October 8, 2024
Heather Mimikos
So, you’ve planned out your next trip or hike: you have a map of where you’re going and you’ve scheduled a day that works with you and your family or friends. Now it’s time to pack, but that shouldn’t take too long. You may have thought it would be simple to put together your hiking prepper starter kit, only to search online and find an overwhelming amount of information on what you should pack. If this is you, don’t worry—below is a compiled list of some essentials that you should think about packing, different types of foods to bring, and other items you may not have thought of.
In what is typically called a bug-out bag, named to emulate the survival and preparedness that comes with adventuring, you will need a variety of items. Even if you aren’t going for multiple days, a few changes of clothes with layers is still essential. This is because if you do end up getting wet, or need to change for some other reason, you have a backup after that if something else happens. There is a similar sentiment for the kinds of fire starters you will want: having a few options, like a lighter, matches, and firewood in your prepper starter kit will guarantee you have a fire.
- Food:
There are many brands that are made specifically for hiking and prepper starter kits, and other types of non-perishable foods that will also work well. With all the options, it is up to personal preference. Instant foods, like rice, oatmeal, and ramen are very easy to make and eat no matter the circumstances, and they are the most accessible. Jerky and protein/meal bars are also good to keep to take up less space. Also, freeze dried foods and food geared to hikers is another great option. Less is still more, so make sure to pack with enough room for other essentials.
- Water – Puribag Micro:
Having access to clean, safe drinking water is one of the most important parts of packing a prepper starter kit. Before anything else, having an emergency option if something happens to your first filter, or you forget to pack it, is a must-have.
As for a regular filter to bring in your prepper starter kit, the Puribag Micro is the perfect lightweight, easy-to-use option. It hooks up to any water bottle, so you can pour any freshwater source right through to get safe drinking water. It also lasts up to 5,000L, so it will be with you through many adventures.
- First Aid – NOLS Med Kit 4.0:
While you would hope to not use a first aid kit, it is crucial to pack one in your prepper starter kit. The NOLS Med Kit 4.0 is a great, compact option to bring that has all the necessities. It can sustain up to four people for multiple days, yet only weighs 20.2oz, so it can fit securely in any bag. Inside, the kit includes wound/blister/burn care, a trauma pad, a CPR mask, and fracture/sprain care—all crucial items for adventuring. It also includes a thermometer, duct tape, EMT shears, and other miscellaneous first aid items that will keep you safe and healthy.
- Flashlight – Streamlight Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight:
Finding a good household flashlight can already be difficult, but one specifically for a prepper starter kit or hiking trip can be a challenge. The Streamlight Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight is one of the best options for hiking or any trip of any length. The flashlight has protected rechargeable battery packs, so dropping it in the forest or on a trail will not affect this powerful light.
It has multiple program options to choose from, lasting different lengths, running from 1.25 hours at its most powerful to even 11+ hours. The flashlight is designed not to roll away when set down, and is made of durable anodized aluminum. Overall, this flashlight is one of the best options for your prepper starter kit to ensure you never run out of light.
After packing all of these things, there are a few more quick, miscellaneous things that are important to bring with you:
- Self Defense: Pocket knife, pepper spray, etc.
- With self defense, it is up to your comfortability on what you bring, but it is important to bring something, even if that is just knowledge from a self defense class.
- Hygiene: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush/paste, a towel
- It can be easy to forget some hygiene items, since you may not be your cleanest on an adventure, but it can range from helpful to extremely necessary to bring these items!
- Other: Batteries, compass, whistle
- Along with your map, these items are also important for navigation and ensuring your safety in any wilderness scenarios.
With this list, hopefully you have an understanding of the importance of being prepared on your hike. While some of these items may seem like you could replace them, like the Streamlight Flashlight with a household flashlight, or some you might not even use, like the NOLS First Aid kit, they are all incredibly important.
With this prepper starter kit, you will see as you’re out in the wilderness how useful a more powerful flashlight is compared to a household one. You will see how important it is to be able to get clean water from freshwater sources. This perfect bug-out bag will keep you safe no matter where you are and what water you plan to drink. With all of these essentials, you will be able to tackle any adventure you dream of.
