13+ ESSENTIALS
These item are to be carried by EVERY INDIVIDUAL, whether hiking solo or in a group. Couples are especially encouraged to carry their own 13 essentials, as well as their own food and water. Just in case one or the other gets separated from their spouse or group. PLEASE error on the side of caution. NEVER rely on others. And know your equipment inside and out, before venturing into nature.
  1. FIRE STARTER...waterproof matches, lighters, small road flares (for winter conditions). There are commercial pastes, matches, and other types of fire starters on the market.
    Another use for something we all have around the house is dryer lint. Wrap it in paper like a tube, in a ziplock baggie, or stuff int a extra light container. Keep them in your 13 essentials for emergency use. See “HINTS”

  2. RAIN GEAR, UMBRELLA, PONCHO...It is essential that you stay as dry as possible. Rain suits tend to be too hot, while ponchos have more breathing ability. An umbrella is my choice for any hike that may be raining or snowing. Always carry a large lawn bag. It can be used as rain gear, and weights very little.

  3. MAP & COMPASS...GPS is a useful tool, A GPS IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR A MAP & COMPASS, and the knowledge to use them. Batteries die, but maps stay operational. Always have a copy of the Forest and topo map to the area you are hiking. A National Forest map, and a topo map are important for each member of the outing to have in case of separation or adverse weather conditions

  4. EXTRA FOOD...always carry extra food, maybe in the form of energy bars, but always high in protein. Choose an energy bar that does not require a lot of water to digest. Change out often.
  5. A way to tell if your energy/protein bars are a good choice, is to look at the carbohydrates in the bar. Then look at the proteins. The proteins should be higher then the carbs.

  6. EXTRA WATER OR WATER PURIFIER...because Water is not always available along some trails, carrying enough water is paramount. I often drop water bottles along an out and back route, so I don’t have to carry so much water the full distance. Mark location carefully. See “HINTS”

  7. EXTRA CLOTHING...socks come to mind as an important item to have in case your feet get wet. A micro-fiber cloth works well and dries quickly. Other items may include polar fleece jacket and/or pants, spare wool or fleece gloves, stocking caps, and face masks. See “HINTS”

  8. PAPER TOWELS & TROWEL...I suggest paper towels over toilet paper, because a blow out sucks. The USFS suggests that all human waste be buried at least 6 inches deep, AND AT LEAST 200 FEET FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. DO NOT PEE NEAR ANY WATER.

  9. SHELTER...a piece of plastic sheeting and twine will suffice for a shelter if needed. However, a very light bivy tent is a good choice. There are other options to consider.

  10. HEADLIGHT & EXTRA BATTERIES...I date my batteries when I install them in my headlight. Modern LED/LCD/COB headlights don’t need spare bulbs, so a second headlight is advised. Check the batteries before every trip to make sure you will have light when needed.
    A COB type of headlight floods the view with way more lumens , hence I've noticed that depth of field and obstacles awareness is improved substantially. See “HINTS”

  11. KNIFE...I carry several sizes of knives. One for small work like cutting up apples, but a large one if I’m on a potential difficult hike. A large Bowie type knife can be used to chop wood. See “HINTS”

  12. FIRST AID KIT...you must decide what you take with you. Be extra careful in your selection of proper First Aid gear. Remember, you are responsible for yourself. Carry what you may need, and add as necessary. Feminine pads are great items to have in your first aid kit.
  13. Once on a week long ski trip in Kokanee Glacier National Park, one of the women started her period early. She was two weeks early, so she was in a bad way. We made a game of creating pads from the very sparse inventory of materials. It worked. And think of this...you could be a savior in case of an emergency. See “HINTS”

  14. SIGNALING DEVISES...a whistle, canned air horn, or a mirror work well.
  15. ​
  16. SUN TAN LOTION & SUN PROTECTION...make sure your sun tan lotion is always fresh, and close at hand. I prefer a large sun hat like Sunday Afternoon, Solaris, or Sun Blocker. 100% UVA/UVB/IRA sun glasses are wise. If you spend time on snow, side and nose shades on sun glasses will protect your eyes and nose from reflected rays. Snow blindness is a very serious affliction while out. See”HINTS”. ​​
The following are other suggested items to take with you. I personally have 84 essentials I take on every trip. I have a check list to assure I’m not forgetting any items. You may have more or less.

-KNOWLEDGE: Know your equipment & how to use them, and know your outing particulars and goals. Set a precedence for what to do if separated from your group.

-NEVER, EVER, EVER BE MACHO, OR HAVE A MACHO ATTITUDE IN THE MOUNTAINS, EVER.
Like cotton clothing, a macho attitude can get you in danger very quickly.

-A ziplock baggie with instructions on how to properly use your more complicated items like your compass, stove, water purifier, etc. is great assurance and in case they are needed. Cool or hot temps can play games with your head.

-An Emergency Locater Beacon is a wise choice for off trail hiking and long, complicated, or dangerous terrain. There are beacons that do not use a subscription service to operate. See “HINTS”

-I carry a pen and a small tablet of paper to write notes on such things as “Y’s” in trails, notes to hikers behind me, essays, etc.
-Surveyors tape to mark off route or trail Y’s. But be sure the last person retrieves the tape. The next hiking party may not be going your way.

-If you are hiking in a large, strung out group, a walkie-talkie with key attendees, can help solve issues and call for help from the group.
-Remember, three of any kind of signal is a S.O.S. It is every hiker/ climber/ paddler’s responsibility to render aid to hurt or lost people on the trail.
Please be of help and be responsible.

-Sit pad or larger for sitting on rocks or in wet terrain or snow.

-A face towel or a bandanna works well to wipe sweet out if your eyes.

-A large leaf bag can be used to keep you dry. Punch small arm and neck holes where needed and pull it on. I’ve used string to secure my chest and hips from getting caught on branches.

You may have other items you feel are necessary. But be aware of the additional weight these items will add.

WTA.ORG

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. WTA protects trails through lobbying and grassroots advocacy on issues that impact hikers, like trail funding, limited access and wilderness protection. 

WTA's advocacy voice is strengthened by the year-round work of our volunteers to keep trails open and accessible, from urban areas to remote wilderness and everything in between. More than 3,800 people come out annually to provide the more than 120,000 hours of volunteer trail work. Working with our land management partners WTA is striving to create a safe and sustainable trail system.

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SPOKANE MOUNTAINEERS

The Spokane Mountaineers is an organization devoted to the conservation and enjoyment of the out-of-doors. By joining the Spokane Mountaineers, you have chosen to adopt these principles for your own and become a participant in some of the most exciting and enjoyable activities available in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1915 by a group of librarians who loved to hike, the club has grown to incorporate an amazing range of activities for members of all ages (15 and up) and abilities. Backpacking, day hiking, bicycling, skiing of all varieties - the Spokane Mountaineers have it! The annual schools and clinics are a wonderful testimony to the enthusiasm our club has for teaching others and to their firm belief that, although the dangers of mountaineering and the out-of-doors can never be ignored, good instruction can help minimize those dangers.