In the last five years hiking has gained popularity as people return to the outdoors. The issue has become the lack of planning or perhaps it’s the appeal of getting outside even if you’re unprepared. In the last few months there has been a family washed away by flash floods in Utah, a college student washed away in Yosemite when they slipped and went over the falls, a woman that had to be life flighted from the same falls when she underestimated the “Hard” designation – the list goes on. From what we have heard about in the hiking world people tend to get hurt because they didn’t consider the things we’re going to list here. The biggest things you need for hiking, but can’t buy – common sense and a water source.

There are ten essentials you need to consider when you’re hiking. I will list those ten essentials here and then point you in the right direction to get what you need.

1. Navigation

Know where you’re going and how to get back. You need to prepare to have little to no cell service when you’re hiking. This means you need to prepare for alternative ways to get back. While most trails are clearly marked, there are many out there that aren’t marked well or have multiple trails going in various directions. It’s not uncommon in the hiking world to hear about lost hikers.

• Trail map (paper)
• Compass
• GPS device (we like the Garmin In Reach) or hiking app (download offline maps before leaving)
• Fully charged phone
• Portable battery pack and charging cable
• Leave your hiking plan with someone

With kids:

• Teach older kids to recognize trail markers.
• Show them what to do if they become separated (stay put, whistle, make themselves visible).

Red Cathedral Trail in Death Valley is the perfect example of a trail that absolutely requires every bit of the ten essentials. It can get hot and then cold quickly. There is absolutely no water. There could be a flash flood. There are multiple routes that seem like they might be the actual trail when they aren’t. There are endless slippery surfaces. There is no cell service.

2. Sun Protection

Even if you think it’s cloudy and you won’t burn, the sun is doing it’s thing. We always have these items in our pack. If you or your kids don’t want to wear a hat or long sleeve shirt, you can always clip the hat onto your bag an put the long sleeve shirt or rash guard in the pack.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses
• Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
• Lightweight sun-protective clothing
• Extra sunscreen for longer hikes

With kids:

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (more often if sweating).
• Pack hats that won’t easily blow off.

3. Insulation

Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains and desert. You need to be prepared for extreme heat or extreme cold. If you get stuck outside on your hike for any reason – you get lost, you break a bone, etc., you’re going to want these items.

• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Warm fleece or insulated jacket
• Rain jacket
• Extra socks
• Hat and lightweight gloves (cool weather)
• Emergency poncho

With kids:

• Pack one more warm layer than you think they’ll need.
• Young children cool down much faster than adults.

4. Illumination

Always carry a reliable light source. You might want to consider this item in duplicate or even triplicate. It’s not uncommon for hikers to have more than one headlamp in their pack and a flashlight backup.

• Headlamp (preferred)
• Flashlight (backup)
• Extra batteries or rechargeable light
• Small light for older children if they’ll be hiking near dusk

5. First Aid

I cannot tell you the number of times I have come across children on the trail without water or first aid tools when they needed it. We hike a trail in Mohican State Park often that has stinging nettles lining the path. We’ve applied drawling salve and a bandaid for people two different times on those trails.

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Blister treatment (moleskin or blister bandages)
• Tweezers
• Small scissors
• Elastic wrap
• Pain reliever
• Antihistamine
• Personal medications
• Insect bite relief
• Disposable gloves
• Drawing salve

6. Fire

Carry supplies to start a fire in an emergency. While we have never had to rely on a fire resource while hiking, it’s a definite must-have.

• Waterproof matches
• Lighter
• Fire starter (cotton balls with petroleum jelly, commercial fire starter, etc.)
• Store everything in a waterproof bag

7. Repair Kit / Tools

Fix gear problems on the trail.

• Multi-tool or knife
• Duct tape (wrapped around a water bottle or trekking pole)
• Gear repair tape
• Zip ties
• Safety pins
• Small length of cord or paracord

8. Nutrition

I know most people think they’re going out for a short hike and won’t need food, but so many times we’ve heard of hikers going down because their blood sugar plummeted because of the rigor of the trail. When you’re sweating and working hard, drinking a lot of water, etc, you need to replenish in some way. Kids are going to want a snack. In an emergency, you’ll be grateful you have them. Bring more food than you expect to need.

• High-energy snacks
  • Trail mix
  • Granola bars
  • Nuts
  • Jerky
  • Dried fruit
• Lunch (for longer hikes)
• Emergency snacks
• Electrolyte drink mix (optional)

With kids:

• Pack familiar foods they’ll actually eat.
• Offer snacks every 30–60 minutes to help maintain energy.

9. Hydration

Carry plenty of water and a filter for water should you run out. Each of our children have their own pack that holds 2 liters of water. They each carry their own pack with water and a water bladder with an easy to reach straw. This encourages frequent drinking.

• Water bottles or hydration reservoir
• Extra water for hot weather
• Water filter or purification tablets (for longer hikes)
• Electrolyte packets

With kids:

• Encourage frequent drinking before they say they’re thirsty.
• Young children often forget to drink unless reminded.

10. Emergency Shelter

Prepare for an unexpected overnight stay or delayed return.

• Emergency bivy or space blanket
• Lightweight emergency tarp
• Emergency sleeping bag (for longer or remote hikes)

Kid-Specific Extras (Highly Recommended)

These aren’t part of the traditional Ten Essentials, but they’re worth packing on family hikes:

• Whistle for each child (teach them three blasts = help)
• Small backpack (if age appropriate)
• Comfort item (small stuffed animal or favorite toy)
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and waste bags
• Extra clothes (especially for toddlers)
• Diapers and changing supplies (if needed)
• Insect repellent
• Tick removal tool
• Small towel
• Trekking poles (for older kids)
• Identification card or emergency contact information
• Bright-colored clothing so children are easier to spot

Before You Leave

• Check the weather forecast.
• Research trail conditions and closures.
• Start early to avoid hiking after dark.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Make sure everyone has sturdy footwear.
• Adjust your pace for the youngest hiker and plan plenty of breaks.

When hiking with kids, the goal isn’t just reaching the destination—it’s keeping everyone comfortable, safe, and having fun so they’ll want to hit the trail again.

Children should have their own small backpack with a hydration reservoir, basic survival kit, snacks, whistle, etc. This is partially so the parent isn’t carrying everything and partially because children can get seperated and could need their own survival resources. This happened a few years back when two parents were overcome by dehydration just 200 feet from a water source they didn’t know they was there.