The Ten Most Essential Survival Supplies For A Hiking Trip

By Paul F. Joshua

If you are going to spend any amount of time trekking or hiking in the wild then you will need to carry survival supplies. These should cover you for any situation or eventuality that may arise. What these supplies include will depend upon your experience of the outdoors as well as the environment, season, and time of year.

Before you set off you should also arm yourself with a degree of knowledge relating to how to start a fire, build a shelter, as well as understanding about wilderness foods and how to trap game and fish. This information cannot be bought and stored in your rucksack!

Experts suggest the most important items are -

1. Knife: A strong sturdy knife is one of the most important survival items. You could use a penknife or a non-folding type. They can be used in food preparation, to gather and fix shelter materials, and also to help make fire.

2. Water Purification: The body needs water to survive. But it can take a considerable time to make a fire and boil water so that it is clean enough to consume. For this reason you need to carry water purification tablets. Any water you come across in the wild may be polluted or contain bacteria.

3. Blanket: Even if you build a great shelter then there is every chance it is going to get cold during the night, so it is important to have a good blanket with you. If you get very cold your body may become hypothermic. You should carry either an emergency metallic blanket or a woollen variety.

4. Lighter: No matter how long you are planning to be outdoors for it is essential to able to get a fire going. For this reason it is important to carry a couple of lighters. A fire will allow you to purify water, warm the body, dry out wet clothes, cook food, and keep animals at bay.

5. Matches: It is important to have a few different fire lighting items. Your lighters may get broken or quickly run out. Waterproof matches should be carried on any trek as an important reserve item.

6. Map and Compass: You may be an excellent navigator but if fog descends then visibility can be seriously impeded. You should carry a map and compass so that you do not stray off the trails and become lost.

7. First Aid Kit: Before you leave your home you should put together a comprehensive first aid kit. This has to include any medications that you need as well as items that can improve your health if you have an accident or become sick.

8. Flashlight: When trekking it can happen that the sun sets before a camp has been set up. You will then need to use a flashlight when you build a shelter and collect firewood. It pays to have many spare batteries and a couple of extra bulbs. A flashlight can also be used as a signal.

9. Sealable Bottle/Container: This is an essential item to be able to collect and purify water. It can also be used to store small items when it is empty.

10. Cord: A good length of cord can be put to may uses. It will help to strengthen a shelter or bundle firewood together. - 29972

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