10 Essentials to Take on Day Hikes

Developed by the respected outdoor organization The Mountaineers in 1974 and recommended by the National Park Service, the 10 Essentials refers to 10 categories of items that everyone heading into the wilderness should have with them, even if just for a day hike. A quick hike can turn into a freezing night on the mountain if you get lost or hurt, and this list of supplies is the recommended bare minimum that hikers should take with them. The complete kit should weigh only a few pounds and fit inside a small day pack. These items don't have to be expensive, and if you're hiking more than a mile from your vehicle, can prove invaluable for you and others.

In this age of cell phones and GPS, navigation is often considered a given by novice hikers. But what happens when batteries die, and has the time been taken to properly learn how to use these devices? Experienced hikers recommend having a topographical map and a compass, at least as a backup to electronics. They are straightforward to use and orient, and don’t depend on batteries. Hikers should frequently check where they are to create a "breadcrumb trail" of their route and know exactly where they are and how long it will take to get back to their vehicle. Cell phone apps such as Gaia turn your phone into a GPS unit even when offline, but make sure to download the maps before you lose coverage.

Even in the dead of winter, SPF-rated sun protection is a necessity when outside. Sun reflecting off of snow can be intense and cause severe sunburns. On cloudy days, ultraviolet light still makes it through the cloud cover and can cause burns, and if you’re at a high altitude the effects are greatly magnified. UV400 sunglasses and a hat are obvious, but long pants and loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts are recommended in the summer to protect exposed skin. Wide-brimmed hats to protect the ears and neck coverings such as a bandana are recommended as well. The axiom "Slip! Slop! Slap!" made famous in Australia refers to slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat, and has been credited with reducing the cases of melanoma worldwide.

Hot summer days can turn into frigid nights quickly after the sun sets or when a thunderstorm rolls in, especially in the mountains and desert. Having a packable insulated jacket can at the very least make your delay more pleasant, and at most keep hypothermia from setting in if you get stuck. Avoid cotton clothing as cotton absorbs and retains sweat and moisture, contributing to cooling (this goes for socks and underwear, too). Also, having a way to retain body heat is important in treating certain types of shock and other medical emergencies.