The 10 Essentials of Hiking/Backpacking

What You Need to Stay Safe, Comfortable, and Smiling on the Trail

When you're heading into the backcountry—whether it’s for a weekend overnight or a week-long thru-hike—there are a few things you always want in your pack. They're called the Ten Essentials, and they're the foundation of every safe and successful backpacking trip.

At Hilltop Packs, we specialize in ultralight backpacking gear that helps you hit the trail with confidence, comfort, and a lighter load. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or just getting started, this list is for you.

1. Navigation (Map, Compass, GPS)

Even on well-marked trails, it’s easy to lose your way. Always carry a paper map and compass, and learn how to use them. Digital tools like Gaia GPS or FarOut are great additions, but batteries fail—paper doesn’t.

💡 Pro Tip: Store your maps and important documents in one of our ultralight zip pouches to keep them dry and accessible.

2. Headlamp or Flashlight (with extra batteries)

You never plan to hike after dark… until you do. A lightweight headlamp is a must. Choose one with a red-light mode for night vision and always carry extra batteries.

🧢 Did you know? Our stuff sacks with headlamp diffusers turn your headlamp into a soft-glow lantern for the tent. Great for reading, organizing gear, or just setting the mood.

3. Sun Protection (Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Sun Hoodie)

UV exposure can creep up on you, especially at higher altitudes. Protect your skin and eyes with a wide-brim hat, quality sunscreen, and sunglasses.

☀️ Trail favorite: Our Hilltop Packs Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50+ sun protection, wicks moisture, and weighs next to nothing—ideal for long miles and long days.

4. First Aid Kit

Scrapes, blisters, splinters—it happens. Pack a simple first aid kit with the essentials: adhesive bandages, blister care, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any personal meds.

🎒 Organize it right: Our printed dry bags are perfect for organizing medical supplies and labeling them clearly for quick access in your pack.

5. Knife or Multi-tool

From cutting food to fixing gear, a small knife or multi-tool has a thousand uses. You’ll be glad you brought one.

🪓 Hilltop tip: Keep your knife and other small tools in one of our custom-printed accessory bags—and label them for easy ID.

6. Fire (Lighter, Matches, Firestarter)

Emergencies happen, and being able to start a fire could save your life. Bring a mini lighter, waterproof matches, and something like cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly for a quick ignition.

🔥 Storage solution: Our Dyneema roll-top dry bags are ideal for keeping fire-starting tools dry even in the worst conditions.

7. Shelter (Beyond Your Tent)

If you’re separated from your main shelter or caught out unexpectedly, you’ll want emergency protection. Space blankets, ultralight tarps, or bivy sacks can make all the difference.

⛺ Fun fact: Our Hilltop Packs dry bags are made to withstand the elements

8. Extra Food

Always carry an extra day's worth of food. Think calorie-dense snacks that require no prep: energy bars, jerky, trail mix, nut butters.

🦉 Make it yours: Store food in one of our custom-printed bear bags, complete with your name, logo, or trail name. It’s food storage made fun and functional.

9. Extra Water (and a Way to Purify It)

Dehydration can sneak up fast. Always carry enough water and a way to treat more. Popular choices include Sawyer Squeeze filters, Katadyn BeFree, and Aquamira drops.

💧 Stay dry and organized: Keep your water treatment gear in a ultralight tuff sack to avoid cross-contamination with food or clothing.

10. Extra Clothes

Backcountry weather changes in a flash. Even in summer, a cold rain can spell trouble. Pack a puffy, a rain layer, dry socks, and gloves depending on conditions.

🧦 Pro gear: Our weather-resistant dry bags keep your clothes bone-dry, even in a downpour. Available in a variety of custom prints and sizes.

Bonus Tips from Hilltop Packs

✅ Pack Light, Pack Right: Ultralight doesn’t mean underprepared. It means choosing quality gear that does more with less weight. That’s our specialty.

✅ Customize Your Setup: From personalized food bags to custom-printed stuff sacks with your dog’s face on them (yes, really), we make gear that’s as fun as it is functional.

✅ Stay Organized: Use color-coded or labeled bags to separate clothes, food, first aid, toiletries, and electronics. Your future trail-self will thank you.