Whether you’re traveling across Europe by rail or backpacking through the Pacific Northwest, the key to a successful outdoor adventure is making sure you’ve brought the right gear. You need to have the right apparel and the proper nutrition, but your checklist shouldn’t stop there.
If you truly want to have a good time and be ready for any situation that the great outdoors might throw your way, you need to have the right hand-held tools that can take the work (and guesswork) out of day-to-day tasks. Here are five compact tools and items that should be in every hiker’s pack.
Flashlight
Like a lot of technology, flashlights have only gotten smaller and more sophisticated over time. The Streamlight Scorpion X LED flashlight is made with survivalists in mind. The Scorpion has multiple light settings for different situations and can provide up to 50 hours of light output with just two lithium batteries. Set it to maximum brightness for identifying objects hundreds of feet down the trail or turn it all the way down to enjoy some light reading before turning in. The lightweight aluminium case and high-efficiency LED head are so lightweight you’ll barely notice that the flashlight is in your pocket. But when night falls, you’ll be relieved to find it there.
Multitool
When you’re out in the wild, a reliable multitool can ensure that you are prepared for any situation. There are hundreds of styles of multitools with a variety of clever features, from USB drives to phone chargers. However, you definitely want to make sure that the one you choose has the necessities. The Leatherman Orange Wave Multitool has all of the industry standards: a needle-nose plier, a clip-point and serrated knife, a diamond file and even a bit driver. From sharpening sticks to cleaning fish, a multitool makes for an invaluable companion when you’re miles from civilization. It’s also ideal for repairing and maintaining the rest of your gear.
Water Purification
Although most backpackers carry a full-sided water filtration system in their backpack, it’s important to have a backup in case of an emergency. The Lifestraw personal water filter is the right choice. This cleverly designed device looks just like a straw, allowing you to drink up to 264 gallons of water directly from sources like ponds, lakes and rivers. When you’re out on the Appalachian trail or traveling in a country with a questionable municipal water supply, the Lifestraw may just be the thing that prevents a trip-ending illness.
Fire Starter
The Light My Fire 2.0 was originally developed by the Swedish Defense Department and is the go-to firestarter for several renowned military units across the world. Capable of throwing out a 5,400 degree spark, this is an absolute necessity for any survival kit. This easy-to-use tool is guaranteed for 12,000 strikes, and because it still works when it’s wet, you can rest assured that you’ll always have a warm fire, even when the conditions are treacherous.
Hand & Foot Warmer
Having perfectly warm and cozy feet and hands while out on the trail might seem like a bit of a modern convenience, but it can also be a lifesaver in certain situations. A battery or liquid fuel-powered hand warmer provides a quick-drying option for limbs or items of clothing that have received a little too much contact with cold temps or water. Go with the Zippo 12 Hour Hand Warmer, which also functions as a lighter and a spare fuel carrier.
