Practical supplies for navigation, first aid, water, food, lighting, shelter & changing conditions.
3,100+ words
NAVIGATION
FIRST AID
WATER
FOOD
LIGHTING
SHELTER
WEATHER
COMMUNICATION
“I know I need emergency gear, but what exactly should I put in my backpack?” Building an emergency kit doesn’t mean filling an entire pack. Instead: Choose → Organize → Test → Pack → Review. The National Park Service describes the Ten Essentials as systems that help with minor injuries, sudden weather changes, and unexpected emergencies — adapted to your activity.
General guide — adapt to your location and conditions.
What Is an Emergency Kit for Hiking?
It’s a collection of practical supplies to deal with: minor injuries, delays, navigation problems, weather changes, loss of daylight, unexpected route changes, or extended time outdoors. The NPS recommends the Ten Essentials and adjusting equipment according to hike, location, and duration.
How to Build an Emergency Kit for Hiking Step by Step
Step 1 — Start With the Trail, Not the Shopping List
Consider: distance, duration, terrain, weather, remoteness, water availability, group size, experience. This aligns with NPS guidance to choose the right trail and plan around conditions.
Trail map, compass, offline digital map, GPS/device, backup method. The NPS Ten Essentials includes map, compass, and GPS. The American Hiking Society similarly recommends map/compass and knowing how to use them.
Step 3 — Build a Practical First-Aid Section
Customize your kit: adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, blister care, antiseptic, gloves, tweezers, personal meds. The Red Cross recommends adapting to climate, number of people, terrain, remoteness, and duration.
Primary supply, extra water, treatment method, trail water sources. American Hiking Society notes that water needs depend on conditions. The NPS also emphasizes hydration and water-treatment supplies.
Step 5 — Add Emergency Food
Normal food + backup portion. Energy bars, nuts, dried foods, shelf-stable snacks. REI’s Ten Essentials recommends extra food because hikes can last longer than expected.
Step 6 — Add Lighting
Headlamp or flashlight appropriate to the hike, plus backup power. The NPS includes illumination and identifies headlamps as a hands‑free option.
Step 7 — Add Emergency Shelter
Lightweight emergency shelter, bivy, or tarp — not necessarily a tent. The NPS lists emergency shelter among its Ten Essentials. If your trip requires more substantial shelter, explore our camping shelter options.
Step 8 — Add Weather Protection
Rain protection, warm layer, extra socks, sun protection, clothing for conditions. The NPS recommends adjusting equipment to when and where you’re hiking. See Trail-Ready Gear for more.
Step 9 — Add Communication and Emergency Information
Charged phone, emergency contacts, route info, expected return, backup for remote trips. The NPS Trip Planning Guide recommends leaving a trip plan and notifying a contact.
Step 10 — Add Personal and Location-Specific Items
Personal necessities, weather‑specific gear, local environmental considerations, trail‑specific requirements, group needs. The kit for a hot exposed trail differs from a cool forest trail.
Build Your Kit Checklist
Map & compass
Offline navigation / GPS
Water & treatment
Extra food / snacks
Bandages & gauze
Tape & blister care
Personal medications
Headlamp + batteries
Emergency shelter
Rain/warm layer
Sun protection
Communication: phone + whistle
Insect protection
Repair tape / cord
Emergency contact info
Extra socks / gloves
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How to Pack an Emergency Kit Without Overloading Your Backpack
Essential → Conditional → Optional. Essential for almost every hike; conditional depends on weather, distance, terrain; optional for specific trips. If you’re worried about overpacking, read Emergency Supplies for Hikers: Planning Without Overpacking.
Where Should You Put Emergency Gear in Your Backpack?
Zone 1 (Easy Access): navigation, communication, headlamp, weather layer. Zone 2 (Main Safety): first aid, water treatment, food, shelter. Zone 3 (Backup): extra clothing, backup supplies, condition‑specific gear.
Check Your Emergency Kit Before Every Hike
Weather, route, water, first aid, lighting, communication, shelter, food, personal items, and that everything works. The NPS recommends checking supplies and adapting the kit to the trip. Finish with our hiking emergency checklist.
Emergency Kit for Different Types of Hikes
Beginner Day Hike Basic essential systems: navigation, water, food, first aid, lighting, shelter, weather.
Weekend Trail More food, water planning, weather consideration, extra layers.
