The 10 Essentials of Hiking
Every hike we learn a new lesson, and inevitably we discuss how we should properly load up our bags with some items that “would have been nice to have”. Sometimes the only way we learn these difficult lessons is the hard way. Eventually we stumbled upon “The 10 Essentials,” which is a must-know for beginners and a good reminder for seasoned hikers. Here’s a breakdown of what to bring—and why it matters—especially here in unpredictable New England.
1. Navigation (Map, Compass, GPS)
Trails can get confusing, especially in snow, fog, or low light. Always carry:
A paper map of the area (laminated or in a ziplock bag)
A compass—and know how to use it. Ours has a whistle and a thermometer on it too!
A GPS app like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or Caltopo (but don’t rely on your phone alone—batteries die quickly in the cold)
New England Tip: Trail blazes can disappear in snowy or foggy conditions—always double-check your route before you go
2. Headlamp (Plus Extra Batteries)
Daylight fades fast—especially in fall and winter. A reliable LED headlamp is essential in case your hike takes longer than expected. We realized how important this one was when there was an injury in our party while descending Mount Jackson. Although we made it to the trailhead before sunset the light was getting limited with the tree-cover and heavy clouds.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on your phone flashlight!
3. Sun Protection (Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm)
Even in winter, UV rays can be intense—especially when bouncing off snow or water. Pack:
Polarized sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Lip balm with SPF
There are also lots of lightweight hiking apparel with UV protection.
4. First Aid Kit
You don’t need a full trauma kit, but a basic first aid kit should include:
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister pads
Tweezers (for ticks or splinters)
Pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
Any personal meds (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.)
Consider taking a basic wilderness first aid course—it’s something we have considered doing but haven’t yet!
5. Knife or Multi-tool
From cutting the extra tag from a ziptie, to fixing a busted hiking pole, a multi-tool or small knife can be a lifesaver. There are many times a knife comes in handy in the wilderness.
6. Fire (Matches, Lighter, Firestarter)
If you ever need to spend the night outdoors, being able to start a fire is key. Bring:
Waterproof matches and/or a mini Bic lighter
If you plan on a fire, you might want to bring something to get it started like some dry paper.
7. Shelter (Emergency Blanket)
Always carry an emergency space blanket or lightweight bivy sack, even on short hikes. It could save your life if you’re injured or lost. This is more affordable and takes up way less space than you would think.
You can find options that weigh under 4 oz—no excuse not to pack one.
8. Extra Food
Bring more than just enough snacks for your planned hike. Add:
An extra protein bar or two
Trail mix or dried fruit
A meal (like a freeze-dried pack) for longer hikes
New England Bonus: Pack something that won’t freeze solid in winter.
9. Extra Water (and Purification)
Carry at least 2 liters of water, and ideally bring a way to purify more:
Water filter, tablets, or a LifeStraw are options for purification
In winter, keep bottles insulated to prevent freezing
Hydration is just as important in the cold—even if you’re not sweating.
10. Extra Clothes
Weather can change fast in the mountains any time of year. Always pack:
A warm layer; avoid cotton, think fleece or lightweight down.
Rain shell or windbreaker is always handy!
Hat and gloves, even in summer for higher elevation hikes (hypothermia is real)
Layering is key—ditch the cotton and go with synthetic or wool.
The 10 Essentials aren’t about fear—they’re about confidence. When you’re prepared, you can explore more boldly, whether you’re tackling a rugged ridge in the Whites or cruising through a forest trail in Rhode Island. Even if you don’t use all these items every time, you’ll be grateful you packed them when the unexpected hits.
