Other Essentials
This is the list of items that one really should carry at all times when in the outdoors. The minimum, in case something happens.
- A Backpack - For anything beyond simple urban strolls you want something between 500 and 2,500 ci in size. Anything from a simple book bag to a fully outfitted backpack will work. Features such as a sternum strap, padded hipbelt and a suspension will help with your comfort level if you are carrying more weight. The farther and more remote you go, your pack will most likely be bigger (to carry more food and clothing).
- Water - Be it a 2 liter water bladder or two 1 quart sized Nalgene bottles, you should start every hike with 2 liters of water. Yes, water is the heaviest thing you will carry. It is also one of the most important items. If you use a water bladder as a backup, you can slip your bladder into a gallon zip top bag before it goes into your backpack. If your bladder gets a leak, you won't get a wet back/rear and lose your water.
(Optional) The ability to treat water can be important. This is something you don't often see in dayhiking gear lists. On short hikes this isn't an issue, but if you start doing long and hard trips, you will find that 2 liters of water doesn't last long. A good water filter, or a chemical treatment such as Aqua Mira Drops or Micro Pur Tablets is important to have along. Aqua Mira works in under a half hour. I opt for the Aqua Mira as it is tiny and weighs nothing. Aqua Mira Water Treatment (1 kit) - Emergency Blanket or Bivy sack - They hold your heat in and shelter you. These you can find at most hardware and sporting goods stores. The simple mylar blankets cost a couple dollars. They also make more advanced versions, that turn into full bivies. Combined with a sitting pad, wrapped around you, could be the difference between surviving a cold night and not.
- Jacket
- Food
- Cooking Kit
- First Aid Kit
- Waterproof Whistle
- Knife
- Fire starters
