Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Backpack must haves for hiking!
15
items Every hiker should have this list in their backpack when out hiking! These items can be the difference between and enjoyable trek and a not so enjoyable trek!
A must have for that rare encounter on the trail!
Bear Spray & Mountain Lion Spray
Staying hydrated on the trail is key to safety and enjoyment!
Hydration Reservoirs: Quench Your Thirst ...
Moisture wicking shirts will help keep your body's temperature stable in most weather conditions and help stave off the cold.
Moisture Wicking Shirts
Keeping pesky bugs at bay while hiking will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Efficient bug sprays? : r/hiking
Avoiding painful and irritating sunburn while on the trail can make your hiking experience much more enjoyable!
Sunscreen
Keeping your feet dry when on the trail is paramount to safely and successfully completing your trek. Wet socks can lead to trench foot or other painful ailments than can seriously hinder your travels. Having at least one pair of extra socks along is a smart way to keep your feet healthy.
Moisture Wicking Socks
Having a handful of bandanas in your backpack is a must have. Bandanas can be used to wipe sweat from your forehead and eyes, help keep your hands dry, provide protection from the sun, and in case of an emergency, can be used as a tourniquet, help support a splint, or stop bleeding as needed.
Paisley Bandana
A first aid kit is a must have whenever you're on the trail. An adequate kit does not need to be huge, but it does need to have, at minimum, the basics of band aids, topical antibiotic ointments, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, and disposable gloves. A tourniquet is also very good to have along, as well.
Adventure Medical Kits Outdoor First Aid Kits - Adventure Medical Kits
Having a method of communication on hand while on the trail is not only a wise decision, it could be life saving, too. Cell phones cannot be relied upon as a safe or reliable communication method in the back country. Radios that utilize cell towers to facilitate their services may not work in remote areas. A hand-held short wave two way radio is the best option, in my opinion. A short class for basic licensing, which will allow the user to broadcast on minimal channels can be the difference between life and death in the back country. Even these hand held radios have their limits on range, so do you homework and look at the one that is going to best meet your needs.
Baofeng
You never know when you're going to need to cut some firewood while out on the trail. Getting lost is not something we ever plan on doing, but we need to have a plan in place in case we do get lost. Having a folding saw can be the the lifeline needed to survive. Having a fire equals warmth and a way to cook food. It also means a heat signature and smoke - both of which are looked for during a search & rescue operation.
SHOP BY CATEGORY - Folding Saws - Page 1
Rubbing two sticks together trying to start a fire is not only impractical, but it burns valuable energy unnecessarily. Using something like a ferrous rod and striker to start a fire is a much quicker and easier. Warmth and the ability to heat or cook food is a must when out in the woods. Even more-so if you end up lost and need assistance. A fire can create a heat signature or smoke, both of which are what search and rescue crews will look for.
Überleben Fire Starters | Setting a New Standard in Ferrocerium
Having a way to start a fire is just the first step - having tinder is the next. Finding dry tinder in the forest - especially if it is raining or snowing is very difficult and takes some knowledge and experience. Having some form of tinder with you can be the difference between a warm night out in the wood or a very cold night - or worse. Be prepared.
Fire Plug Tinder
Your phone battery can run out of juice, you can lose a cell signal, and you could be in defilade of a satellite signal, but a compass will always be true. A good compass, a paper map, and a pen or pencil can help you steer your way back to safety if you get lost or just need to navigate to a new destination.
Compasses for Hiking & Navigation | REI Co-op
A good topographical map, used in conjunction with a compass can be the difference between being lost and getting to your destination on time. Learning how to use a paper map and compass is not hard and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Get Maps | topoView - National Geologic Map Database
When you're out in bear country - especially Grizzly bear country, you want to have as much protection on hand as possible. Having that protection as easily accessible as possible is just as important. When I'm in bear country, I like to have a high caliber pistol readily available and easily accessible. A chest pouch our chest holster can provide that access - and more. I prefer a chest pouch as it gives you a place to carry and easily access things like your phone, map, compass, first aid, snacks, gloves, hat / muzzle, and other items that are must haves when out in the outdoors.
A good chest pouch will be modular, that is, you can adjust / modify it to meet your needs for the treck you're on at that particular time.
A good chest pouch will be modular, that is, you can adjust / modify it to meet your needs for the treck you're on at that particular time.
Chest Holster