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The 10 Essentials for Exploring the Backcountry

There’s no doubt about it, the popularity of outdoor adventure is on the rise. It is awesome to see so many people excited about exploring nature, exactly what we love to do.

But it does come with a few downsides. Some examples can clearly be seen in the Vancouver area in British Columbia:

  • Certain trails are experiencing huge issues with trash and general damage. This is not only blamed on the huge increase in visitors but also lack of awareness of appropriate backcountry behaviour
  • Volunteer search and rescue teams such as North Shore Rescue are experiencing a dramatic rise in rescue calls. Again, this is explained not only by the increase of trail users but also the number of new visitors who may less aware of the risks and dangers of the backcountry

This is not to say that veteran backcountry users are by any means perfect in their treatment of nature and/or preparation for risks. 

Gemma walking on gravel path through alpine meadows with mountains in background
Hiking in the meadows of Gwillim Lakes, Valhalla Provincial Park

To help ensure the protection of nature and to safest experience possible, this post will focus on the essential items every outdoor adventurer should bring into the backcountry.

Note – My usage of ‘backcountry’ in this context is a remote, undeveloped area usually accessed to hike, paddle, climb etc. 

Other backcountry necessities

The 10 Essentials for exploring the backcountry

Whether you’re starting a week-long hike in the mountains or want to explore a 5km return trail near the highway, there are a number of items you should always be carrying.

Situations that would usually be slight inconveniences elsewhere (changes in weather, injuries, other unexpected events) can easily turn into life-threatening emergencies in the backcountry. 

These items can help prevent these situations and also alleviate them when they do happen.

The team leader of North Shore Rescue commented in an interview that “ninety percent of the calls for overdue hikers involve people who don’t have a headlamp.”

This 10 Essentials list is adapted version of the originally compiled by the Seattle branch of the outdoor recreation and education group ‘the Mountaineers’ in the 1930’s. It remains incredibly relevant today.

There are some affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. 

Yellow wildflowers in front of mountain scenery in British Columbia

Insulation (clothing)

Bring clothes and accessories for the coldest possible conditions during the season you are travelling in. Weather can change very quickly, especially in the mountains.

Never assume that the weather at the trailhead will be the same at your destination. Bring a:

Avoid wearing cotton because it absorbs sweat, takes an age to dry and is heavy and cold when wet. Cotton can literally kill. Wool and poly clothing, on the other hand, don’t have these problems.

We personally wear a lot of merino wool (specifically Icebreaker) when exploring the backcountry. It is lighter than traditional wool, stays warm when wet, dries reasonably fast and doesn’t stink.

Gemma standing on wooden boardwalk in front of Pacific beach
Wearing a long sleeve merino wool top while hiking in Cape Scott Provincial Park

Sun protection

Easily one of the most overlooked ‘essentials,’ sun protection is so important to prevent sunburn and sunstroke.

Alongside sunscreen, remember to bring sunglasses, lip balm (with SPF rating) and a sunhat. Don’t forget that the sun can penetrate through clothing too so choose clothing that can block UV rays more effectively.

Another reason JR and I wear a lot of merino wool that (in addition to its many other benefits mentioned above) is that it has a natural SPF rating of around 20+.

Navigation

Always carry a detailed map and compass to identify your location and how far you need to travel. Make sure your map is in some kind of waterproof container.

Not sure how to use a map and compass? For hands-on lessons, check local hiking clubs and large outdoor gear retailers.

Even if using a GPS unit or phone app, always have a map and compass as a back-up.

Brown campsite sign on post

Nutrition (food)

Carrying extra food is particularly important in case of unexpected delay. Not only essential for emergencies, there are plenty of other backcountry scenarios in which extra food is much appreciated.

Difficult terrain and wet weather are always easier to get through with the energy and morale that food brings. On multi-day trips into the backcountry, we bring an extra day of food rations.

For ideas of what to bring, check out MEC’s snack section.

Hydration (water)

Water is essential for the body to perform well. Dehydration is dangerous! Drink plenty of water before setting out and bring plenty with you (1-2l is a good idea, though it depends on location and weather).

Always have some method to purify or filter water – that stream water may look and taste great but may also be carrying bacteria that could make you sick. My preference is to bring two variations of filtering/purification systems (usually the BeFree), one being a handful of ultralight Aqua Tabs as a backup.

