10 Must-Have Items for Your Hiking Emergency Kit

When you're going off on a hike, having all the right equipment can be a lifesaver -- literally. This is doubly important for your emergency kit. The last thing you want is to get into an emergency and not have what you need.

Packing Your Hiking Emergency Kit

Putting together your emergency kit for a hike can be affected by several different things. There are basic items that should always be in your gear, but sometimes the hike or your personal needs will dictate added items.

You want quality equipment in your hiking emergency kit. After all, you don't want to buy something and question whether it will work or not.

We took the time to go over what should be in your hiking emergency kit and found the top two products for each item. Now, we're assuming that you won't be purchasing a pre-packaged emergency kit. We've taken the time to search reviews and evaluate each item, so you know you can trust its quality when you're on the trails.

Navigation

When it comes to navigation, you should have a couple of different options with you if one of them fails. It's always a smart idea to carry a topography map, no matter what hike you are going on. Even if you're going hiking on a marked path, it is still a good idea to have a map.

Compass

A compass is a good idea for the same reason that if your GPS or other electronic navigation device fails, you have a backup. The ideal compass would not have batteries and have a sighting mirror so you can signal a helicopter or rescuer if needed.

Suunto A-10 Field Compass

The Suunto A-10 Field Compass is small and lightweight. There is a detachable lanyard loop so you can have it around your neck at all times. The compass will not be affected by water and is reasonably sturdy.

Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack Lensatic Compass

You can use this compass in the dark. Shine a light over it for 2 seconds, and it will glow brightly. This specific model is meant for just the northern hemisphere. If you need the southern hemisphere, you'll need the 27SH model.

GPS Device

A GPS device gives you an accurate location on a digital map. You could use your smartphone, but it is fragile. A device that is built for hiking might be a better idea. Keep in mind that you'll want to have extra batteries on hand.

Garmin GPSMAP 66st

This GPS has excellent reception and large buttons to be sure that you are entering the right information. The screen is a good size, so you can clearly see where you need to head next.

Garmin inReach Explorer+

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ has great reliability for sending messages even when you are out of cell service. This GPS can help with navigation in addition to having an SOS button and weather forecasts.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger

This is so helpful to have in an emergency. You can activate it and let emergency personnel know you need help in the backcountry. These devices work even if you are out of cell service.

Garmin/DeLorme InReach

This PLB has many features beyond SOS capabilities. The InReach has two-way messaging, navigation, and a mobile companion app. While the Explorer model comes with topo maps preloaded, a barometric altimeter, and a compass, the SE+ doesn't have those features.

Garmin InReach Mini

This is a mini version of the PLB above. With this device, you lose maps and navigation but keep messaging, SOS, GPS, and the mobile companion app. The Garmin Mini can easily fit in your pocket and doesn't weigh much.

Sun Protection

When hiking, you want good protection from the sun. You can protect yourself in a variety of ways.

Eye Wear and Sunscreen

Good sunglasses protect your eyes, especially if you are hiking in areas with snow and ice. You will want sunglasses that protect you from both types of ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB).

Sunscreen will help protect your exposed skin from the ultraviolet rays that cause you to burn. Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 15 minimum, but SPF 30 is best. The sunscreen also needs to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Sun Protectant Clothing

Clothing can be a great way to protect yourself. Many lightweight pieces of clothing are specifically made to protect you from the sun. A hat with a full brim is a key item for sun protection.

Columbia Silver Ridge Lite

This is very lightweight and breathable. It has a UPF of 40.

Patagonia Tropic Comfort II Hoody

This hoody is comfortable and will not make you sweat unnecessarily. The hoody also gives you double protection for your head if you forget or lose your hat.

Survival

Headlamp

We always recommend having a source of light besides fire. The most popular light for a hiker is a headlamp. A headlamp allows you to work hands-free and easily focus the light where you are looking. Keep in mind that this is another item that will need extra batteries.

Petzl Actik CORE

This headlamp includes a rechargeable battery, but it can also run on AAAs. The beam is a combination of spot and floodlight.

Black Diamond Spot 325

This headlamp is totally waterproof and shows you how much battery life is left. The Black Diamond headlamp uses AAA batteries.

First Aid Kit

This item is absolutely vital to any emergency kit! You can easily buy a pre-assembled first aid kit. However, you need to supplement your kit with any special needs you have, such as EpiPen or special allergy pills.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker Kit

This first aid kit has clearly labeled pockets. It holds enough supplies for 2-4 people for up to 4 days. The kit also has a handbook for wilderness first aid.

First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit

This first aid kit is a bit more basic. It still has a range of bandage options and materials to clean wounds. This is more for minor injuries than anything serious.

Knife

A good knife can become a great tool in an emergency. You can have a knife with a single blade or something fancier with multiple blades and tools included.

Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade

This knife has a heavy-duty fixed blade. It's perfect for camping chores, protection, and cutting. The handle is ergonomic, so you can feel comfortable using it. The glass-filled nylon sheath keeps your blade safe and always sharp.

Gerber LMF II Survival Knife

This is a military-grade combat knife. It has a smooth blade and a small serrated edge. The handle has a pointer buttcap that can pierce glass if needed or become a hammer.

Happy Trails

This isn't all you should have in your hiking emergency kit, but they are really the most important. You should also pack items to make a fire, provide you with shelter, food, water, and extra clothes. Once you've got all of these in your gear, you can handle just about any emergency out in the backcountry.