The Ten Essentials you need for Hiking

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html

This is a great read and good source of information.

Ten Essential Systems

1. Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger

2. Headlamp: plus extra batteries

3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen

4. First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)

5. Knife plus a gear repair kit

6. Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove

7. Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy)

8. Extra food Beyond the minimum expectation

9. Extra water Beyond the minimum expectation

10. Extra clothes Beyond the minimum expectation

The exact items from each system that you take can be tailored to the trip you’re taking. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate you might choose to take a map, compass and PLB, but leave your GPS and altimeter behind. On a longer, more complex outing, you might decide you want all those tools to help you find your way. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.

Continue reading below for more information about each of the Ten Essential systems. And for help figuring out what else to bring with you, check out these hiking checklists.

Hiking Checklist links

https://www.rei.com/learn/c/hiking/t/checklists

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/topo-maps-how-to-use.html

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/navigation-basics.html

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gps-receiver.html

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/first-aid-checklist.html