Part I: Top 10 items to keep in your backpack

May 20, 9:08 AMWyoming Outdoor Recreation ExaminerMolly Bredehoft

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

AP Photo/Luis Benavides

Hiking on the open Wyoming prairies and mountains often can be unpredictable due to quick changes in weather. Being prepared for quick changing situations, no matter how long of a hike you are taking, is safe and wise.

The top 10 items to keep in your backpack list reflects emergency, safety, and “just in case” items to keep with you on your hike so you are at all times prepared for anything along the way. You never know, you may even be able to help someone else out if your backpack holds sufficient supplies.

10. Waterproof matches: No matter what kind of hike you are taking- be it a short distance hike or a long one, waterproof matches are great to keep in your pack in case you run into an unexpected storm or take longer on your hike than anticipated. In such instances, waterproof matches can be very helpful to start a fire to warm up in case of becoming wet on your hike or getting to cold due to being out an extended amount of time.

9. Inexpensive rain poncho: Late afternoon showers are common in the mountains and can come up suddenly. If you are carrying a light-weight and inexpensive poncho in your pack, you’ll always be ready for unexpected rain, sleet, or snow. Remember, you are in Wyoming!

8. Emergency blanket: Another “just in case item” is the emergency blanket. These are also inexpensive and light-weight to carry in your backpack for the unexpected circumstances that may come up during a hike. Better to be safe than sorry!

7. Extra sunscreen and bug repellant: No need to get sunburned or be bothered by pesky bugs on your hike. Buy travel sizes to keep in your backpack which weigh less than normal sized bottles. Keeping them in a plastic bag is a smart idea incase they leak.

6. Emergency radio and flashlight: Self generating radios can be very handy to have in your pack to listen to weather forecasts and they usually have an LED flashlight in case you find yourself in the dark.

Always keep your supplies in your backpack and then you won't have to worry about rounding everything up when you want to get away quickly.  Keeping all of your supplies organized makes it easier for you to- Get out and hike!

Click here for Part II