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10 Essentials for Hiking & Backpacking

Below are the items that should be carried on every hiking or backpacking trip. The “10 essentials” are necessary for personal health and safety — the emphasis is on “essentials.”

This list is designed for the mid-Atlantic hiking region. The 10 essentials are a guideline, not an absolute rule. What else you carry should be determined by the conditions where you will be hiking, your personal needs, and the time of year.

The 10 Essentials:

Map and compass (and know how to use them)
Water (including filter or purification tablets)
Emergency food
First aid kit (including personal medication)
Flashlight and/or headlamp (including spare bulb and batteries)
Necessary clothing

rain/wind protection
extra shoe laces

Pocket knife or multi-purpose tool
Pencil and paper
Large plastic trash bag (33-gallon) or emergency “space” blanket (to serve as emergency rain protection, emergency shelter)
Signaling device (whistle)

Also Recommended:

Sun glasses/sunscreen
Matches/lighter/fire-starter (in plastic bag)
Insect repellant
Toilet paper

Notes on Use:

Each person carries their own 10-essential kit in case they get separated from the group.
When backpacking, keep your 10 essentials together in one small bag that can be easily taken along if you leave your pack for any reason. Your 10 essentials can keep you safe only if you have them with you.