Water view looking back on sandy shore with mountains behind

First Aid supplies

A First Aid kit is invaluable for every-day irritations (bee stings, small cuts) to major injuries. Create your own from scratch or buy a pre-made kit and then supplement as needed. Always check expiry dates on items before each trip.

Some essential items we have in our kit include bandages, gloves, scissors, oral rehydration salts, blister plasters, surgical tape, tweezers and antihistamines. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid course.

Fire starters

A fire can be a lifesaver for backcountry users needing to signal for help or suffering from hypothermia. Bring matches at a minimum, preferably of the waterproof kind or in a waterproof container.

Firestarters, as the name implies are designed to get a fire going quickly. Commercial varieties are reasonably cheap to buy. We try to make our own with birch bark or small amounts of kindling.

Campfire burning within rock ring

Illumination

Let there be light! An unexpected delay to your backcountry trip could mean time spent in the dark. Every member of the group should have some form of light.

Headlamps are the most used form of lighting in the backcountry. Simple to use, cheap to buy and lightweight, headlamps allow hands-free movement and usually have a long battery life. Bring extra batteries (if appropriate) and consider an emergency light for back-up.

We personally use Petzl’s Actik Core headlamp – it has all the features we need and recharges by USB.

Repair kit and tools

Having a way to repair equipment can be so vital when in the backcountry. The answer? The all-purpose, fix everything lightweight saviour that is duct tape. There are fancier methods (such as tenacious tape) to fix items, but at a minimum, always have some duct tape.

Having a knife or multi-tool is also immensely useful for a range of tasks including building shelter, creating kindling and assisting with first-aid.

JR hiking through forest on wide path with sun beaming through trees

Emergency shelter

Having an emergency shelter can make all the difference if unexpectedly forced to spend a night in the backcountry.

There are quite a few emergency blankets, bivvy bags and tarps on the market. I like the blankets and bags made by S.O.L as they are bright orange on the outside, a good colour for signalling for help if needed.

On paddling trips, we always carry an emergency blanket in our PFD pockets in case we become separated from our canoe or kayaks.

Signaling devices

At the very least, bring a whistle. If lost or injured, yelling is tiring and also difficult for rescuers to hear. Whistle blasts are much more effective.

If bringing a cell phone – charge it fully, turn it off and then store it somewhere waterproof. Reserving the battery is important in case of emergency. If your phone is also your camera, bring a portable battery charger.

Solo hikers or those heading into particularly remote areas may want to consider buying a satellite communication device such as the Spot or InReach (we have the latter).

Kayaking on the ocean close to Wallace Island in the Salish Sea

Beyond the 10 Essentials

Smart backcountry travel doesn’t end with the 10 Essentials. In fact, they are just a place to start. Some other helpful beginner tips include:

  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to reduce your impact on nature. The basics of this include (but is not limited to) packing out what you brought in, camping on existing campsites or durable surfaces, washing away from streams and lakes, leaving nature in nature (don’t bring back souvenirs), minimising campfires and respecting wildlife
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Better still, complete this AdventureSmart trip plan (PDF download will start) with the details of your adventure and leave with a friend or family member. Remember Aaron Ralston who got stuck in a canyon for 127 hours and had to cut off his arm to get out? He didn’t leave a trip plan with anyone
  • Be prepared to turn back. If the trip doesn’t go as planned due to bad weather, minor injuries or other unexpected circumstances, it may become necessary to turn back. Yes, this means not finishing the hike or whatever challenge you set yourself, but it is so important to know your limits. Not turning back can potentially make the situation worse
  • Learn about safe travel in bear country. Knowing how to avoid a bear encounter is the best approach when exploring Canada’s backcountry. Always make noise (trust me, they want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them), watch for fresh bear signs (droppings, tracks, diggings) and maintain a clean camp (refer to Leave No Trace principles). I would also recommend learning about bear behaviour and purchasing bear spray. Wearing a bear spray holster is ideal for quick use

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Plan your next outdoor adventure now:

Cathy

Friday 15th of September 2023

Celebrating my Country!

Ron

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Awesome content, very helpful, thanks very much.

Gemma

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

You're welcome Ron!

Paul Naismith

Friday 30th of June 2023

Great advice. Just getting started with hiking at age 66. Lots of canoe camping experience none with regards to carrying everything in a pack on my back

Gemma

Monday 3rd of July 2023

Thanks Paul! There are some pretty big differences between canoe camping vs. backpacking but plenty of transferable skills!

Luba Katic

Tuesday 21st of June 2022

Love this upbeat and informative site with its stunning photos. I will be back to read some more!