Hiking Survival Kit: 9 Essential Items to Carry in Your Backpack
When you’re venturing into the wilderness, the freedom and serenity of nature can be incredibly rewarding. But even the best-laid plans can take an unexpected turn. Having the right items in your backpack can be the difference between a great adventure and a dangerous situation. Being prepared is not just about ensuring comfort; it’s about safeguarding yourself against unpredictable elements. Whether hiking through familiar terrain or exploring new paths, a well-thought-out survival kit gives you the peace of mind to focus on enjoying the experience while ensuring you're equipped for any scenario.
What is a Hiking Survival Kit?
A hiking survival kit is a collection of essential items that help you stay safe and comfortable when you're out on the trail. It isn’t just about packing for convenience—it’s about equipping yourself with tools that can aid in emergencies or unexpected challenges. From navigating back to the trailhead to tending to a minor injury, a survival kit ensures you're ready for the unpredictable. It covers the basics like first aid, navigation, warmth, and hydration and can be tailored based on the length of your trip, the terrain, and the weather conditions.
Why Have a Hiking Emergency Kit?
Carrying a hiking emergency kit is more than just precautionary—it’s an absolute necessity. Nature can be unforgiving, with unpredictable weather, wildlife, and terrain changes, meaning you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Even short hikes in familiar territory can turn hazardous if weather conditions suddenly change or if you stray off course. A hiking emergency kit equips you to handle a range of issues, such as treating injuries, staying warm if you’re stranded overnight, or finding your way back if you're lost. Ultimately, these essential items increase your chances of a successful, safe adventure and ensure you’re not caught off guard by emergencies.
Your Hiking Survival Kit Checklist
Below is a list of the most essential items you should carry in your hiking survival kit:
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, and when they do, you need to be able to respond quickly. A compact first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, adhesive tape, pain relief medication, and blister treatment. For longer or more remote hikes, consider adding a tourniquet and burn cream. Special medications should also be added.
Navigation Tools
Even if you're hiking a well-known trail, having a reliable map and compass is vital. In today’s digital age, many hikers use their phones to access a digital compass, GPS, and a wide variety of hiking maps.
Emergency Phone Charger
Beyond supporting navigational tools, keeping your phone powered up can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a potential disaster. Even phones out of service can still call 911 in an emergency. An emergency phone charger can ensure you always have power when you need it.
ChargeTab emergency phone chargers are pre-charged, so you won’t have to worry about powering up the charger just to keep your phone up and running on the trail. Their compact design makes it easy to store anywhere on your backpack for quick access—even in your backpack’s belt pocket! Simply break open the weatherproof packaging, plug in the small, permanently attached cable into your phone, and get up to four hours of power to talk and text. With a shelf life of up to two years, your ChargeTab charger can be your companion for several hikes, ready to supply power immediately.
Emergency Blanket
An emergency thermal blanket helps prevent hypothermia if caught in cold or rainy conditions. Lightweight and compact, it can be a lifesaver if you find yourself spending an unexpected night outdoors.
Multi-tool or Knife
A multi-tool is an all-in-one essential for any hiker. It can help with a variety of tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear. It's also helpful in emergencies, such as preparing food or making kindling for a fire.
Water and Water Purification Tablets
Always bring more water than you think you'll need, but in case you run out, water purification tablets or a filtration straw can ensure you have access to safe drinking water.
Fire Starters
Matches, lighters, or fire-starting sticks are necessary to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Pack them in waterproof containers to ensure they work when you need them most.
Emergency Whistle
An emergency whistle is a lightweight item with a lot of safety potential. It can help rescuers locate you in case you get lost.
Headlamp or Flashlight
If the sun sets before you’re back at the trailhead or if you get lost, a headlamp or flashlight is critical for navigation and safety.
Explore Emergency Phone Chargers from ChargeTab
ChargeTab emergency phone chargers are the sustainable solution to keeping your phone powered up in the wilderness. Our portable phone chargers are designed with a biodegradable paper shell that houses a refurbished and fully tested lithium-ion battery—that means we don’t have to manufacture any new batteries! Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, ChargeTab emergency phone chargers are available in packs of 10 or 30 to help you keep your hiking survival kit at the ready. Once you fully discharge one of your ChargeTab portable chargers, send it back to us for free through our free recycling program—you’ll be helping us keep batteries out of landfills while saving 10% on your next ChargeTab order. Lightweight and compact, ChargeTab charges make a great addition to any hiking survival kit. Power when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.
