I have had backpacking trips where I experienced rain, snow, lightening, rockslides, altitude sickness and twenty-mile days – all in a summer weekend. Having the following ten basics, you can make the wilderness trips less dangerous.
Knowledge, having it may save you more than a gadget. Will a campus aid you without having the knowledge of using it? Can you make fire without fire making skills? Have the knowledge of what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice a little.
Map and compass, together they are and together will you need to sue them.
Matches and lighter. Bring them all whether waterproof matches and fire starter of some sort. It is much safer to have two ways of starting a fire.
First aid kit. Build your own or buy a pre-packed one. Ensure that it has pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant and notes on the essential first aid procedures.
Foot care. Moleskin is required in your first aid kit. It may be a pin to treat blisters. You need to care for your feet while hiking miles from the nearest road.
Water filtration. Filters work but you need to have a small bottle of iodine tablets or other water purification as back up since they block and break so easily.
Rainwear. Endeavour to stay dry as on of the biggest killers in the woods is Hypothermia which starts when you get wet.
Shelter. Just be sure that you know how to use the shelter. It may be a tent, tarp or bivy sack.
Sleeping bag. You can either bring a synthetic bag or use down bags which are warmest because of their weight. But you need to be sure that you know how to keep the down bag warm.
Specific items. Always think of specific conditions for the place and time of your trip. For backpacking trips in Michigan in the month of May, carry insect repellent. For trips in Arizona in the month of June, carry sun block
If you take regular backpacking trips, make your own list. You need to plan so as to reduce worries and have a better trip.
Access various other articles written by this same author dealing with areas including backpacking trips in North America and white water rafting trips.