8 Hiking Essentials You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without | National Geographic

Action! Fellow adventurers, thrill seekers, and aficionados of the great outdoors, lend me your ears. I’m Starlight Williams, digital editor at National Geographic, amateur peak seeker along the northeast coast, and budding glamper. From trusty hiking poles that’ll carry you through the toughest terrains to water filtration kits that keep you fueled like a pro, I’ll share tools I think are essential for preparing you for anything— OK, prepared for a lot of things— that Mother Nature throws your way. To see the full article, check out the link in the description.

For navigation: compass and map, and compass navigation guide. This should go without saying, but you should pack a compass before you go on your backcountry adventure. More importantly, you should learn how to use a compass before you need one. This “Be Expert with Map and Compass Guide” should help you with that. Once you’ve figured it out, this portable orienteering compass should meet all your land navigation needs. I think this is the perfect combination of functionality and convenience. Its lightweight design and compact size make it easy to carry, ensuring you stay on course without weighing you down.

For illumination: the Biolite Headlamp 800 Pro is the MVP for nighttime adventures, featuring a dazzling 800 lumens to turn your pitch black into high noon. Lemme cycle one more time... I played myself, that’s fine. It’s comfortable stay-on fit means you can run, hike, or dance in the woods without a care. And this so would have come in handy on my first solo hike when I found out at sunset that the trail was not a loop but was, in fact, an out and back, meaning that I had to go to one point and then turn around and go back to the other. It wasn't my brightest moment.

For first aid: the adventure medical kit from REI is like having a pocket-sized paramedic along for the ride. There we go. The kit typically includes essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, over-the-counter pain relievers, and tools like tweezers and baby duct tape, ensuring you're prepared for any minor emergency. It’s so small!

For emergency shelter: If MacGyver were a minimalist backpacker, this would be his go-to bag shelter. Whether you need protection from the elements or makeshift sleeping quarters, the 98.6 Emergency Shelter has your back. Literally. It ensures you stay dry and cozy without adding bulk to your pack. All right, let’s see how it looks. I hope y’all are enjoying these crinkle sounds. All right, y’all. I want you to imagine torrential downpours around me right now. I have unfolded this bag, which I’m assuming is where my head goes through, and there should be a head hole. Oop! What do you know? Cozy.

For water filtration: The Sawyer mini water filtration kit is small, sleek, and incredibly effective at providing clean drinking water in a pinch. Using tech adapted from kidney dialysis filters, the bottle sifts out bacteria like E. coli and protozoa such as giardia, making even murky or questionable water safe to drink. And don’t worry if you forgot to pack a cup. The straw-shaped filter means you can slurp straight from the source. This is a great emergency tool, although I always try to bring as much water with me from the jump. You might not encounter a water source exactly when you need one.

For emergency communication: an SOS device. If Rihanna actually needed help, the Garmin inReach Mini would be the SOS device I’d recommend. With its two-way texting, weather updates, and SOS capabilities, it’s like having a lifeline to civilization tucked into your pack. The device works by connecting to satellite networks, allowing you to send and receive messages even in remote areas without cellular coverage. And in case of emergency, you can activate the SOS feature, which sends your location to emergency responders, ensuring help is on the way when you need it most.

For bear safety: You know that saying about bears: If it’s brown, lay down. If it’s black, fight back. If it’s white, goodnight? Well, here’s a new one: If you see a bear, pull out your Saber Frontiersman bear spray, and live to see another day. Sure, it’s less catchy, but this 9.2 fluid ounce canister of maximum-strength deterrent creates a cloud of irritants that affects the bear’s respiratory system, eyes, and mucous membrane when they get a little too close for comfort. And if you want to practice using bear spray, Frontiersmen also offers a training canister filled with water, ideal for honing your skills. Oop! In practice situations, just don’t mix up the two canisters. My bad. Are you okay, lights?

For balance while trekking: hiking poles. If Gandalf traded his staff for a modern upgrade, I like to imagine he’d go for the Black Diamond Distance Z trekking poles. Their sleek, aluminum construction means that they’re tough enough to handle rugged terrain but nimble enough for quick adjustments. And if you’re worried about the steep descent like me, we can get matching poles. Hashtag twinsies!

That’s all I got. Next time you hit the trails, remember to pack smart, hike safe, and most importantly, never leave home without your essential gear. Don’t forget to check out the full article and find the links to all the gear featured in this video in the description below. And let me know what you would never go hiking without in the comments. I apologize in advance, friendos. The kit tip... bleh... [improvises house beat]. For emergenshee shelsher... See, that’s the Shelly in the sea shore. SHEL-ter. That is how you say it, correct? Shelter? We’re all good? OK. Oh, there was still liquid in it. I’m not gonna lie, I did blind myself though.