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What to Bring

Even good weather can change quickly, and clear trails can become confusing. It is worth carrying a bit extra, just in case. This list is not exhaustive; it is a starting point. Add items based on the season, conditions, and your specific route.

The Essentials

NSR recommends carrying the following 10 Essentials. Remember, they are not “get out of jail free” cards. Electronics can fail, batteries can die, and signals can be lost. Always tell a reliable person where you are going and when to expect you back, leave a detailed trip itinerary, and make sure you understand your route and plan accordingly.

1. Light

Flashlight or a headlamp with extra batteries (and light bulb if not LED). Green cyalume stick or small turtle lights as emergency backup.

  • Lack of light is the main cause of overdue hiker callouts for NSR.  It is easy to misjudge daylight, especially in dense forest.
  • Carry a good headlamp or flashlight per person, plus spare batteries (and bulb if needed).
  • Use green cyalume light sticks only as an emergency backup; they allow slow travel for several hours in the dark.

2. Signalling Device

Whistle (we recommend the Fox 40 whistle with a lanyard), Bear Bangers, Pencil Flare

  • A loud, pealess whistle works well in wet conditions and carries a long distance.
  • Use three short blasts as a distress signal, every 1–5 minutes, in different directions.
  • If you hear whistles from rescuers, keep signalling at shorter intervals until they make voice contact and you can follow their instructions.

3. Fire Starter

Waterproof matches (or in plastic bag), lighter, commercial firestarter, candle

  • Waterproof matches or lighter are the basics.

  • Add a commercial firestarter (available at outdoor stores like MEC) and/or a candle.

4. Warm clothes

Hat or toque, gloves or mittens, puffy jacket, gortex jacket, polypro underwear, good quality hiking socks and gortex over pants

  • Dress in layers that breathe and wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Good layering helps prevent sweating that can lead to dehydration, hypothermia in cold, and heat exhaustion in warmer conditions.
  •  Choose fleece and waterproof-breathable outer layers with vent zips to dump excess heat.
  • A fleece or wool toque is important; a lot of heat is lost through the head, especially in children.
  • Good gloves or mittens are essential in cold or wet weather so you can still use your hands and avoid cold injuries.
  • A simple tip: carry two sturdy plastic bags. If your boots get wet, put on dry socks, wrap them in the bags, and put your boots back on to keep your feet warmer.

5. Pocketknife

Multi-tool or quality pocket knife, optional pruning saw

  • A multi-tool is preferred for versatility.

  • A good pocket knife with a quality blade will suffice for most tasks.

  • Carry a small pruning saw for cutting branches when building shelter or fire.

6. Shelter

Large orange plastic bag and thermal tarp.

  • A large orange plastic bag is one of the most useful items you can carry.
  • Getting inside the bag helps keep you warm and dry, and the bright colour is visible from the air.
  • A heavy-duty thermal (space) blanket provides extra shelter and reflects body heat.

7. Water and food

Water (1–2L), electrolytes, energy bars

  • As a general guide, drink 1–2 litres of water before, and carry 1–2 litres with you, adjusting for heat, cold, altitude, and terrain.
  • Consider carrying an electrolyte drink like Gatorade crystals to replace salts lost through heavy exertion.
  • Take short rest and drink breaks regularly to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion, or hypothermia.
  • High energy food bars are recommended.

8. First-aid kit

Pocket mask, Sam Splint, bulk dressings, gloves, bandages, scissors, blister dressings

  • Include a pocket mask for safe CPR.

  • Add a Sam Splint for injuries, bulk dressings for wounds, and protective gloves.

  • Carry bandages, scissors, and blister dressings for common hiking issues.

9. Navigation

Compass with declination adjustment, topo/interpretive maps, GPS as backup

  • Navigation and communication go together: knowing where you are and sharing that in an emergency helps you and rescuers.

  • Learn to navigate with map and compass; treat GPS as an aid, not a replacement.

  • GPS units are valuable but need practice and may be limited in complex terrain such as canyons or cliff bands.

10. Communications – Cell phone

Cell phone (fully charged), optional satellite device

  • Bring a cell phone with a fully charged battery; keep it turned off and in a ziplock bag to stay dry and powered.

  • Many calls to 9-1-1 succeed at first but fail when the phone dies before sharing location—avoid this.

  • On smartphones, know how to get GPS coordinates (e.g., via MotionX or iPhone Compass app) to give rescuers.

  • For tough terrain, consider satellite options like Spot, Delorme InReach, or a Personal Locator Beacon.

Important Tips Regarding the 10 Essentials

This list assumes you are already wearing suitable footwear and clothing: hiking boots, not runners, plus appropriate non‑cotton hiking layers such as pants, a synthetic (poly‑pro) shirt and underwear, a toque, and a backpack.

Footwear:

  • Footwear is not listed as something to carry, because you put it on at the start and keep it on.
  • Choose footwear (trail runners, approach shoes, light hikers, or mountaineering boots) to match your activity and terrain. Runners are a poor choice for hiking because they offer less grip and ankle support, and increase the risk of slipping or sprains.
  • Break in new boots well before your trip, and carry moleskin to cover hot spots.
  • Use good hiking socks that wick moisture to reduce blisters and skin problems.

Skills & Practice:

  • You need training to use a map, compass, first aid kit, and to reliably light a fire.
  • Even so, having these items with you can be critical in a survival situation.