With fall in full swing, it’s a great time to take a hike to watch the leaves changing colors (if you live somewhere that happens). But, even when you head out for a day hike, you should pack some essentials in a small backpack. With luck, you won’t need a lot of these items, but better safe than sorry.
Sunscreen
When the weather turns cooler, people tend to think that they don’t need sunscreen. But, as any skier or snowboarder knows, it can be the middle of winter and if you forget to put on sunscreen on a sunny day on the slopes, you will end up with a great goggle-shaped set of raccoon eyes for your friends and family to laugh at. So, be smart and put on sunscreen before you head out and bring some extra with you. Your skin will thank you.
Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is one of the most useful tools you can carry in your backpack (or pocket). Whether it’s a standard folding knife or more of a multi-tool, it comes in handy in plenty of situations. It probably won’t help you fight off a bear, but it would still be better than just your hands. And, it’s also great for quick cuts you might need to make or even to help prep kindling for a fire.
Whistle
This doesn’t make everyone’s top 10 list, but I’m including it as a highly useful safety and rescue tool. If you get caught in a bad situation and need to signal for help, a whistle could literally be a lifesaver. It’s also considered pretty useful for scaring off animals, or at least alert them that you’re coming and they may just move on, rather than surprising you when you turn a corner on a trail.
First Aid Kit
Whether it’s for you or another hiker, a first aid kit is a must. While I’ve never had the need to use it on myself, I have more than once come upon an injured hiker and found the first-aid kit came in extremely handy. You can build your own kit or find one at any outdoor store in your area. But seriously, this is a must.
Protein Bars/Snacks
Who doesn’t want a snack during a hike? Whether it’s granola or a protein bar or something else, a snack for some energy will be welcome. Then, if you end up in more of an emergency situation where you are out longer than expected, this extra food could become important for survival.
Rain Poncho
Weather is always a consideration whenever you go out for a hike, with one of the main issues you want to be prepped for being rain. Some layers may keep you warm if the temps drop, but rain is a whole different deal. Fortunately, a cheap rain poncho thrown in your bag is an easy solution. You can get one at any outdoor gear store for just a few bucks. If you need it, you will seriously appreciate it.
Matches/Fire Starter
Now we’re down toward things you might need if things go sideways. You probably have no plans to build a fire on a day hike. But, if for some reason you get stuck out there and have to spend the night outside, a fire could make the difference between a comparatively comfortable night and hypothermia. You can just throw in some waterproof matches or get a little fire starter kit.
Extra Water
We assume you’re going to carry a water bottle or have a CamelBak or something for the water you expect to drink. This is about bringing an extra bottle or two, just in case. Maybe you just get extra thirsty, or again you may need it in an emergency. What you don’t want it to need to drink out of a stream or lake unless you bring a water purifier of some sort. The easiest thing is just to carry some extra water bottles. Yes, it’s probably the heaviest thing on this list, but well worth the effort.
Layers/Extra Clothes
The fall weather can change pretty quickly in a lot of places. Here in Colorado, it might be near freezing in the morning, reach the mid-fifties or sixties in the afternoon and then have the temps start dropping as the sun goes down. So, if you’re going to be out all day, you need to plan for some serious temperature swings. And, if an emergency comes up, you want those extra layers in case you are out into the night. Try to find some good options that let you add or subtract a few layers to adjust to the changes.
Compass/Map
Last up on the list are some useful navigation tools. We all have cell phones that have great apps for a compass, trail maps, and GPS. But, depending on where you hike, you may lost cell service, making a lot of those apps useless. So, be prepped for going off the grid and bring some basics, like a compass and even a paper map, if it makes sense. Getting lost is no fun in the best of situations and can be more dangerous once the weather turns.
