Many of us like to get away from civilization and enjoy the great outdoors. When you venture into the unknown there are some things you don’t want to be without. You just never know what will be around the next bend in the trail.
- Water
- A signaling device
- A first aid package
As someone who has been there and done that, these are my recommendations.
Thing #1 Water
While on a very simple hike that should have taken an afternoon to complete, I lost the unmarked main trail and wound up in an almost dry stream bed overlooking a 50 foot drop that at one time was a waterfall.
Darkness was not far off and it would have been impossible to retrace my steps in the darkness to the point where I figured I lost the trail. I had no water with me. You see, I hadn’t planned to lose my way.
A small trickle of water pooled there and I decided to stay until morning. I could scoop the water and drink and be refreshed.
The next morning I heard voices on the other side of some thick chaparral which I managed to get through and follow to the main trail.
After that I never went anywhere without water.
Thing #2 Some sort of signaling device
On that same hike I was overdue to be back home. The people I told where I was hiking called the local sheriff when I didn’t come home. As they should have. I’m sure that the sheriff and his deputies didn’t try to find me that night and resolved to search early the next morning.
Fortunately I discovered the way to the original trail and walked out on my own. But if I had not found the way out or had been injured I had no way to signal anyone looking for me. You should have a small mirror or a shiny piece of metal to reflect the sun and send a signal. You may have a mobile phone with you but it may not always get a signal. That small device can save your life.
Thing #3 A simple first aid package
Even a small baggie containing some bandaids, some moleskin, a tube of salve and a partial roll of tape will qualify as a first aid kit. It doesn’t need to be fancy or bulky. You could carry it in a pocket anywhere you go. I don’t know how many times I have had to make do with a tissue to stop the bleeding when I have had an accident. A tissue and a piece of tape have prevented me from inadvertently spilling blood all over stuff. Blood doesn’t come out very well and can stain something you wish you hadn’t stained. A small first aid kit is a very handy thing to have all the time.