12 Best Hiking Gear Safety Must-haves for Every Trip

Getting outdoors and exploring natural wonders on foot is a popular pastime for many. But when venturing in less familiar and forgiving territory, it’s crucial to hit the trail prepared for the unexpected to avoid an emergency. Staying safe while hiking is both about what you bring and how you conduct yourself in the wilderness, notes Chloe Wasteneys, Yellowstone Environmental and Safety Manager for Delaware North. She adds that, “Keeping food stored properly, using bear-proof containers, and leaving no trace of food scraps are essential for wildlife safety.”

Other safety considerations Wasteneys believes should be top of mind include hydration, first aid, sturdy footwear, and moisture-wicking clothing. She also recommends planning ahead for your hike: “Check park websites for current conditions, warnings, and any road, trail, or facility closures.” From changing weather to wildlife encounters and making do with limited facilities, here are 12 emergency items to pack for your next hiking adventure—just in case.

S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Bivvy

Packing an emergency blanket should be top of mind for hikers venturing further afield, says Wasteneys. Even during summer months, it’s not uncommon for significant temperature fluctuation from day to night, especially in high desert regions. Airing on the side of caution and taking an emergency blanket, like this one from S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer, could make the difference in staying safe if you are unexpectedly stuck in the wilderness.

Despite its thin design, the blanket is waterproof, windproof, and retains up to 90 percent of body heat to keep warm and ward off hypothermia. Weighing just 5.4 ounces, this essential safety item will hardly make a dent in a daypack or backpack. 

BioLite Dash 450 Headlamp

Opting for a headlamp over a flashlight is a wise choice for hikers to find their way in the dark while keeping both hands free. This headlamp from BioLite stands out for its brightness, performance, and featherweight design. When using the highest setting, the beam reaches 300 feet, but even the low setting offers ample visibility to navigate the trail for up to 60 hours of battery life. It also has red light and flood light settings, plus the option for a strobe light to signal search and rescue.

The rechargeable design ensures that you have a full charge on every excursion without burning through disposable batteries. The headlamp weighs a mere 2.75 ounces for hours of comfortable wear.

LifeStraw Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System

Having enough water for your intended hike is critical. Bringing one liter for every two hours of hiking is a good rule of thumb, though hot and humid weather may require having more water on hand. “If you are visiting a park that is at a higher elevation than you are used to, staying hydrated is key,” notes Wasteneys. Besides packing plenty of water, she recommends having a water filtration or purifying system on hand, such as this LifeStraw filter that comes with a 650 ml squeeze bottle. The system weighs just 4 ounces, and the membrane microfilter is intended for handling up to 2,000 liters of water over its lifetime.

The filtration meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards for its ability to remove bacteria and parasites. Combining the system with this carbon filter attachment further purifies water by protecting against heavy metals.

Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat

Having coverage from the sun is a smart choice to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Keeping cool on the trail can also extend your hydration further. This sun hat from Outdoor Research delivers on those fronts, with a UPF of 50+, integrated ventilation, and moisture-wicking fabric. The three-inch brim offers plenty of shade, and the drawstring adjustment is incredibly user-friendly.

Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle

Wasteneys emphasizes the importance of having a whistle and compass on hand, and this four-function whistle does that and more. It also includes a thermometer and a magnifying lens, plus the compass has a glow-in-the-dark dial to stay visible at night. If you end up lost or injured, a whistle is an easy way to send an alert with minimal effort. It’s also designed to be clipped to a lanyard, strap, or belt for accessibility.

Paka Men’s Aire Long-sleeve Shirt

Wasteneys emphasizes the importance of layering and wearing moisture-wicking and breathable clothing.  “If you’ll encounter variable weather, having a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer is key,” says Wasteneys.

This long-sleeve base layer is a favorite of mine for both winter and summer hikes. It’s made with a blend of alpaca fiber and Tencel from eucalyptus, adding softness, warmth, and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. Keeping dry is essential to prevent chill or hypothermia if caught out in the wilderness for extended periods. Its breathability also makes this base layer suitable for sun protection on spring and summer hikes.

Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles

Taking steps to prevent injury on the trail is another important consideration to stay safe and avoid emergencies. These lightweight trekking poles help maintain balance and lessen impact on joints, especially when navigating uneven, steep, and rocky terrain. In a pinch, they can also help construct a makeshift shelter and be used to intimidate or ward off wildlife.

Equipped with cork and EVA foam grips, the poles are comfortable to hold for extended periods. They’re also adjustable to different heights, and the aluminum alloy construction and twist-locking system ensure durability.

Swiss Army Rescue Tool Pocket Knife

Preparing for the unexpected is a common mantra for hikers and campers—and for good reason. This handy multitool is equipped with 13 functions for both emergency and non-emergency uses.

Swiss Army worked with professional rescuers to design this tool, which includes some heavy-duty emergency uses, such as a seatbelt cutter and a shatterproof glass saw for car accidents. This functionality is valuable while driving to off-the-grid destinations and in the wilderness itself. The tweezers, pry tool, and serrated blade also offer a variety of uses. In the words of one prepared customer, “It’s a good size for all the features.” They added that the smaller tools are even useful for issues like splinters.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

According to Wasteneys, a first-aid kit is another essential item to have with you on hikes. This should include supplies for typical hiking hazards, such as treating blisters, as well as more severe cuts and sprains.

This adventure-ready first-aid kit is intended for common medical issues on the trail. There are antiseptic wipes, trauma pads, butterfly bandages, and medical tape for treating wounds. It also includes elastic bandages for stabilizing a sprained ankle and medication for treating a fever, allergic reactions, and more. It all comes in a well-organized, water-resistant package that weighs less than half a pound.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent and Holster

Some safety gear you hope you never have to use, though it’s worth having on hand for a worst-case scenario. Bear spray is one such item. “Make sure it is not expired, and you know how to use it,” stresses Wasteneys. “Most ranger stations in bear territory, like Yellowstone, will teach you how to properly use bear spray and what to do if you encounter a bear,” she adds. 

This bear deterrent uses a formula that’s intended for all bear species you might encounter camping across North America. It’s also registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and meets hydrofluorocarbon emission standards. It has a four-year shelf life, and the holster comes in handy for transporting the bear spray and reducing the risk of accidentally discharging it.

Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent Eco Spray 2-pack

While ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects may not pose an immediate threat while hiking, getting bitten can lead to discomfort and illnesses. If you’ll be hiking in an area with ticks, this effective spray contains a 20 percent picaridin formula that’s specifically intended to repel ticks. 

Picaridin works by disrupting a tick’s ability to sense its prey, and it has less environmental impact than other chemicals found in insect repellents, like DEET. This repellent lasts up to 12 hours, too, so one spray should last throughout most day hikes.

Paramo Velez Adventure Smock 

“Always pack for changing weather conditions,” says Wasteneys, adding that weather can shift rapidly any time of year. This waterproof jacket has served me well on numerous hikes, including a three-day trek through Colombia’s Los Nevados National Park, where we reached over 13,000 feet in elevation. It has a double-layer lining for more warmth than the conventional rain shell, but regulating temperature is a breeze thanks to upper arm vents and two zips along the front pocket. 

I love the design of the adjustable ‘halo’ hood, which remains rigid to trap out the elements while still allowing a wide field of vision. Its ergonomic design, including articulated shoulders and a cropped front, makes it easy to move freely and nimbly on the trail. The roomier yet adjustable fit also makes it compatible with a base and mid-layer.

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