Mike and I both love to do long hikes. Fun fact, our second date consisted of a 6-7 hour hike through the mountains where we might have gotten a little lost at one point. No matter how experienced you may, it’s always important to have an emergency kit with you when you are both camping or going on an outdoor hiking adventure.
When we go camping, the trails sometimes are very remote with little to no people around. This is why it’s extra important to carry a few emergency items. I honestly would rather be prepared than not! The extra weight in the backpack just makes it a better workout ;).
Below features our must-have emergency essentials for our camping/hiking trips.
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We have been fortunate enough to not have to use our Lifestraw yet but always carry it with us!
- Thoroughly filters out bacteria, parasites and microplastics
- It’s small and compact design makes it convenient and easy to carry in your emergency backpack or survival kit
- It never expires and one filter can transform 4,000 liters of contaminated water into clean drinking water
- A school child in need receives clean and safe drinking water for a year with every Lifestraw purchase
Mike has had his Klean Kanteen for over 10 years! It has survived many many trips, falls and adventures. We usually will just take one full bottle on our hikes but have a spare just in case.
- Stainless steel means no nasty chemicals leaching into your water! Yay!
- The bottle is lightweight and features a leak proof, BPA free loop cap with a stainless steel bottom—no plastic comes into contact with your water
- Wide mouth is perfect for adding ice or adding a filter, making it great for backpacking or long trips
- A little trick Mike and I like to do—we place our bottle halfway in a cold river or stream ( with our bottle full of filtered water) and in no time we have cold water to enjoy!
- Because this is pure stainless steel and not insulated you could also use it to boil water in an emergency if needed
We have not had to use this yet but always carry this with us while camping or hiking.
- Waterproof case that floats in water
- Matches will stay lit underwater and in strong winds (great to use if you are beach camping!)
- Small convenient size that can either go inside your backpack or can be clipped to the outside
- Water resistant case
- It is a pretty good amount of basic first aid products for the size and price. I also added the following items to our kit:
- Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets: https://amzn.to/33VcQrO
- Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment: https://amzn.to/31Qr76w
- Benadryl Extra Strength Cooling Relief Anti-Itch Gel: https://amzn.to/31LK7mL
- Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg: https://amzn.to/3gT3voe
- Extra latex free gloves
- Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Relief: https://amzn.to/3iCoFaI
I got Mike this bracelet a few years ago for a stocking stuffer and he loves it! While there may be some other paracord bracelets that are a little better, this one still gets the job done and has a lot of handy tools packed into it. If he doesn’t want to actually wear it around his wrist, we just attach it to our backpack.
- The bracelet features a fire starter, compass, whistle ( that is pretty loud for being so small!), and 12 ft of cord
- It’s easily adjustable
- In emergency situations cut a bit of the cord off, pull out the threads and you can create a simple fishing line. Use it to hang a tarp for shelter or to create a quick splint or sling. If you are in a serious emergency, the cord can act as a tourniquet to stop bleeding
I mentioned this knife in our first camping essential guide but I wanted to give it another shout it.
- No. 6-9 would be an ideal choice for a small, folding pocket knife to take with you on your adventure. No. 10 would be more suited to having around the campsite or at home.
- Handle is sustainably sourced and made from sturdy Beechwood
- Stainless steel, corrosion resistant
- Made in France since 1890
Another item from our camping essential guide that is great to have with you on the go.
- Compact yet incredibly powerful and durable
- Runs 3.5 hours on low
- High and low beam settings
- Charges in as little as three hours
While we do carry a small but powerful flashlight, we also like to keep another light source handy.
- Features a battery guard to help preserve battery life
- Has a high, low, flash and red light setting (helps your eyes adjust)
- 3.5 hour run time on high, up to 200 hours on low
- Water and impact resistant
Here are some extra items that I like to carry with us when we go on long hikes:
My sister purchased this for me a few years ago as a gift. After one failed attempt, I got the hang of it. It definitely comes in handy when you are out in the middle of the forest or somewhere without restrooms. You don’t have to squat while using and it is pretty easy to use. While it may not be an essential it really does make things easier!
- Made in the USA of Medical-Grade Silicone . Moisture and germ resistant, latex and BPA free
- Rinse with water and wash later after use if in a hurry or wash with warm water or soap
- Storage: I keep mine in a sealed silicone or plastic bag
- Be sure to bring a pack of tissue with you!
- Raw Elements Waterproof Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3fQdQjy
- SPF Unscented Lip Balm: https://amzn.to/3fWbgbA
- DEET-Free Natural Bug Spray: https://amzn.to/3fNjEdu
- Lightweight, compact and quick drying towel: https://amzn.to/31Q6tDJ
- Extra pair of socks: https://amzn.to/3iyfNmr
- Portable iphone Battery Charger Pack: https://amzn.to/3fNpb3K
A few other tips:
When we go on hiking we typically like to wear many light layers. I usually have a warm yet lightweight jacket on me and tie a flannel shirt around my waist. If I am not wearing a hat it’s attached to our backpack. I also usually have a bandanna tied to my neck or in my hair. They are very multi-functional and always good to have on hand.
We also always have snacks in our backpack as well. I typically make a large batch of homemade trail mix and place it in a Stasher or Eco Box. Other snacks include dried fruits, peanut butter and banana sandwiches and this delicious mushroom jerky. Yes you read correctly, mushroom… jerky. SO GOOD! You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3fT3WNV.
As we continue to go on more trips I am sure we will add or update our backpack. We are currently looking into a radio and a few other small items. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on any changes! In the meantime, cheers to more adventures!
