based fire starters, etc.
In places where making a fire is impossible or prohibited (in forests and under snow), a camp stove can serve as a heat source.
Our fire starters and camp stove range
Emergency shelter
It is very important to always carry some form of emergency protection to shield yourself from wind and rain, in the event that you are stranded or injured during your hikes. Your options here include a simple tarp or an ultralight tent, a bivy bag, a survival blanket (which takes up very little space and weighs almost nothing), or even a simple rubbish bag. Regarding the tent option, you must understand that it should always be carried with you if it is your emergency shelter. A tent left at your camp is obviously not sufficient.
Food supplies
It is always wise to plan for at least one day's worth of extra food, in case your trip is extended (due to injury, weather, etc.). Pack food that does not need to be cooked and is non-perishable. Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc. are the preferred options.
Water supplies
Like food, supplies are essential! You should always carry enough water as well as methods for purifying water (filters, chemical treatment, or a camp stove to melt snow). When planning your water supplies, bear in mind that most people need to drink half a litre per hour during moderate activity and conditions. You will need more water depending on factors such as outside temperature, altitude, etc.
Carry at least one water bottle or a sealed reservoir with you. When you begin your hike, fill your container from a safe drinking water source.
Our water reservoir and water treatment range
Spare clothing
You cannot control the weather. Conditions outdoors can suddenly become very wet, windy, or hot during your adventures. In order to prepare for the unpredictable, it is always necessary to carry extra clothing with you.
When deciding what you need, think about situations where you may have to face the elements for an extended period of time. Consider base layers (top and bottom), a hat, spare socks, spare gloves, and a jacket to protect you from the rain. In wintry conditions, remember to pack insulating clothing for your body and legs.
Essential gear for camping or hiking