What do I bring on my outdoor hike? What SHOULD I bring on my outdoor hike? As a woman, do I need to bring anything special? These questions are extremely important to know the answer to. This guide will cover the “10 Essentials Plus.” This includes the ten essential items that are crucial for safety, and a few additional items that women should never venture without.
What do I bring on my outdoor hike? What SHOULD I bring on my outdoor hike? As a woman, do I need to bring anything special? This is a question that is extremely important to know the answer to. This guide will cover the “10 Essentials Plus.” This includes the ten essential items that are crucial for safety, and a few additional items that women should never venture without.
What are the 10 Essentials?
The 10 Essentials are 10 basic items that have been identified as important to carry with you outdoors. While most of these items are rarely needed, they are lifesavers in the right moment. This is why they are so crucial to carry with you, even if you think they are just extra items. They can be invaluable if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
The 10 Essentials are:
- Navigation (map, compass, gps, etc.)
- Fire (weatherproof matches, lighter, tinder, etc)
- Flashlight
- Shelter (tarp or emergency bivvy)
- Sun Protection
- Extra Food
- Extra Water
- Extra Clothes
- First Aid
- Knife
If this seems like a lot to carry with you, just remember that each of these items can be a lifesaver at the right time. Most of these items come in convenient, small and lightweight forms and are available on Amazon or at any local outdoors stores.
What Are the 10 Essentials Plus?
Of course, it depends on what kind of adventure you are planning. I call it the “10 essentials plus,” because I like to include a few other items in my pack. As a woman, I have found that there are a few extra items that are extremely useful. They may not be as life-or-death as the main ten essentials, but I have found them to be “lifesavers” nonetheless!
The additional items I recommend for women to bring on an outdoors trip would be:
- Emergency Whistle or Sound Emitting Device
- Pepper Spray
- Emergency Feminine Products
- Toiletry Items
Why Should I Bring the 10 Essentials Plus?
As if the 10 Essentials weren’t enough? Why do I need to bring even more stuff? I hear you. It seems like you would have a full pack already, but each of these items have their own importance to a woman in the wild. They are useful both for safety and convenience. Read on to find out why.
Emergency Whistle or Personal Alarm
I put this at the top of the list because it is probably the most important one on the list of 10 Essentials Plus. It may be on par with pepper spray in terms of self-defense, and it doubles as a rescue aid. If you ever become lost, creating a loud sound will help rescuers locate your position and find you faster. You could use any loud whistle, but I prefer to use an electronic personal alarm.
A personal alarm is a small keychain-sized device that emits a loud piercing sound at the press of a button. The benefits of using an electronic personal alarm include the fact that you do not have to do anything except for pressing a button. So if you ever found yourself in a situation where you would not be able to bring the whistle to your mouth, or didn’t have the energy to forcefully blow a whistle, the electronic personal alarm would definitely be worth having in your pack.
Personal alarms can be invaluable in case of a violent attack as well. Assailants and/or wild animals may change their minds if they hear a loud attention-grabbing sound coming from your person. They may especially double-think their choices if you also have pepper spray, which brings us to the next point.
Pepper Spray
This one is also a safety and self-defense item. I highly recommend carrying pepper spray for a variety of reasons. First, it can potentially save your life in a violent attack situation. Second, it can act as a deterrent for wild animals if they behave threateningly. I do not recommend using it unless you definitely have to, because a squirt of this in the eyes of an attacking human or animal will cause them significant pain and distress. Be cautious if you ever need to use it, as misusing it can be hazardous. Point the nozzle in the right direction and hold it as far from your face as possible. I prefer stream-emitting pepper spray devices, because the mist from the spray ones can actually travel on the wind and get in your face as well, particularly if used towards an upwind target.
This is something that hopefully you will never need. I have only had to use mine once, and it saved me from serious injury from an attacking dog. Having it in your pack or on your person will give you significant peace of mind while on the trail.
Emergency Feminine Products
What’s worse than being unprepared in the middle of nowhere? Being unprepared in the middle of nowhere with Aunt Flo. This is a uniquely feminine problem, but one that needs to be addressed in the wilderness. The odor can not only be– let’s say–stronger, with physical activity, but can also attract predatory animals. Not to mention, it can be extremely uncomfortable. An outdoorswoman should be prepared for this eventuality when adventuring outdoors.
I usually tote a few extra pads, tampons, and several small sandwich bags in a bigger sealed plastic bag, squeeze out any extra air, and tuck the bag into my pack. This way it is very lightweight and waterproof. If you should need to use these items in the wild, be sure not to leave any plastic trash behind. Place all plastic trash into the individual sandwich bags, seal them up tightly, and pack them out until you can reach a garbage can.
Toiletry Items
Will you be prepared when nature calls? Let’s face it, as women, we aren’t as equipped as our male counterparts, but that doesn’t mean we have to neglect our bodily needs. There are a variety of products available to help women answer the call of the wild. We will look at a few here.
First of all, consider privacy and safety. If you undeniably have to go, can you find a secluded spot? Be sure not to go too far off the trail without some kind of way to mark your path. If you can find a secluded spot where you are certain no one will notice you, you are good to go.
Urination Devices
I recommend bringing a few items just in case you need to make this emergency decision. I have tried “stand-to-pee” type devices and have found that they generally don’t work and make a mess. If you have had success and have a suggestion, leave a comment! In my experience though, these have failed miserably. If you wish to try these devices, though, there are a variety available on Amazon.
Find “Urination Devices” on Amazon
“Pee Cloth”
The best item I have found to carry along (aside from feminine or baby wipes or toilet paper) is the reusable “pee cloth.” The name isn’t too flowery, but it gets the job done. The benefit of using one of these is that there is no paper trash left behind. I keep mine in a plastic bag and if I need to use it, put it back into the plastic bag to pack out. Then, once I get back home, I can pop it in the washing machine and it’s ready for another go. The reusable “pee cloth” is available on Amazon. Once again, it’s not something I use often, but it is invaluable when I really need it!
Feminine/Baby Wipes
Of course, I highly recommend packing along a small travel-size pack of some kind of wet wipes or toilet paper. A “pee cloth” won’t be much use if you need to number two.
Hand Sanitizer
I always carry a travel-size container of hand sanitizer for obvious reasons. Its good to stay germ-free as much as possible, even in the woods.
Did you know that gel hand sanitizer can double as a fire starter? Choose a variety high in alcohol and it can actually be flammable.
In Conclusion
The 10 Essentials Plus are my recommended items to bring with you as a female on any outdoor hike or adventure. Please remember that the 10 Essentials are in fact essential, and you should make an attempt to bring them every single time. The 10 Essentials Plus are not as essential, but they can be valuable in their own rights for both safety and convenience.
Are there items you feel could be added to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
