The 10 Essentials for Summer Hiking

Summer hiking season is the perfect time to make sure your pack is ready for anything the trail throws at you. Here's what goes into the Ten Essentials, and how our staff packs each one.

The Ten Essentials checklist

1. Navigation

A map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon or satellite messenger. Navigation helps you plan your route and find your way back if you wander off trail. Our author downloads offline maps to a phone app and carries a satellite messenger, and always brings two forms of navigation in case one fails.

2. Headlamp

Or another light source. A headlamp keeps your hands free, but a flashlight works too. Pack extra batteries or make sure it's charged.

3. Sun protection

Sunglasses, a hat, UV-protective clothing and sunscreen. Sunburn speeds up dehydration, and bright sun can damage your eyes, so don't skip this one in summer.

4. First aid

Including foot care. A few bandages and some ointment won't help in a real emergency. Start with a pre-made kit and customize it for your needs (for example, add an epinephrine auto-injector if you're allergic to bees). Check regularly for expired items.

5. Knife and repair kit

A knife or multitool plus repair basics like duct tape, a needle and thread, and scissors.

6. Fire

Waterproof matches, a lighter or a stove. Fire can signal for help, keep you warm and heat food if you're out longer than planned. Always check local fire restrictions, which are common in summer. Our author carries a lighter and a compact trail stove.

7. Emergency shelter

One of the most important items if something goes wrong. A tarp, tent, emergency blanket or bivy protects you from weather and exposure.

8. Extra food

Pack more than the minimum. A good rule of thumb is an extra day's worth: for a two-day trip, bring three days of food. Trail mix, electrolyte snacks and energy bars are compact and keep your energy up. Pack it in, pack it out, and practice Leave No Trace.

9. Extra water

Plus a way to filter or treat it. Plan for at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking, and more on hot days or trails without water sources. A hydration reservoir makes it easy to sip, with a backup bottle for extra water and a compact filter for refills.

10. Extra clothes

Pack for the most extreme weather you could see that time of year. In summer, that usually means an extra layer and rain gear. If you run cold, a packable puffy jacket is worth the space.

Shop the essentials

Headlamps, stoves, water filters and navigation tools are available in-store at our Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside. Throw it all in your day or overnight pack and you're good to go. Happy hiking!