What to Pack: 10 Essentials for Your Outdoor Adventure
Going on an outdoor adventure is an exciting experience, where each step invites you to enjoy beautiful views and calm moments. To fully enjoy yourself in the wilderness, it's important to pack the right gear. Whether you're going on a day hike, weekend trek, or a week-long backpacking excursion, we’ve compiled a list of the top “10 Essentials” you should bring in your backpack to keep yourself healthy, happy, and safe on the trail.
This approach was originally created by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based climbing and outdoor adventure organization, in the 30’s and has been adapted the 10 Essentials to a more inclusive list of “systems” rather than individual items. This way, you can choose what works best for your adventure within these systems.
List of Ten Essential s
Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
Headlamp or flashlight: (don’t forget the extra batteries!)
Weather-appropriate layers: sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing layers
First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
Knife or Multi-Tool plus a gear repair kit
Fire matches, lighter, ferro rod and striker, tinder and/or stove (bow or hand drill could be a back-up resource)
Shelter: a tarp or ultralight bivy would work and should be carried at all times
Food: Bring a little more than you need (think of high-calorie, nutrient dense food that doesn’t expire quickly)
Extra water: Bring a little more than you need (i.e. 1-2 gallons/24 hour day) and/or the ability to filter more
Extra clothes: Bring a little more than you need (i.e. change of socks, wool sweater, and water proof layer)
These 10 essential systems could save your life or prevent emotional, physical, or mental damage while in the backcountry. This list is meant to be comprehensive and is tailored mostly towards Pacific Northwest adventures. Although you can carry all of these items in your pack for any trip, we suggest modifying your essentials based on what kind of adventure you are going on. For example, a GPS or bivy sac might be overkill for a 2 hour hike on a city park trail; however, a first aid kit of any size or a knife is likely to be useful on any trail, walk, or road trip.
1. Navigation Tools:
Never underestimate the power of getting lost in the wilderness. A reliable map, compass, and a GPS device will guide you when trails become vague or unmarked. Today’s technology is unparalleled for sure. Using the map and GPS on your phone is an incredible tool; however, it is not a substitute for a true satellite GPS or physical map. A smartphone is unreliable. Their batteries die quickly, especially in areas with poor signal; and sometimes your phone doesn’t have enough service for location or doesn’t show the contour lines - which could clue you in on potentially hazardous physical features of a particular route. This can be extremely dangerous! Don’t forget to pack extra batteries for any devices you might need. Running out of juice in the middle of an emergency is no joke.
2. Headlamp or Flashlight:
When darkness falls, a reliable source of light becomes invaluable. A headlamp or flashlight will help you navigate your surroundings, set up camp, and locate items in your backpack. Keep this headlamp in a secure, obvious place in your backpack so that it’s easy to find. Make sure to pack an extra set (or two) of batteries in a waterproof bag.
3. Weather-Appropriate Layers:
Pack appropriate clothing suitable for the weather conditions you anticipate. What’s the temperature? Is it snowing, drizzling, pouring, windy, or sunny? Are you going up or down in elevation? Closer to the ocean or mountains - meadows, rocky peaks, beaches, or forests?
For spring and fall in the Pacific Northwest, long sleeve shirts and pants with a medium-weight sweater and a rain jacket or wind breaker are probably all you need. It depends on what the weather looks like for the day. Consider materials that are moisture-wicking and go for layers rather than one really warm shirt. It’s hard to dry out in this climate. If you get sweaty, having multiple layers to take off or put on really makes a difference in an emergency.
In the summer, Pacific Northwestern attire can vary. You might be able to get away with shorts and a t-shirt during the day in July-August but having another layer of pants or at least a jacket is worth-while for the chance rainstorm or overnight excursion. June and September are a toss-up and can be cold or rainy between hot, sunny days.
For winter in the Pacific Northwest, we suggest wool and synthetic layers that stay warm and dry in our rainforest climate. Wool is hands-down the best fiber; but it can be heavy, so a polyester fleece shirt or lined-leggings works well, too. Layering your attire will help regulate body temperature, and don't forget to include waterproof and breathable outerwear (jacket and pants).
Sun protection despite our nearly-always cloudy climate is still important, especially if you are ascending in elevation. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended to at least have in your pack.
