You’re thinking about going on a hike today. The weather is acceptable and you feel like exploring a trail. Maybe you’re on a trip somewhere new, or maybe the mountain standing outside your kitchen window is telling you to get your couch depressing haunches out the door. Either way, packing lists for hiking whims can be a hassle, so I’m here to let you know what I usually take with me, the items sitting in my bag right now. There might be some that you’ve overlooked or haven’t considered.

If you have anything else that you like to bring that I may have overlooked, feel free to comment! I always love to learn and I’m sure other readers could benefit as well.

Now, in no particular order of importance, let’s dive in.

1. Backpack

The obvious, right? This is actually something that many people overlook. “I can just hold my water bottle in my hand, right?” Sure, if you like suffering. I’ve taken a lot of people with me on hikes who decide to not bring a pack. They always end up drinking my water and putting stuff in my bag. That’s fine, but remember that the key to a happy life in the outdoors is preparation. You may not need everything in the backpack on any one hike, but why not make your life easier? Ideally, you will be the one to bring a backpack.

2. Water Container

Part 2 of the obvious. Whole books could be written on why a hiker should stay hydrated, even on a short hike. If not for emergency preparedness alone, bring water. Even if it’s -20 degrees, bring water. The best you could do for yourself would be at least 2 liters in some kind of hydration pack that you can suck straight out of your bag. If you’re a canteen person, I can understand that too. Either way, try to bring more than you will need. Your shoulders can deal with the weight, your cells cannot deal with dehydration.

3. Snacks

Snacks are great for mood. Hangry people don’t enjoy hikes nearly as much as the smiling bringer of a good trail mix. I would also recommend gummy bears. They’ve gotten me through long walks in the woods and sweaty days of heavy construction. However, if you’re stomach doesn’t like them, see number 12.

4. Flashlight

No, the light on your phone rapidly dying out of cell service doesn’t count. Rolling your ankle in a pothole or slamming your shin on a rock when it got dark earlier than you thought it would is a horrible experience. Yes I am speaking from the comedic perspective of my own past mistakes.

Red light capable flashlights are my favorite. They have less of an effect on your night vision.

5. First Aid Kit

Next to dogs, alcohol wipes and band-aids are humanity’s best friend. Beat that infection.

6. Knife

Besides looking cool, life will one day present a situation where you wished you had one, even if it’s just opening the store-bought flashlight package (batteries hopefully included).

7. Cord and Duct Tape

I bundled these together in the interest of gear reparation. If your bag breaks, you can get inventive with both of these.

In the military, we used something called Det Chord… just kidding, that was something else… 550 Paracord. Paracord works great for helping repair broken straps and securing items you really don’t want to lose like compasses, monocular, etc.

8. Monocular

Alright. You might prefer binoculars, but right now I’m a fan of my monocular. It’s so convenient and fast to use if I want to get a closer look at a hawk flying over or a coyote I’ve spotted down a hill. I love wildlife, and every time I forget to bring my monocular, I see something cool far away and throw up my hands in real dismay.

9. Compass

Once again, your phone doesn’t count. At this point we’re venturing deeper into emergency preparedness zone. Getting lost is the worst experience that you do not want to have and it can be life threatening. Get a compass, learn how to use it, and if you want a map to go with it… that can only be a good idea.

10. Cell Phone With Extra Battery

I’m starting to feel bad for insulting cell phones too much. There are hundreds of apps like plant identifiers, maps, and music that can all enhance your experience.

If you get lost, you can find a hill with service and use the phone to get your life saved. That would be epic, but once again, getting lost is never recommended. Remember I told you that.

11. Identification

It’s a sad topic, but if anything happens to you, identification goes a long way to helping your people.

12. Toilet Paper and E-Tool

Do I have to elaborate on this? Fine. One time I went hiking up a mountain near my house. It was only a couple of hours. I don’t know what it was, maybe the gummy bears, but I cursed myself the whole way down for not bringing what I knew I should have brought. Never again. Wilderness dumps happen to the best of us. On that note, a little shovel to bury the waste is good manners, and the law. Look up your local regulations. Also, campground firepits are no place for these things. I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen the aftermath. It makes no sense.

13. Sunscreen

Your skin will always burn easier in the mountains no matter who you are. It’s an altitude thing, so just put it on. No, don’t make that face. Everyone is doing the sunscreen thing these days. It’s cool.

Honorable Mentions

I’ve taken you through my current setup. Things that haven’t made this list that I often think I should maybe get include:

Bear Spray/Bell, Space Blanket, Whistle, GPS.

I ran into a bear with my friends a little while ago, so now they’re on my mind.

Last but not least of the honorable mentions if you’re bringing a pet: water, food, protective boots, and a LEASH. More on this to be found in other articles.

In Conclusion

Hiking is glorious. It brings peace, adventure, and exercise into one fantastic experience every time you go. Bring the right supplies, and you can enjoy your time outside with minimal suffering. Now that you feel a little more enlightened, get out there!