Tap Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 DD17 and her friends have spent a lot of time hiking this summer. We live in the PNW, so it is in mountainous areas not desert or in high heat. For her birthday, I was thinking about putting together a small day pack with emergency supplies. She is very good about taking a water bottle, a few Cliff Bars and her cell phone, but if they are going to go on longer hikes, I would like to put a few emergency basics in there too. She grabs her extra phone battery if she thinks about it, but she is really good about turning off her phone features to preserve her battery anyways. Do you have a small ultralight backpack that you would suggest? What would you suggest for in the pack? Solar blanket Mini first aid kit Knife Braided piece of rope (like the emergency bracelets) Fire starter? Quote
Wabi Sabi Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 (edited) DD17 and her friends have spent a lot of time hiking this summer. We live in the PNW, so it is in mountainous areas not desert or in high heat. For her birthday, I was thinking about putting together a small day pack with emergency supplies. She is very good about taking a water bottle, a few Cliff Bars and her cell phone, but if they are going to go on longer hikes, I would like to put a few emergency basics in there too. She grabs her extra phone battery if she thinks about it, but she is really good about turning off her phone features to preserve her battery anyways. Do you have a small ultralight backpack that you would suggest? What would you suggest for in the pack? Solar blanket Mini first aid kit Knife Braided piece of rope (like the emergency bracelets) Fire starter? Maybe a battery powered portable charger for her phone? ETA: Oh, and a whistle too! Edited August 23, 2016 by Wabi Sabi Quote
prairiewindmomma Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 I like the REI18 for my favorite budget daypack ($40 when not on sale) or any of the Ospreys. I would definitely carry an emergency blanket, knife, fire starter, and mini first aid kit. I like Duct Tape (hold together shoes, brace an injured limb, etc) as well. What is she using to carry water? My main concern would be what if she were injured and had to shelter in a bit waiting for help? What if she hit a deadzone with her phone? I'd want to be able to safely overnight as well as move a bit even if injured. Quote
Tess in the Burbs Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 anyone hiking should be carrying the 10 essentials. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html She should try on packs...they all fit differently. REI is great about trying things on and finding the right fit. You can add weight in the store to see how it feels when carrying all those supplies. 2 Quote
prairiewindmomma Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 I like the ten essentials list above. I love my Black Diamond headlamp and it is waterproof and ultralight! Quote
gardenmom5 Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 NPS has good basic supply lists for day hikes. so does REI. here's for seasonal. some of these are considered essentials, some if the weather changes (which can happen on a longer hike) - some you'll only use in an emergency. trail map compass gps that doesn't rely upon cell towers flashlight & batteries rain poncho matches/fire starter in a waterproof container sunblock & lip balm sun hat & sunglasses multi-tool including a knife water purification tablets (remember much trail food is dry, so you'll need more water to stay properly hydrated. high elevations require more water as well.) emergency blanket or similar clothes - warm and cool that can be done in layers nylon rope/twine extra food whistle & signal mirror hand sanitizer bug spray bear spray Quote
regentrude Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 (edited) A very important thing I did not see mentioned would be a water purification device. They now have very light 3 oz hollow fiber filters that screw on regular bottles and take up little space. Iodine tablets are even lighter, but they need a longer time to work and the water tastes weird; with the filter, you can drink immediately. Some of the lists are way too much stuff - she has to carry everything, and a heavy pack slows you down and makes it hard to maneuver. A cell charger is probably useless since there is no reception in the back country. She should just turn the phone off. I would probably not bother with fire starter/supplies for a day hike, unless doing winter hikes in cold weather. Go with the ten essentials and pack light. Edited August 23, 2016 by regentrude Quote
Outdoorsy Type Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 (edited) I like having a life straw in case I run out of water https://www.rei.com/product/860034/lifestraw-water-filter ETA this was mentioned before, but a whistle is important in case she gets lost. People lose their voice calling for help and then can't call back to the responders searching for them. Edited August 23, 2016 by Outdoorsy Type Quote
Rachel Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 (edited) I would add a whistle and a water filter or water purification tablets. Maybe add a topo map and compass if she does back country hiking. Supposedly National Geographic recently added printable files on their website so you can print them from home instead of having to order them. I'll see if I can find a link. http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads Edited August 23, 2016 by Rach Quote
Carol in Cal. Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 Rain poncho in a pouch. Reflective, very lightweight ground cloth Titanium cup (the hot lips ones are great) Granola bars Crank-powered flashlight Bandana (useful for so many things) Hair clip if she has long hair Aspirin Hiking poles--I have some of the new backpacking ones that fold into thirds, and they are fantastic. Maybe one of those solar cell phone chargers? 1 Quote
Annie G Posted August 23, 2016 Posted August 23, 2016 Oh, Carol, a bandana is a great idea. We use them instead of napkins so I always have some in my car or purse. They come in handy for SO many things! Quote
Carol in Cal. Posted August 24, 2016 Posted August 24, 2016 (edited) Oh, Carol, a bandana is a great idea. We use them instead of napkins so I always have some in my car or purse. They come in handy for SO many things! I like to soak one in a stream and put it around my neck to help me stay cool sometimes. Also they are great for tying up bleeding cuts, for a forehead sweat band, for a sling, to tie into a bag to carry pinecones or other 'finds' back, to tie back long hair, to wipe mud off after a fall, etc. At one Forest Service station near where I hike a lot they used to carry bandanas printed with a local topo map--now THAT was the most useful bandana I have ever owned! Edited August 24, 2016 by Carol in Cal. 1 Quote
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