10 Essentials to Take on Day Hikes

Developed by the respected outdoor organization The Mountaineers in 1974 and recommended by the National Park Service, the 10 Essentials refers to 10 categories of items that everyone heading into the wilderness should have with them, even if just for a day hike. A quick hike can turn into a freezing night on the mountain if you get lost or hurt, and this list of supplies is the recommended bare minimum that hikers should take with them. The complete kit should weigh only a few pounds and fit inside a small day pack. These items don't have to be expensive, and if you're hiking more than a mile from your vehicle, can prove invaluable for you and others.