The ten (plus two) essentials: Description and recommendations

This list was originally created by The Mountaineers, and I've added a few things here. Not all of this is necessary in the frontcountry, and not all of this is needed at all times of the year, but when in doubt, err on the side of caution. This should all easily fit inside a 20L hiking daypack.

  1. Navigation: map, compass, GPS.
  2. Lighting: headlamp.
  3. Sun protection: sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  4. First aid kit: add foot care and insect bite treatment wipes, if needed.
  5. Repair kit: small Swiss Army-style knife or folding multitool, adhesive patch kit.
  6. Fire kit: lighter, weatherproof matches, or a firestarter like a flint-and-steel.
  7. Emergency shelter: emergency bivy sack.
  8. Extra food: extra energy bar for ½-day hike, ½-day of extra food for a day hike, 1 day of extra food for multiday hike.
  9. Extra water: more water than usual, water purifier or treatment tablets
  10. Insulating clothing: puffy jacket, rain shell jacket.
  11. Signalling: emergency whistle, signalling mirror, signal beacon (for remote locations).
  12. Bug protection: bug shirt or headnet and bug repellent spray, if needed.

Recommendations

  1. Navigation: topographical map, Suunto A-10 NH, Garmin eTrex Solar
  2. Lighting: Petzl Tikka or Black Diamond Deploy 325
  3. Sun protection: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap or Outdoor Research Helios
  4. First aid kit: Adventure Medical Kits Hiker or Ultralight/Watertight .5
  5. Repair kit: Victorinox Classic ‘Swiss Army’ knife, Patagonia Field Repair Kit
  6. Fire kit: Bic lighter (the most reliable option!), UCO Stormproof Match Kit, Survive Outdoors Longer Tinder-Quik
  7. Emergency shelter: Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Lite Bivy
  8. Extra food: energy-dense, high-calorie snacks (e.g. trail mix)
  9. Extra water: more water than usual, Aquatabs, Katadyn BeFree AC 1L
  10. Insulating clothing: MEC Northern Lite or Patagonia Nano Puff insulated jacket (or REI equivalent), MEC x AQUANATOR or Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain shell jacket (or REI equivalent)
  11. Signalling: Fox 40 Mini whistle, Survive Outdoors Longer Rescue Flash mirror, SOS beacon-equipped Apple iPhone 14 or later
  12. Bug protection: The Original Bug Shirt Company Original Bug Shirt, Natrapel 37mL

Simpler solution: just throw the Survive Outdoors Longer Scout Survival Kit into your backpack and make sure your water bottle is full before you head out.