When you are going on a hike, there are a few items that you should always bring with you, in case of an emergency – we hope you never end up in an emergency! Before leaving for your adventure, you should make sure you have your phone packed with a power bank, in case it runs out of power. You should always have a whistle with you and have a few emergency layers, in case the weather drastically changes. A water filter could also come in useful, even if you have a water bottle with you.
Whether you are planning on going on a local hike or a walking holiday, having your emergency items ready to go with you is so important. We would suggest getting them packed as one of the first things you do. Below we look into three items you should always have with you and why.
Phone and a power bank
One of the most important items to have with you is not only your phone but also a power bank accompanied with it. If you are going to be hiking for many hours, the chances are your phone will die, rendering it useless in an emergency. Therefore, having a power bank that can charge your phone to full several times, gives you a backup, should your phone run out of power. You can get small power banks that are affordable and easy to pack.
Emergency layers
Always have packed a selection of emergency layers in your bag. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be sometimes. One minute it says sun and then you are out on your hike and the rain starts pouring down on you. The last thing you want is to be out in the rain but not have a rain poncho to keep you dry whilst you get out of it. We would suggest having a spare pair of socks, running leggings as these are good to layer up with, should you need to and as mentioned a rain poncho. A quick Google and you’ll find a selection of other emergency layers that other people like to bring with them.
Water Filter
You will have a water bottle with you, but alongside this, you should bring a water filter like a life straw. You may think you have enough water during the hike, but more often than not, you may finish it and then need more. If you don’t have a clean water supply nearby for you to fill up your bottle with, you can then rely on your water filter. A water filter allows you to drink from any water supply and it will clean out all the bad things for your body. It’s extremely useful to have, especially if you end up in an emergency.
What essential items do you like to bring with you each time you go on a hike? Do you pack any of the above items before you go? Is there anything that we are missing that you think we should add to our list? Let us know in the comment box below.