Hiking Tip of the Week - The Four Essentials

The debate over hiking gear systems is never ending. Some people go by the ‘10 Essentials’ which lists the most important gear for the trail. However these 10 items will change depending on whom is asked or where you’re trying to go. Another way to identify the needs of your kit is to divide that gear into four categories: Fixing People, Fixing Gear, Communication, and Navigation. Plan for items specific to your trip. Depending on the discipline, the gear will inevitably change. For example hiking boots may not be necessary on a canoe trip, and hiking in the desert may not require a super heavy duty rain shell or gaiters. Adjust your kit to the needs of your trip while following the system below.

Fixing People

  • Clothing

  • Insulated Clothing

  • Weatherproof Clothing

  • First Aid Kit

  • Food 

  • Water

  • (add more to your own list!)

Fixing Gear

  • Patches

  • Wire

  • Duct Tape/ Electrical Tape

  • Multi-tool/ knife

  • Cord/ paracord

  • Dental floss

  • Zip ties

  • Flexible epoxy

  • (add more to your own list!)

Communication

  • Headlamp (extra batteries)

  • Whistle

  • Mirror

  • Phone

  • Something to charge your phone with

  • (add more to your own list!)

Navigation

  • Map and Compass

  • GPS

  • Phone

  • Extra Batteries of something to charge phone/GPS with

  • (add more to your own list!)

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