Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or on a longer camping trip there are essential items that you should always carry with you. If you get lost or you are injured, you want to be prepared to survive while waiting on help to arrive.

Anytime you’re heading out someone needs to know your exact plans, where you are going, how long you will be gone, departure and return date and other key information. The person should be able to get in touch with you during your trip and contact you on your return date to be sure you have arrived home safely. If you are lost or injured and unable to get home, it is important that you are reported missing as soon as possible. Arrange for someone to call you on the date you are set to return home, if they are unable to contact you, they should call the proper authorities to report you missing.

The following is a list of essential items you should take with you every time you head out for an adventure. Most of the items listed are basic survival gear meant to save your life if something unexpected happens and you are stranded. Even if you are hiking just a short distance on a well-marked trail you must take along everything you need to survive a night or more. We have all heard the news reports of people becoming lost or injured, some are found alive and sadly others are not, having the right equipment can mean the difference between life and death.

Essential Items to Take Along

A waterproof backpack large enough to hold all your essential items.

Two itineraries, 1 left with a friend or relative, 1 in your car or at the park ranger’s station.

A tracking device attached to your body so that someone you trust can track your location. This will be invaluable if you become lost or injured. There are many tracking devices available, you might consider a GPS navigation/tracking device. These can include two-way messaging, interactive SOS alerts, location sharing and mapping.

A fully charged phone with several portable power banks, you might consider a solar powered charger, which uses the power of the sun to charge your phone. You want to be able to charge your phone and tracking device in remote locations where you have no access to electricity.

An emergency whistle or blow horn, you want something that is very loud that can help rescuers locate you and scare off animals.

Several lighters to start fires, you should always bring more than one in case one is defective or lost and take along several boxes of waterproof matches. Keep all of these in a waterproof container. You want several different ways to start a fire. You can check Amazon for firestarter kits which can be used to start a fire anywhere.

Water and food, be sure to bring along lots of water and food, more than what you need. Nonperishable foods high in fat, protein, and calories are ideal. You might pack a small pot that can be used to heat up food and boil water, and a small water microfilter.

Protective, waterproof clothing, bring something for all possible weather conditions, be sure to include waterproof boots, socks, a waterproof insulated jacket, raincoat, hat, and gloves.

A paper map of the location you will be visiting and a compass. If you lose service to your electronic devices a paper map & compass will help you find your way.

Several flashlights & a headlamp with extra batteries. You might take along a crank-powered flashlight, with the light powered by a battery which is recharged by a generator turned by a hand crank.

A first aid kit with all the essential items you might need. Be sure to include any prescription medications you take.

A knife and a multi-purpose tool.

A waterproof tarp and an emergency tent.

An emergency sleeping bag.

Insect repellent, bear spray and sunscreen.

Rope, duct tape and a few zipper seal plastic bags.

A watch.

Toilet paper and towels.

Notepad and pen and a survival handbook.

A form of identification.

This may seem like a long list but in the event of an emergency you will be thankful you prepared. Many items made for hiking and camping are compact, for example an emergency tent and sleeping bag or entire survival kits that measure just a few inches can be found on Amazon.