Spring and summer months stir the outdoor enthusiast in all of us. Hiking is an excellent way to exercise and be close to nature at the same time. Problems can arise if you set out on the trail without proper supplies. A short walk in the woods can quickly turn into a fight for your life if you become lost or injured, or encounter severe weather conditions. The thought of spending the night in the woods with no supplies can be frightening. A well-stocked day pack is the key to survival when a short hike goes wrong. Using the Emergency Essentials website, www.beprepared.com, you can create a day pack that will help you survive and stay somewhat comfortable until help arrives.
Day packs should include the essentials of water, food, shelter and first aid supplies. I like to make my own trail mix using food storage items. Below is a list of products from Emergency Essentials that I suggest as great additions to your day pack. Critical prescription medications from your doctor for your own medical conditions should be included in addition to the items listed below (e.g., insulin if you are diabetic or epinephrine if have a severe allergies to bee stings).
Day Pack Items Available from Emergency Essentials:
- Emergency Essentials® Large Backpack
- A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine Book
- Emergency Essentials Inc. 32 oz. Red Water Bottle
- Millennium Food Bars (available in combo packs of 9 bars)
- Emergency Blanket (reflective)
- Strike-Anywhere Matches
- Emergency Poncho with Hood
- 5-in-1 Survival Whistle
- Tube Tent
- 50’ paracord
- Moleskin™ Plus
- Pocket™ 1st Aid Kit
- Rubber Elastic 2" x 5yds Wrap
- SunX SPF 30+ Towelette
- Yellow 6" Lightstick - 12 Hour
- High Uinta Gear™ PathReplaceer 9-LED Flashlight
A simple trail mix can be made using your favorite combinations of granola and dried fruit. I recommend a mix of about 50% granola and 50% dried fruit. Emergency Essentials food storage items that make a good trail mix are:
- Low-Fat Cinnamon Almond Granola
- Granola with Milk and Blueberries
- Banana Slices
- Provident Pantry® Freeze-Dried Peach Dices
- Cinnamon Apple Chips
- Provident Pantry® Freeze-Dried Raisins
- Freeze Dried Strawberries – Sliced
Before stepping out to take a hike, it is important to remember to be prepared. In addition to carrying a well-stocked day pack, you should hike with a buddy, check weather conditions, dress accordingly and always tell someone where you will be and when you plan to return. Happy hiking!
--Carolyn M., California
7 comments
food and emergency kit supplies
Useful tips, many will benefit from this information.
Self Storage Santa Monica
Great list, thanks for sharing.
Liz S
I also always carry caffeine. Either caffeinated mints or chews. Caffeine is the primary ingredient in most headache meds (hiking with sudden headache from sun glare, not fun), can help with asthma flare-ups and can just help you get that last mile or two on the way home.
Carolyn McLeod
millenniumfly- I know, I know. I just about kicked myself when I realized I forgot to include a knife on the list. Here's my excuse though: I ALWAYS have a knife on me, so it's nothing special to pack when I go hiking. I always have one.
millenniumfly
Where's the knife!?
Carolyn McLeod
Thanks, Sandy! I wrote this article because I see many people on the trails with only a small bottle of water and no pack. It's a bunch of stuff you have to carry on your back, but you'll be happy if you need it!
Sandy
Great post! Everyone needs to be prepared before hiking. You never know if something will come up like weather, fire, injury…ect..
Thanks for posting.
Sandy, Oklahomatransient.blogspot.com