Pocket Survival Kit: When Hiking, Little Things Make a Big Difference
I’ve been known to set off for a short hike, and find something interesting and meander all day.
You can enjoy the same freedom, if you plan ahead. This light-weight, ready-to-go checklist includes everything necessary to enjoy a short hike or a longer trek.
I carry the following items in the pockets of my cargo pants, but a fanny pack will work just as well.
* Compass
* Topographic map
* Notebook or paper and pencil (pens freeze)
* Plastic bags
1. heavy plastic garbage/leaf size
2. “Zip lock” gallon size and pint size – solar still, carry water
* Bandana – head covering, water collecting
* Mirror/Sewing kit – mine is a set
* Folding scissors – mine’s on my key chain
* Dental floss – 100 feet at least
* Disposable lighter
* Firestarter – tiny tampon, cotton balls, lint
* Knife – I’m fond of my Swiss Army knife
* Magnifying glass
* First aid kit
1. antiseptic wipes
2. water purification tablets
3. pain killer
4. Epsom salts – 4-oz to 32-oz water
5. bee sting kit
6. sunblock – at least 30 SPF
7. bandaids
8. antibiotic ointment [in an emergency, smear this on firestarter materials]
* Small flashlight – I’m fond of my mini Maglite
* High energy bar – Larabar works best for me
* Thin gloves
1. Plastic MD office w/o powder – to carry water
2. Wool and nylon for hand warmers
* Bright color flagging tape – to mark the route
Check the contents weekly and replace whatever you use as soon as you get home.
JJ Murphy is an avid hiker covering 3-10 miles daily on her favorite trails in Harriman, NY. She shares wild recipes, nature education materials, and wilderness survival knowledge at writerbynature.com – Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors.
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