Getting lost or injured when you are hiking with your family is never something anyone wants to think about. Being prepared for such instances is important so that everyone stays safe if this were to ever happen.
If this were to happen to you would you have everything you need? Here are 5 essentials that should be carried in your backpack.
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First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is for injuries and has several items inside that will allow you to tend to wounds, sprains and many more injuries. You’ll also find other essential items that you need while out on the trail.
A first aid kit should be the first thing that you put in your backpack. Find one that has enough supplies, but is lightweight enough to carry. The First Aid Kit, Emergency Survival Bag for Hiking with 105 Pieces is one that you should consider. Plus you’ll also get a blanket which isn’t normally included in kits.
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Water Filter
You can live without food for a while, but having water is important. If you have access to water you’ll be able to survive longer. There might be plenty of water in the area you plan to hike, but you need to make sure that it is safe to drink. In order to do that you would need a water filter.
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter works great. It is very lightweight, plus super easy to use.
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Knife
A knife should be included in your bag. It will cut pieces of clothing if needed, but that isn’t all. When you have a knife around at all times like at your house – you don’t think about all the things you use it for.
The SE KHK6320 Outdoor Tanto Knife with Fire Starter is a good starter one to get. It should be carried in the backpack not on you though. It has a lanyard, but might break and you could lose the fire starter that comes with it.
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Flashlight
Being able to see in the dark in case you get lost is essential, so you need to carry a flashlight as well. Getting one with batteries is okay, but it would be much better to purchase one that you can crank or that is solar powered.
The Emergency Flashlight, MECO LED Flashlight Emergency Hand Cranking & Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight has this features as well as a snap clip to attach it to your backpack.
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Whistle
You want to take your cell phone you are going out, as well as walkie talkies, but if both of those run out of juice – you’ll need something to get attention. A whistle will do that. You don’t need anything fancy.
The Coghlan’s Function Whistle is a good one to get. Not only will you get a whistle, but a compass. Plus it can easily be attached to your backpack with the keychain.
There are many more survival items that you can carry in your backpack, but these should help you if anything were to happen. You’ll be prepared and can stay safe until someone finds you are you are able to get out.
