Top Ten Hiking Essentials
I want to discuss the most important items to include in your pack when hiking, while trying to keep things light. To improve the safety, quality and comfort level of your next hiking trip, these items will be useful for both overnight backpacking and day hikes. Optionally, when bringing a tent, hiking light is still a possibility.
1) First and foremost, I would never begin a trip without a map of the land that you will be traveling. You don’t want to become lost, so pick up a map at the visitor center or ranger station or from the Internet. You can also use the map to assist rescuers finding you in the even you get hurt during your hike.
2) Purchase a map reading compass and learn how to use it. After learning how to orient the park map and use the compass, you will better know the direction that you are heading. You will also have the know-how for course correction if you go off path.
3) Bring with you, a couple of 1 liter water bottles. Two liters is the minimum daily intake but chances are you will require more. Hiking is a physical activity and through perspiration, exposure and climate you can become dehydrated quickly. It’s best to bring with you some form of purifier for your water. It’s simple to just take a liquid water treatment with you. Although you can survive a month without food, you will only last a few days without water.
4) It’s entirely possible to spend an extra night or more in the woods unexpectedly. Always have some extra food, enough for an additional day if you need it. A simple approach would be to add meal replacement energy bars to your pack. Try to get bars that are made from whole foods and contain nuts and seeds.
5) Prepare for sudden temperature drops, especially after dark. If you hike through rain or fall into a creek, not having a change of clothes when it starts getting colder can spell disaster. Synthetics offer more insulation when they are wet. Synthetics also dry quicker. down sleeping bags or bivouac bags, packed tightly can be a light-weight addition to your gear that can help keep you alive when sleeping under the stars.
6) Bringing a flashlight and fresh batteries is certainly a great idea. To keep things hands free, taking a head lamp with you is wise. The light may come in handy because you might unexpectedly end up out there after dark. It is very dangerous trying to follow along a hiking trail in low light.
7) Bring a small first aid kit with you. Be sure to bring along important items in your first aid kit like blister treatment or moleskin. Taking a basic wilderness medicine course would also be a great idea and may just save your life.
In a waterproof canister, bring matches and a lighter. Lighting a fire in the wilderness should only be considered as a means of survival. Do not start a fire if another layer of clothing will suffice. Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires 
9) A folding camp knife will serve many a purpose. Be sure that the one you choose has a blade that locks when open. The non locking kind are more than ready to slice off a fingertip or two.
10) Last but not least, UV protection. When out in the sun for an extended period of time, apply sunblock to all exposed areas. A wide brim hat will help protect your head ad face and perhaps your neck. Also, to protect your eyes, wear sunglasses. You will happy you took these precautions as the sun can be unforgiving at times.
INDICATIONS: First Aid Kit Adhesive Bandages.
Zippered main compartment, two zippered side pockets, front expanded zippered pocket, protruding bottle pocket, handle adjustable strap. (Available without logo upon request) Material: 600D Polyester Dimensions: 20″ x 10″ x 13″
Portable and lightweight first aid on the go 28-piece kit includes zipped nylon case, scissors, tweesers, one cold pack, 20 bandages (ten 3″ bandages and ten 2.75″ bandages) and four antiseptic wipes Convenient nylon web loop on back of case attaches to belt or luggage strapDimensions (LxWxH): 5 x 2 x 3.25 Inches
110 PIECE WILDERNESS KIT INCLUDES: First aid instructions, 1 plastic pill vial 1 signal mirror, 1 single edge razor blade 2 vinyl gloves (1 pair), 1 scissors, 1 tweezers, 3 safety pins, 4 cotton tip applicators, 2 mole skin, 1 Blistex ointment, 1 cool gel burn ointment, 2 sting relief pads, 1 hydrocortisone ointment, 1 instant cold pack, 3 triple antibiotic ointment, 3 antiseptic towelettes, 2 iodine pad, 3 alcohol prep pad, 28 standard adhesive bandages, 10 3/8″ x 1 1/2″ bandages, 6 knuckle bandages, 5 butterfly bandages, 1 5″ x 9″ combine dressing, 2 3″ x 4″ non adherent dressing, 3 3″ x 3″ sterile gauze pad, 1 gauze roll, 1 adhesive tape, 4 acetaminophen tablets, 8 ibuprofen tablets, 5 reusable zip lock bags, 1 fabric carry bag with belt loops. 8.5 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches in size. Weighs 1.00. Lifeline offers a traditional softsided first aid series of kits designed for the outdoor active person. What we strive to do different is always offer a larger assortment of contents. So when you use the first few bandages you will have plenty more available. Not just a few. The wilderness kit among its vast content assortment also offers an emergency whistle, signal mirror and instant cold pack.
This refill was designed to replenish the key items for the 106 piece, 25 person bulk first aid kit. Refill for 223-U, 223-G, and 224-U.
