by Angela V Hiking as a family is one of our favourite things to do together. Since the boys are now four and seven-years-old, hiking with them is a lot easier now as we can go for longer hikes.
We go hiking very often in the warmer months, and our goal is to hike more now during the winter as well. We are definitely fortunate to live in Vancouver, where we can hike year-round.
Are you thinking about going for a nice walk or hike? I have put together a Hiking Essentials checklist with some items you will need to pack for safety, survival and basic comfort. See the full list below.
Essentials To Always Take With You When Hiking
- Water Bottles: Pack water bottles for everyone going hiking, I always pack enough water for the four of us, including full bottles for the boys.
- Map/GPS/Compass: Always carry a paper map of the area you are exploring, even if you think you are familiar with the area. We use our phone’s compass and GPS, but it is recommended to have an actual compass with you in case your phone runs out of charge.
- Sunscreen: Your skin will need protection from the sun so make sure to pack your sunscreen and reapply during your hike as necessary, even during the winter!
- Small Flashlight with Batteries: My husband and I both carry small flashlights to have in case of emergency. We always hike during the day, but you must be prepared.
- Small First-Aid Kit: I have a little First-Aid Kit I carry with me when going on hikes. I’ve had to use band-aids in the past when one of the boys fell and scraped his knees and having the essentials made me feel prepared.
- Matches or Lighter: We always carry a lighter in our backpacks to use if needed. Having a way to start a fire is important in case of emergency.
- Extra day’s supply of food: Bring more or less food depending on how long you are hiking, but always bring more food than you think you would need. I often pack extra snack bars, bags with nuts and fruits and other filling snacks.
- Pocket Knife or Multi-tool: I have a small Swiss Army knife that I carry in my hiking backpack. Again, it is better to be prepared than you be caught with nothing in an emergency.
- Reflective Blankets: I ordered a couple of reflective blankets from Amazon, and they come in a small package that’s perfect to throw in your bag and forget about it. The blankets will be handy if you end up looking for shelter in unexpected circumstances.
- Dress appropriately: Since it’s winter time, be sure to wear warm clothes, including gloves, a hat, and appropriate shoes for the terrain, to stay warm and safe when going for a hike.
Hiking can help increase your bone density and fight arthritis and osteoporosis. The fresh air and exercise are also great mood enhancers and exercise is necessary for active little ones too. Grab your winter jacket, hat and gloves and your hiking backpack and go!
When was the last time you went for a hike? Is it possible to hike in the winter where you live? I realize hiking during the winter isn’t even an option in some places when temperatures drop so much.
Are you a local? Here are some ideas with some places to go hiking with kids in YVR! Cleveland Dam and Capilano Hatchery, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Burnaby Lake Park, Grouse Mountain, Rice Lake.
18 Comments on “Essentials To Always Take With You When Hiking”
Thanks for sharing!!
Grouse is my favorite, it’s the best one if you ask me, then again I haven’t been to some of the hikes you listed.
Great tips! I am glad you mentioned the survival items; instead of regular matches and lighters, may I suggest a flint fire starter or water proof matches.
We call hiking where we live in the winter snowshoeing! Hiking is such a wonderful thing to do. I have never thought of packing Reflective Blankets. Great idea.
I love hiking! Especially when there is a bit of snow. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Great tips on what to pack when hiking, the reflective blankets are a great idea. It’s always best to be prepared for a worst case scenario.
It was only today that I discovered the ‘Shop’ link at the top of the page – am I going blind or is this new?
These are awesome tips. I love hiking and have been looking forward to the day my little one is old enough so she can come with. I think it is such a relaxing family activity and a great way to teach the young ones to appreciate nature! Also, my husband got a Swiss Army knife for Christmas so I’ll be sure to remind him to bring that along our future hiking trips.
I’m a firm believer in being prepared because you never know if or when something might happen. I have emergency kits in my house in case something natural or man made happens and I also have a an emergency kit in my vehicle because you never know what might happen.
I don’t hike like you do but I love everything on your list except I think I’d add 2 things and that is instead of a flashlight with batteries, i’d take either a crank radio combination flashlight so if the batteries go dead you can easily crank it plus the radio can keep you informed and distracted. The other thing i’d want is some form of walkie talkie so you can hopefully still have communication especially if my phone won’t work.
I also think that a fully charged phone is a good idea too, that way you could also call in case of an emergency.
I believe in being prepared because you never know what may might happen. Great list!
I bought the waterproof Pill Holder Box so I’d have some Tylenol in my purse and the others hold matches or other small things that are great to have when hiking. Thanks for the link below your post except I bought them on amazon.ca.
These are all great suggestions. One of my goals this year is to go for more hiking adventures. Vancouver must be so beautiful to explore!
Great Hiking Essentials checklist! I plan to do more hiking this summer.
Very handy list – thanks for the reminders. Hoping to do some nice hikes this summer.
Thank you for the tips, I will have to put together a hiking pack.
Thanks for the list. I use a small light backpack for taking essentials.
Such great tips. It’s definitely good to be prepared. We have walking trails here, for winter and summer.