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The 10 hiking essentials are ten preparedness systems—not a fixed list of ten objects—to help you handle injury, changing weather, an unexpected delay, or an unplanned night outdoors. The National Park Service (NPS) describes them as minimum preparedness guidance; what you carry beyond them depends on the route, conditions, trip length, and your skills.
What are the 10 essentials for hiking?
The NPS organizes the essentials into ten systems and credits The Mountaineers with developing the framework. A system may involve several items and the ability to use them. For example, carrying a map is not enough if you cannot orient it or navigate with it. The NPS says the items can help in the event of minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected emergencies (NPS: Ten Essentials; NPS: Hike Smart).
- Navigation: Bring a map and compass and/or a GPS system, and know how to use them. A physical map is a useful backup to a phone, which can lose power or service; consider carrying an extra phone battery.
- Sun protection: Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Sun-protective clothing can also reduce exposure.
- Extra clothing and insulation: Choose layers for the most severe conditions reasonably expected on the route, including rain protection and warm clothing when needed. Bright clothing can make you more visible to search and rescue.
- Illumination: Carry a headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries or another power source. A headlamp keeps your hands free.
- First aid: Bring a first-aid kit suited to the trip and your medical needs, including regular medications. Check expiration dates, learn what the kit contains, and understand its limits.
- Fire: Matches or a lighter and fire starters can help provide heat or a signal in an emergency. Check local fire rules before relying on or using a fire.
- Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, multi-tool, or scissors can help with repairs. Add spare parts or tools specific to your equipment or activity.
- Nutrition: Carry extra food in case the trip takes longer than planned. Pack foods that store well and are easy to eat without cooking; the NPS suggests salty snacks such as trail mix, nuts, and granola bars.
- Hydration: Carry water and plan whether reliable sources are available along the route. If collecting water, bring suitable treatment supplies. How much you need depends on the hike and conditions; no single quantity works for every route.
- Emergency shelter: A tent, tarp, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket may help protect you from exposure. Choose based on the weather, terrain, likely duration, and your ability to use it.
The Mountaineers’ practical test is whether you could respond to an accident and safely spend an unplanned night out—not whether you own a particular set of products (The Mountaineers: The Ten Essentials — A Systems Approach).
How to adapt the list to your hike
Start with the route rather than a generic packing list. The NPS recommends checking weather, park alerts, route conditions, and terrain, and leaving trip details with someone. Cell coverage may be absent, so do not make a phone your only navigation or emergency plan (NPS: Hike Smart).
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Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Small Waterproof EVA Hard Shell Case
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- Remoteness and communication: Consider how far you will be from help and whether you can call or send a message from the route. A personal locator beacon or satellite messenger may be useful on remote hikes with limited cell coverage; its value depends on the route and service requirements.
- Weather and temperature: Match insulation, rain protection, and shelter to the conditions that could realistically occur, not only the forecast at the trailhead.
- Duration: Allow for delays. Longer or overnight trips require food and shelter plans beyond a short day hike.
- Water availability: Distinguish water you carry from water you expect to collect and treat. New York State DEC’s Hike Smart NY guidance says to bring at least 2 liters per person; that is state-agency guidance, not a universal amount for every person, route, or set of conditions (New York State DEC: Hike Smart NY).
- Terrain, activity, and personal needs: Add repair items for specialized gear, adjust first aid supplies for your health needs, and choose equipment you can operate in the conditions you expect.
For an overnight hike, the NPS lists additional gear such as a supportive backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad, stove and fuel, food storage, and a repair kit. Those items supplement—not replace—the essentials, and the exact setup depends on the trip (NPS: Hike Smart).
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What to check before you leave
- Check conditions: Review the forecast, park alerts, route, and terrain, then revise clothing, shelter, and timing accordingly.
- Share your plan: Leave someone your route and expected return time so they know when to act if you do not return as planned.
- Test your equipment and skills: Practice using your map and compass or GPS, headlamp, water treatment, and shelter before you depend on them outdoors. The NPS also recommends considering wilderness first-aid or CPR skills for backcountry hiking (NPS: Ten Essentials; NPS: Hike Smart).
- Make a fallback plan: Think through what you would do if you were injured, delayed past dark, or unable to reach help by phone. Pack the food, warmth, light, and shelter your route makes relevant.
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