‘Red nylon Bag with pull strap closure is perfect for on-the-go. Double nylon cords provide backpack straps. Additional zippered compartment for smaller items. Complete kit has plenty of extra room for other items such as bite kits flashlights etc. Measures 17 inch by 14 inch. KIT CONTAINS 1 Adhesive Tape 1 inch 1Bloodstopping Bandage 2 Cold Packs 1 First Aid Guide 2 Gauze Roll 2 inch 2 Gauze Roll 3 inch 1 Tweezer 2 Pair Vinyl Gloves 1 Scissor 10 Non Adhering Pads 3 Eye Wash 1 Triangular Bandage 20 Plastic Bandage Strips 10 Cloth Bandage Strips 4 Xlarge Bandages 4 Knuckle Bandages 4 Fingertip Bandages 6 Gauze Pads 2 x 2 6 Guaze Pads 3 x 3 6 Gauze Pads 4 x 4 2 Oval Eye Pads 6 Triple Antibiotic 6 Antiseptic Towelettes 6 Alcohol Pads 6 Hand Sanitizer 3 Sting Kill Wipes
Contents incl: MEDICAL INFO: 1.. Comp. Guide to Wilderness Travel Medicine, 1.. Insert, Refill Card, Guide l, 3.. Patient Assessment Form, 2.. Pencil; MEDS: 10.. Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2, 10.. Acetaminophen (500 mg), Pkg./2, 20.. Antihistamine, 10.. Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2, 5.. Cold Medicine, Medicidin-D, Pkg./2, 7.. Antacid, Pkg./2, 10.. Diamode (Loperamide HCI 2 mg), Pkg./1, 7.. Diotame, Pkg./2, 1.. Glutose Paste (Glucose 15 g), 1.. Povidone Iodine, 2 oz, 1.. Oral Rehydration Salts, 6.. After Bite Sting Itch Relief Wipe, 1.. Temp. Cavity Filling Mixture, 1.. Oil of Clove, 3.7 ml, 2.. Plastic Vial, Flip-top, Large; PERS. PROTECTION: 1.. CPR Pocket Mask, Laerdal in Polybag, 2.. Gloves, Nitrile (2 Pair), Two Hand Wipes; TRAUMA: 1.. Trauma Pad, 8″ x 10″, 1.. Trauma Pad, 5″ x 9″, 10.. Dressing, Gauze, Non-Sterile, 4″ x 4″, 4.. Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3″ x 4″, 4.. Bandage, Conforming Gauze, Non-Sterile, 3″, 2.. Bandage, Triangular, 1.. Bandage, Elastic w/Velcro Closure, 4″, 1.. Bandage, Elastic w/Velcro Closure, 3″, 1.. Tape, 1″ x 10 Yards; ESSENTIALS: 8.. Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1/32 oz, 12.. After Cuts Scrapes Wipe, 1.. Tincture of Benzoin Topical Adhesive, 2 oz, 8.. Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3″ x 4″, 10.. Dressing, Gauze, Non-Sterile, 4″ x 4″, 4.. Dressing, Spenco 2nd Skin, 3″ x 4″, 4.. Bandage, Non-Woven Adhesive, 4″ x 7″, 6.. Moleskin, 4″ x 7″, 10.. Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle, 10.. Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1″ x 3″, 1.. Tape, 1″ x 10 Yards, 1.. Gloves, Nitrile (Pair), One Hand Wipe, 1.. Sunscreen, SPF 30, 1 oz, 1.. Zinc Oxide, 1 oz; TOOLS: 1.. SAM Splint, 4″ x 36″, 1.. EMT Shears, 4″, 1.. Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps, 1.. Thermometer, Digital (90F to 105F), 4.. Scalpel, Sterile, Disposable, #11 Blade, 1.. Mayo Heger Needle Holder, 5″, 1.. Stethoscope, 1.. Syringe, Irrigation, 20 cc, 18 Gauge Tip, 1.. Pencil, 3.. Safety Pins. AMK reserves the right to add, substitute or delete items if necessary.
Carry all essential winter backcountry tools in one convenient package. The Brooks-Range Backcountry Toolkit includes: All-in-One Map Tool, Latitude/Longitude Ruler, Field Organizer, Field Book #311 SOS Signals, Heli Rescue Card.
Atwater Carey Personal 1st Aid Kit 1….pr nitrile gloves 3….Antiseptic towelettes 1….Triple antibiotic ointment 1….Moleskin, 2″ x 3″ 3….Fabric bandage, 1″ x 3″ 1….Sterile gauze pads 3″ x 3″ 4….Non-sterile gauze pads 4″ x 4″ 1….Knuckle bandage 1….Telfa non-adherent 2″ x 3″ 2….Acetaminophen tablets 2-pack