Hiking Essentials and Garmin Gear for Peace of Mind on the Trail
From a Garmin handheld GPS to a smartwatch with built-in maps to an inReach® satellite communicator, Garmin has your hike covered.
Whether you’re spending weeks camping in the backcountry or taking a day hike, you need to know what can help you to stay safe.
How do you do that? By planning your trip thoroughly and packing smart.
Before you go
When planning for your trip, you should understand what your body is capable of. If you don’t hike often or aren’t physically fit, it’s best not to attempt a difficult mountain summit on your first trek. When packing your supplies, you should know how much weight you can carry and for how long. Know your, as well as your companion’s, capabilities when planning your hike.
The National Park Service recommends asking yourself if you’ve hiked in the environment you’re planning to visit, if you can travel to higher elevations, and if you’re hiking alone or with a friend.
Be sure to share your plan with a loved one. You should also develop an emergency plan in case you or your hiking buddy get hurt or lost.
No matter the length or difficulty level of your outdoor adventure, we always recommend packing a satellite communicator such as an inReach® Messenger Plus or inReach® Mini 2 satellite communicator1. Both options allow you to trigger an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response℠, our international emergency coordination center that’s staffed 24/7, and offer two-way messaging — all without cell service. The inReach Messenger Plus2 also enables you to send photos and voice messages. And if you forget to share your route with a loved one before you leave (take this as your reminder to do so), you can share your location and route with live tracking.
What are the essentials to pack?
Part of your hike preparation includes planning what essential items you’ll bring. Your final packing list will vary depending on whether you’ll be gone for several days or several hours.
The Mountaineers, a nonprofit focused on growing the outdoor community in the Pacific Northwest, created the “Ten Essentials” list, which came from their climbing courses in the 1930s and were later formalized into 10 systems in 1974.
Here’s how the National Park Service breaks it down.
Navigation: You need to make sure you know how to get where you’re going. Bring a physical topographic map and compass. In addition, you can bring a handheld GPS such as our GPSMAP® 67 series or Montana® 700 series. Or, you could wear a Garmin smartwatch with built-in maps such as the fēnix® 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED premium GPS smartwatch or an Enduro™ 3 ultraperformance smartwatch. Both have enhanced map navigation with a dynamic round-trip routing feature, as well as an altimeter, barometer and a 3-axis electronic compass. Plus, with up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode on the fēnix 8 and up to 36 days on the Enduro 3, you can trust your watch will last for the duration of your hike.
Sun protection: You should have sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen (rated at least 30 SPF) and a hat. Sun-protection clothing can help as well.
Insulation: Make sure to take extra clothing with you so if the weather changes suddenly, you’ll be ready.
Illumination: Even if you don’t expect to be outside at night, it’s important to have a source of light — just in case. A hands-free headlamp (with extra batteries) is best. As a backup, you could turn on the flashlight on a Garmin smartwatch such as fēnix 8, Enduro 3 or Instinct® 2X Solar. Our LED flashlights also allow you to keep your hands free, whether you’re hunting for something in your bag or making a nighttime trip to the bathroom.
First-aid supplies: You can modify a premade kit to suit your needs. Make sure you’re familiar with what’s inside so you’re ready if first aid is needed. If an emergency happens, press the SOS button on your Garmin inReach device.
Fire: This category should include matches, a lighter and a fire starter. Be sure you know what the area’s fire regulations are.
Tools and repair kit: You should carry tools such as duct tape, a knife, scissors or a multi-tool, as well as a kit to make minor repairs.
Nutrition: When hiking, make sure you have an extra day’s worth of food with high nutritional value.
Hydration: Drinking enough water is imperative when spending time outside, especially during strenuous hikes or when the sun is beating down on you. Make sure to drink water before you feel thirsty. Pack enough water for your trip or take water treatment supplies. You can use the hydration tracker on your Garmin watch to keep yourself on target.
Shelter: Take a tent, space blanket, tarp or bivy with you so you have an option for emergency shelter.
Prepare for your next hike by browsing our collection of GPS handhelds, satellite communicators and adventure watches.
1Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
2Photo and voice messaging requires use of the Garmin Messenger™ app on your compatible smartphone
