Ten things that turn a walk into a safe hike.
The Ten Essentials explained for day hikers: navigation, sun protection, layers, light, first aid, fire, tools, food, water and emergency shelter.
A day hike can feel like a long walk, and most of the time that is exactly what it is. But a twisted ankle, a wrong turn or a change in the weather can turn a three-hour outing into a long, cold evening on a hillside. The Ten Essentials are a checklist developed by outdoor organisations and promoted by the US National Park Service to make sure you can deal with the unexpected.
The Ten Essentials, explained
The National Park Service groups the essentials into ten systems. You do not need specialist gear for each one on a short, busy trail, but you should be able to answer each of them.
1. Navigation
A map, compass and GPS or phone app. The NPS recommends knowing how to use a map or GPS before you go and bringing a physical map as a backup, because phones run out of battery or lose signal. Download offline maps and pack a spare battery.
2. Sun protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Sun exposure is stronger at altitude and on exposed ridges, and you can burn on a cool day. See our guide to packing for heat for the UV index.
3. Insulation
Extra clothing: a warm layer and a waterproof jacket, even if the morning is mild. Weather in the hills changes faster than in town, and you cool down quickly when you stop moving. Our cold-weather layering guide explains the system.
4. Illumination
A headlamp or torch, with spare batteries. A walk that runs late becomes far more dangerous in the dark, and a phone torch drains the battery you need for navigation.
5. First-aid supplies
Plasters, blister dressings, bandages, any personal medicines, and the knowledge to use them. Our travel health kit is a good base.
6. Fire
Matches or a lighter in a waterproof container, and something to start a fire. In an emergency, a fire provides warmth and a signal. Always follow local rules; in many places, and in dry seasons, fires are banned.
7. Repair kit and tools
A small knife or multi-tool, and duct tape wrapped around a water bottle or walking pole. It fixes torn straps, broken laces and split boots.
8. Nutrition
Food for the day plus extra. The NPS suggests salty, easy-to-digest snacks such as nuts, trail mix and granola bars. Extra food makes a big difference if you are out longer than planned.
9. Hydration
Water, and a way to treat more. The NPS stresses drinking often and before you feel thirsty, especially when active in hot weather. Know whether there are water sources on the route and how you will purify them.
10. Emergency shelter
A space blanket, bivy bag or lightweight tarp. If someone is injured and you must wait for help, shelter from wind and rain is one of the most important things you can have.
Scale it to the hike
On a well-marked one-hour trail near a car park, a small first-aid kit, a layer, water, a snack and a charged phone may be enough. On a remote mountain route, every item matters, and you need the skills to go with them. The question is not "will I need this?" but "what happens if something goes wrong and I do not have it?"
Plan before you pack
Gear is only half of a safe hike. The NPS hiking safety advice starts before you leave home:
- Check the weather forecast and trail conditions, and be willing to change plans.
- Know your route and how long it should take, and turn back early enough to finish in daylight.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Stay together as a group and walk at the pace of the slowest person.
If you hear thunder, the US National Weather Service advice is that you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Get off exposed summits and ridges and do not shelter under isolated trees.
Footwear and blisters
The most common day-hike injury is not dramatic: it is a blister. Wear footwear you have already walked in, with socks that fit well and do not bunch. Wool or synthetic hiking socks handle sweat better than cotton. Stop and deal with a sore spot as soon as you feel it, with a blister plaster or tape, before it becomes an open wound. On rough or wet ground, footwear with a grippy sole and some ankle support helps prevent the twisted ankles that cause so many rescues.
A day-pack checklist
Use the ten systems as the backbone of your list, then add the personal things: tissues, a small bag for rubbish, a phone, keys and some cash. In Packlight, choose "day hikes" as the trip style and add the essentials you are missing as your own items. Run through the list at the trailhead, not just at home.
Sources checked 11 November 2026:
Rules change. Always check the official source for your airline, airport and destination before you travel.