Backpack Must-Haves

Filed in archive Hiking on September 4, 2006

Nothing complements a great hike more than a well-stocked backpack. And I'm not talking about an extra six pack or the digital camera, but things that can help you survive if you stray off the trail.


A map and compass are good things to carry along, but there's not much point unless you know how to use them. Learn some basics before you go or at least drop a "Map Reading for dummies" book in there.

Large, bright plastic bags will be useful as a shelter, signaling devices or for raingear. Halloween is a great time to check after-the-holiday sales for those big, sturdy pumpkin-colored leaf bags. If you suspect someone in your group (or yourself) is becoming hypothermic, get them wrapped in a couple of these bags - in dry clothing - as quickly as possible.

Pack a flashlight or two with extra batteries. Or, to decrease weight and the risk of dead batteries (not to mention environmental pollution), buy a Faraday flashlight. They really do work and the models with LED light sources are brighter than conventional bulbs and less likely to break.

Bring extra water and food. Think smart here - don't pack a lot of dehydrated foods if you think finding water will be a problem. Foods with some moisture content will be heavier, but will help your body stay hydrated. You can survive a couple weeks without food, but a few days without water can be killer. Consider the environment you'll be in, figure out how much water you'll need to pack in or, if water is available, bring along what you'll need to purify it.

Pack extra clothing such as raingear, a wool cap and gloves. In the mountains and the West, temperatures drop considerably at night. No matter how warm the day feels, stuff in a sweater and some pants.

And speaking of daytime, don't forget sun protection. Add in sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat with a brim and a long-sleeved shirt.

Add in your common survival stuff: a sharp pocket knife; waterproof matches or a lighter; candles; first aid kit; a whistle; signalling mirror and flares. While you at it, why not a cell phone? Happy hiking!