Whether a short day trip or an extended backpacking adventure, getting in a good hike while ensuring your safety requires a bit of pre-hike planning. Ensuring you have the right gear not only enhances your experience but also guarantees safety. Drawing from my personal adventures and the widely recognized “Ten Essentials” concept, here’s a checklist of hiking essentials to guide you. They’re not particularly in order of most importance.

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1. Navigation Tools

Using your cell phone while hiking is the easiest and most popular way to have navigation on you, but using your phone can have some challenges such as lack of service or draining your battery. I use my cell phone as my main source of navigation while hiking, but here are some tips to consider:

• Download your trail map before getting out on the trail. There are many apps that will allow you to download maps for offline use. I personally use the Alltrails app.
• Put your phone on airplane mode when not needed during your hike. It’s amazing how many apps are running in the background while your phone is idle.
• Always bring a power bank so you don’t run out of battery life while on the trail.

In addition to using your phone, you can always print and carry a paper map & compass or use a GPS device like a Garmin InReach, but make sure you have a navigational backup.

If you’re not going too far off-grid, you can also download Google Maps for offline use.

2. Sun protection

Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is crucial. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, a hat, and a sunshirt. Remember, sunburn can occur even on cloudy days!

My favorite sunshirt is super lightweight, fits comfortably, and protects me from the sun on all my adventures, including the adventure in the photo below to Palo Duro Canyon. As a Texan, I’ve been hiking in some hot weather, and proper protection is crucial to my survival.

Read Next: Palo Duro Canyon Trails: A Guide to 30+ Miles of Easy to Advanced Hikes

3. Insulation

When backpacking or hiking long distances, you only have the clothes in your pack so it’s important to prepare for all kinds of weather you may encounter during your hike. Layering is the key to staying warm and dry.

You always want to start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with a waterproof outer shell or puffy coat.

Layering allows you to adjust to changing conditions.

Some of my favorite clothing items for layering include:

• This Columbia pullover sweater. I have it in three colors and take one on almost every camping/hiking trip. They don’t pack down too small, but they’re super comfortable and great for layering.
• This Smartwool Quarter-Zip Base Layer top. It’s super soft, moisture-wicking, and keeps me temperature regulated.
• On cooler, or cold nights, I always sleep in my Cuddl Duds set.
• I currently have this packable puffer jacket that keeps me warm and packs down small enough for backpacking trips. (It’s the one I’m wearing in the picture

Buying undergarments that are made of moisture-wicking materials will keep you fresher and more comfortable on the trail too.

4. Illumination

Being trapped out on a trail after dark with no light is not only scary but unsafe! Even if you plan to hike during daylight, I advise always carrying a headlamp or flashlight in your pack.

5. First Aid Kit/Supplies

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, and any personal medications. Being prepared can prevent minor injuries from escalating.

Many pre-packaged first aid kits have more items in them than necessary, but starting with one like an Adventure Medical kit is a great way to get started. You can remove items that won’t be necessary and aid in your personal medications as well. These kits come in a waterproof carrying case that is super useful for making sure your supplies aren’t ruined if you experience wet weather.

It’s never a bad idea to take a First Aid or Wilderness First Aid course! A google search will help you find a local option, but you can also always look on the American Red Cross website for classes.

6. Fire Starter

In emergencies, the ability to start a fire can provide warmth and a signal for help. Pack waterproof matches, a lighter, and fire-starting materials like tinder or fire cubes when able. Learning how to start a fire in the wilderness is a very useful skill to learn

There are multiple fire-starter options available for backpackers that are lightweight, waterproof, affordable, and easy to use for beginners!

7. Repair Tools

A multi-tool or knife is invaluable for gear repairs, food preparation, or emergencies. I always carry one. It’s also smart to carry a patch of duct tape for sleeping pad holes, holes in jackets, or other clothing items, shoes, etc. A few pieces should be more than enough.

READ MORE: Backpacking Gear List – What’s in my Pack Amazon Edition

8. Nutrition

This is always the hardest part of the hiking essentials checklist for me! I tend to overpack food on almost every hike. I eat a lot, but I have also come to learn I eat a lot less when I’m hiking, which seems backward because I’m burning more calories, but it is what it is.

You’ll want to try to pack nutrient-dense meals and snacks to keep you energized and fuel your muscles.

High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars are lightweight and provide essential nutrients. I love packing chomps beef sticks, honeystingers energy gels, and snackbites!

9. Hydration

As I said above, this list is not in order of most important to least important. Water is VITAL to survival on any hike. Carry sufficient water and have a method to treat additional water sources, such as a filtration system or purification tablets. Staying hydrated maintains energy levels and prevents health issues.

10. Emergency Shelter

An emergency shelter, like a lightweight bivy sack or space blanket, can protect you from the elements if you’re stranded or need to rest. It’s a small addition with significant benefits.

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With every hike or camping trip, your gear may vary, but ensuring you’ve reviewed the hiking essentials checklist and included these items in your gear will give you piece of mind and provide safety when needed.

I tend to think of the hiking essentials checklist as my insurance checklist. There are many things on this list I hope I never have to use, but if I DO need them, I’ll be happy to have them!