Before going into hiking, no matter how short or easy is might seem, there are few essentials essential items that you must carry with you. Look at My Wild Earth’s Blog for more information. You may not use all these essentials, but most of them can be a life saver in case of emergencies.

Essential items for hiking

A hiking watch

You need to carry with you a hiking watch, with features beyond that of a normal one. Many models feature altimeter, barometer, compass and a thermometer, all that can be very useful for your trip. You will get other watches with storm alarm, to notify you about weather changes.

A GPS

It’s also imperative to carry GPS units with you. However, it is good to note that not all units out there will be useful for hikers. You need to pick one that is small, one that fits in your hand, and one with a map screen, but do not forget to look for a unit that is waterproof and durable. You can also find a hiking watch with GPS receiver, but it is advisable to have a separate one. ‘

A tent

A tent or a quality sleeping bag is a must carry essential: luckily there are tons of them out there, but also, you will need to have a tarp or a blanket to protect you with a sudden change of weather. You might never use it, but it can be a real life saver in times of emergencies.

First aid kit

You need to carry, not just a first aid kit, but one that is useful. Ensure that your kit has all the supplies that can deal with all types of injuries. There is no need of having a lot of supplies with you, but things like moleskin, tweezers, Band-Aids, gauze pad, antiseptic wipes are more than adequate for most injuries during hiking. You can also add a knife on those tools; it can be pretty indispensable in many situations.

Illumination

It might not be useful on a short hiking trip, but it necessary if things turn out as unplanned. Headlamps are the better choice, because they are lightweight and small, not to mention with sustainable battery life, but flashlights and other illumination sources do have their values. Don’t forget to carry matches and extra batteries, to supplement your primary light source.

Other essential items to carry when hiking

You might also need to bring with you other things like sunglasses, water bottles, and water filter, a whistle, and some extra food. Remember having the right essentials is one thing, and knowing when and how to use them is another. So you need to equip yourself with some knowledge on how to use each and every essential that you carry with you.