Erin's Top 10: backpacking essentials you may have overlooked

A poor attempt at bandaging my blisters w moleskin, photo: Erin George

No one ever plans for that one epic catastrophe they have to encounter at some point in their outdoor life.  Weather strikes and conundrums happen.  Don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere screaming “If only I had brought ____!”  Make sure you pack these critical essentials on your next adventure!

#10: Space blanket (mylar blanket)    

Lets just get the basics out of the way.  This is an obvious necessity to stow away in your pack and never take out.  The aluminum shield is capable of preventing hypothermia by trapping body heat under the airtight foil and reducing heat transfer and convection.  It’s an easy way to avoid a life-threatening disaster.

#9: Compass and Whistle    

Another no-brainer.  I personally know someone who got completely lost in the wilderness of Northern California, was presumed dead after a week of search parties, and claimed that he would have given anything for a simple compass.  A whistle is a great way to find hiking buddies who wander off out of sight and also serves as a universal distress call to other hikers.

#8: Instant heat warmers    

This may seem like a superfluous item to anyone who’s ever backpacked.  But I can vouch for its usefulness in times of distress.  Getting stuck on top of a mountain in a rainstorm at 13,000 ft with an under-rated borrowed sleeping bag makes for a miserably cold night.  No one wants to crawl into a soggy sleeping bag at the end of a long day. Throwing in a couple shake and bake hand warmers at the bottom of a cold damp bag will reduce some of those shivers and make sleep possible.

#7: Waterproof matches and flint   

Everyone is so reliant on lighters.  Lighters have a tendency to get lost.  It’s a good idea to carry back-up waterproof matches and flint on extended trips.  A film canister makes for a great container (see #2).

#6: Pitch chunk   

Camping in the rain and longing for a fire that seems outside the realm of possibilities?  A small chunk of pitch coated wood could start a fire in a tsunami.  So tote your hatchet and keep your eye out for pitch pockets on fallen trees next time you’re roaming the woods.

#5: Rope

Rope or sturdy twine is handy for building shelters or hanging food in bear sacks when the need arises.  Having a good rope is a critical element for assisting in most mountain rescues.  Weights and thickness vary depending on use, but as a good all encompassing backpacking tool I would recommend carrying 20m of 5mm nylon rope.

#4: Sweetwater filter pump    

It’s either viewed as extra weight or an absolute must.  For those who prefer iodine tablets to filter their water, this device is just an unneeded gadget.  But when you’re out of water, thirsty, and just can’t wait for those pills to dissolve, the Sweetwater shines through.  The hand held pump is easy to use and the attachments are compatible with most Nalgene bottles.  Be careful though with the false sense of security it instills, for there are a few certain bugs that it cannot filter.  Be watchful for toxic algae bloom alerts in the area you intend to hike and bring a few tablets for back-up.  If all else fails there’s always good old fashioned boiled water to put your mind at ease.   

#3: Camelback

Another luxury item, but possibly my favorite hiking goodie.  If you haven’t given up your water bottle to the camelback bladder and tube, you’re missing out on a classic amenity.  Most backpacks are now designed to accommodate camelback tubes with an attachment on the shoulder strap to secure the bite valve and allow for mid hike hydration without stopping.

#2: Film canisters and Altoid tins

Call me crazy, but these everyday products can be recycled as ideal containers for medicine, matches, money, jewelry, or other personal items you wish to remain dry.  Throw a few canisters and tins in the top pouch of your pack to keep your precious goods dry, compact, and ready at hand.

#1: Duct tape

My grandpa’s number one miracle cure for any problem.  This magic tape is the only sure-fire way to keep a blister at bay.  For the sorry soul that has already allowed a knock-out blister to tear, throw a little toilet paper on the duct tape and cover that bad boy up.  In addition to being the most resilient medical tape, it can be used to patch rafts, weld snapped fishing poles, or clamp down chatterboxes that jabber on the trail.  Don’t want to carry the whole roll?  Wrap a few yards around your lucky Nalgene and lighter; or snap a pencil in half and roll it up to a suitable thickness.