It was Benjamin Franklin who said "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail" and it's so true. If you don't plan ahead you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Having a checklist at hand can help you make sure you have all the essentials in your backpack when you hit the trails. Below is a list of outdoor survival essentials put together by the North Shore Search and Rescue and the BC Federation of Mountain Clubs.
Map You need to know where you're going. The trails are generally well marked but you can still get lost. The map helps you pinpoint landmarks etc.
Compass Even if you're using a GPS device it's essential you know how to use a map and compass as devices can break and batteries can run out.
Water Neglected by many but you can never have too much. It's vital you stay hydrated, especially in the summer time. Drink little but often.
Extra Clothing Staying dry is so important, particularly during the winter months. Cold, wet clothing drains the heat from your body and puts you at a greater risk for hypothermia.
Flashlight or Headlamp Make sure you carry spare batteries and bulbs. Headlamps are great as they free up your hands for holding a map or guide book.
Whistle Shouting for help can be draining and unproductive. A whistle is much less work and can be heard over greater distances. 3 blasts is the standard distress signal.
Matches Water proof matches are all well and good but they rarely work when you need them to. Standard matches are much better but keep them in a waterproof container!
Candle Lantern or Fire Starter Fairly light weight to pack and provide light, warmth and reliability.
Great for those cold dark overnight trips!
Extra Food Carrying more food than you're planning to eat is crucial. If you get stuck out in the wilderness for a few days you are going to want some nourishment.
Large Orange Plastic Bag
Climb inside to keep warm and dry. This is a crucial piece of kit. Can be spotted easily, especially from the air.
Emergency Space Blanket
A great insulator. Body heat is reflected back to provide greater warmth than a traditional blanket. NASA space technology at its very best :)
TrekBC Addition - Trip Plan
The ultimate survival tool! Fill this out before you depart on your trip and leave it with a friend. They will then have all the details on where to find you if you fail to return.
Knife Multi tools are great to carry and come in useful on many separate occasions - cutting rope, opening cans, cutting bandages to size etc.
Hiking Boots Approach shoes can also be worn but hiking boots are generally stronger and provide better ankle support.
Wool Socks + Liner Wool socks stay warm when they get wet. Liner can wick away moisture and helps to prevent blisters.
Gaiters Huh? Gaiters fit over the bottom of your pants and cover the top of your boots to prevent water and snow getting inside.
Base Layer Tops & Bottoms Add warmth in colder weather and can help wick moisture away from the skin, depending on the material.
Insulated Top Helps to trap warmth inside, vital on a bitterly cold day.
Long-sleeved Shirt Provides protection from the sun and also helps prevent insect bites.
Rain Gear Tops & Bottoms
The weather can change quickly. Lightweight raingear can help avoid a miserable, cold experience.
Underwear Prevents chaffing of the skin in unpleasant areas. Also wicks moisture away to create a more comfortable experience.
Short-sleeved Shirt Stay cool in the warmer weather.
Insulating Hat A large percentage of body heat escapes from your head. Need we say more?
Pants You will look pretty foolish trekking through the mountains without any pants on.
Shorts Cool off in the warmer weather. Go great with the aforementioned short-sleeved shirt. If you are going to wear shorts, make sure you remember your bug spray.
Gloves/Mitts Up to 30% of our body heat can escape through our hands. We suggest wind and waterproof gloves with a thin liner. That way you can still use your more intricate gear without having to completely remove your gloves.
Sun Hat Good for avoiding sun stoke.
Backpack Size will vary on length and type of trip. Must be well fitting and comfortable. It could be on your back for a long time.
Tent Time of year and size of party will determine what kind of tent you will need.
Sleeping Bag There are lots of lightweight and affordable sleeping bags out there. Time of year can also affect your choice.
Sleeping Pad Add a bit of extra comfort and warmth.
Stove & Fuel A warm meal will lift anyone's spirits on a cold day.
Cooking & Eating Utensils Camping cookware is relatively light weight and makes food preparation much easier. Take all your mess with you.
Water Treatment It's difficult to carry enough water for a multi-day trip so water treatment products allow you to use the streams for your water source.
Toiletries Buy biodegradable and earth friendly toiletries. Bring toilet paper and make sure you take it home with you! Put scented toiletries in a Ziploc bag.
Garbage Bags All garbage must be taken back home with you. Ziploc bags are great for food waste as they stop odours escaping - bears!
Altimeter Helps determine where you are on a map by providing your current altitude.
Binoculars Not just for birders! There's lots to see out there and it's better up close.
Rope Rope has a 101 uses in the wilderness.
Camera & Film/Batteries You found something cool with your binoculars. Now take a picture of it.
GPS Wonderful for navigation but cannot be relied on. You should still have a map and compass with you and know how to use them.
Watch/Alarm Clock Keeping a track on time is handy. It's a good idea to set a 'turn back' time so as to get back in daylight.
Thermos A warm cup of tea in the cold weather goes down a treat. You can stop and boil water for a refill too!
Insect Repellant In the summer this is a must really. Insect bites can turn an enjoyable outing into a nightmare.
Sunglasses All year round need. Sunshine and snow can hurt your eyes and give you a bad headache. You want to enjoy your hike don't you?
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