4. First Aid Kit:
Accidents happen unexpectedly, even in the great outdoors. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand to treat minor injuries, alleviate discomfort, and provide immediate care until help arrives. Think about how many people are in your party, the terrain you’ll be on, and potential hazards you might encounter. When in an emergency situation and you’re treating someone else - you can use their first aid kit and supplies first. You, as the caregiver, are number one!
5. Knife or Multi-Tool:
Carrying some kind of sharp tool can be a life-saver. Whether it’s a fixed blade or folding knife, this is one item you’ll sorely miss in an emergency. A compact multi-tool combines essential functions like a knife, screwdriver, can opener, and pliers into one handy device. It is a versatile tool that provides practical solutions to various outdoor challenges; however, having a fixed blade knife that you can use for chopping, skinning, or carving proves significantly better in the long-run. Whatever your choice tool is - knife or multi-tool - be sure to strap it on your belt or tuck it into an obvious backpack pocket.
6. Firestarter Kit:
Fire serves multiple purposes in the wild, from keeping warm to cooking food and providing comfort. Pack waterproof matches, a lighter, or fire-starting materials, such as magnesium rods or flint and steel. It’s important that you also practice using these tools in different kinds of weather and with different materials so that you trust your process in an emergency. Although we teach friction fire and love the method, it’s actually not our first choice in an emergency as it can be tiresome and unreliable depending on weather, availability of resources, mood, level of exertion, etc.
7. Shelter:
In unforeseen circumstances, having a reliable emergency shelter can be a lifesaver or at least a sense of security. Carry a lightweight bivy sac or a 6x8ft or 8x10ft tarp and 50-100ft of paracord to construct a tarp shelter. At the very least, we recommend packing a large black trash bag that you can use for a rain jacket or emergency overnight shelter.
8. Nutritious Food and Snacks + Extra:
Stock your backpack with nutrient-dense, lightweight foods like trail mix, granola, protein bars, and dehydrated fruit or meals. These will sustain your energy levels without adding excessive weight. Make sure you have enough for whatever length of time you are expecting to be outside and then add a little more. If you need 1500-2000 calories per day on a regular basis, you might need 3-4000 calories depending on how far or strenuous of a hike you are doing. I also like to keep an extra stuff sack or plastic grocery bag in my backpack to tie up a bear hang to deter critters. It can also serve to hold any trash or soiled layers.
9. Extra Water and/or Filtration System:
Clean water is vital for survival. We need at least 1 gallon (3.75L) of water per 24 hours to maintain hydration. For me, 3L is plenty of water for a long day hike but might not be enough to cook food with or last me into an unexpected second day. I usually have two hard water bottles and a soft water bladder in my pack for emergencies. Pro tip: Stainless steel water bottles allow you to boil water without carrying an additional pot or figuring out how to craft one.
Carrying a portable water filter will enable you to drink water from natural sources, saving you the need to pack excessive water supplies. Sure, there are ways to filter water without a pump or straw filter; but these - like iodine drops for example - can taste bad, which isn’t to say you shouldn’t use them … just something to think about. These extra precautions are only useful if there’s actually water where you’re going though. Look at a map to be sure there are reliable water sources before relying solely on a filter for your additional water ration.
10. Extra clothes:
Bring a little more than you’re wearing just to be safe. A change of socks in case you step in a puddle (or river) or another warm layer for an unexpected evening hike-out in the forest can make a huge difference in comfort. If it’s not raining, pretend that it might. Rain layers stuffed into the bottom of the pack even in the middle of summer can serve many purposes - not only in inclement weather.
Notes about backpacks
Invest in a durable, well-fitting backpack that provides ample storage space and support for your spine. Make sure it is waterproof or has a cover to keep your belongings dry during unexpected showers. The size you need depends on the length of trip you will be taking or how much gear you like to carry.
As a wilderness guide, I expect to be carrying more gear than my students, so I always work with a 30-40L pack for day-long programs. I find that this size pack allows me to carry extra layers, a decent amount of food, two 1.5L water bottles, and a full-size tarp; however, it doesn’t allow room for a sleeping bag so this would not be my choice for overnight or longer excursions.
Overnight trips might require a 50-60L backpack while you may need a 60-70L pack for weeklong or longer trips. The weather might also push the size of your pack up or down as will the type of adventure you’re planning.
Before your next hike or expedition, take the time to carefully pack these essential items into your backpack. Remember, good preparation can make all the difference in ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while immersed in the beauty of nature. Stay vigilant, respect the environment, and have a remarkable adventure that will be etched in your memory forever.
Happy trails!
