Easily Overlooked Essentials for Hiking and Camping

This list is made by Erin George at Examiner.com:

#10: Space Blanket (Mylar) – This is for emergency use only so why not keep it in your backpack all the time. Space blankets are used to battle hypothermia. People don’t use it to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia can be prevented by wearing adequate clothing for cool conditions. A warning sign of hypothermia is prolonged and uncontrolled shivering. When this happens, action must be taken immediately to prevent fatalities.

#9: Compass and Whistle – These are definitely emergency essentials. A map would make the compass even more useful so can have an idea of where you are and where you’d want to go. Whether in a group or not, everyone should carry a whistle to get attention when needed, especially children.

#8: Intant Heat Warmers – It may be difficult to find a source of heat when you hike the mountains. There are no fuel around and you are in trouble if you don’t have a camping stove. Your sleeping bag may also be inadequate in keeping you warm and some people with cold feet may find it hard to sleep. Throwing in a couple of hand warmers at the bottom of your sleeping can probably help you sleep well at night.

#7: Waterproof matches and flint – You need these to build a campfire or a signal fire for emergencies. It is also used to light up the camp stove. Carry one or two extra just in case.

#6: Pitch Chunk – This is a good one to have. Pitch is very effective in starting fires. A small chunk of pitch makes a surprisingly big fire. Pick some up as you go through the woods.

#5: Rope – For hanging your food in bear sacks up high and out of reach from wild animals. You might also need it to rig up your camping tent or poncho. The rope is probably the most used tool in rescue efforts. Erin recommends that you carry 20 metres of a 5 mm nylon rope.

#4: Sweetwater filter pump – Even the clearest, coldest stream can yeild little parasites that will run havoc on your internals. Diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever, headache, fatigue are just some of the symptoms of waterborne diseases.

#3: Camelback: While I agree that something like the camelbak mule is very useful for keeping hydrated, I don’t think it is essential. You can use bottles to store water.

#2: Film canisters and Altoid – This one is interesting. It’s not essential you carry this but it is useful. You can put your small personal items here and keep them dry.

#1: Duct tape – This one works for undeveloped blisters and for general repairs for your sleeping bag, tent, boots or just about anything.