I didn’t grow up in the outdoors, so everything I’ve learned since I started hiking in 2011 came from trial and error, recommendations from Barry, and thousands of miles of testing.

My Hiking + Backpacking Highlights

Trans-Catalina Trail - 38.5 miles (2016, 2018, 2022)
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - 57 miles (2020)
Chicago Outerbelt - 220 miles (2021)
Great Lake-to-Lake Trail #1 to Iron Belle Trail - 248 miles across Michigan (2021)
Pemigewassett Loop - 31 miles (2021)
Grand Teton Loop - 35 miles (2021)
Mount Whitney - 22 miles (2021)
Mineral King Loop - 55 miles (2022)
Longest Day Hike: 24 miles (Yosemite Valley Floor Loop)
Most Elevation Gain in a Day: Mount Whitney Summit (6,600+ feet of vertical gain)

I’ve had the privilege of learning about the outdoors via Barry, a former Wilderness EMT. In 2021, I completed my Wilderness First Responder certification. Since we don’t have all of the fun gadgets and gear that you’d find on an ambulance when we’re in the backcountry, we learned how create the equipment with the resources that we have available to us. Not surprisingly, this shifted the way I think about gear. I want my equipment to have the capability of being used for multiple purposes, for both practical and emergency situations.

This is a list of the gear that I use when I am out spending time in nature. I’m including what’s on my body, what I carry on my back, and all the other accessories I bring along.

To date, I have not completed any serious expeditions in snowy or icy conditions - so this list is for fair/good conditions and should not be taken as gospel. What is right for me may not be right for you, so take what works for you and leave the rest. Please consult a trusted and knowledgeable source before embarking on any outdoor adventure - we recommend supporting your local outdoor store whenever possible!

First Purchase: Shoes + Socks

Shoes

Historically, I’ve preferred trail running shoes to hiking boots, and I’ll tell you why. Heavy shoes will wear my legs out faster than lighter shoes. Trail runners fit like sneakers but have the grip of a hiking boot. Since I got serious about hiking and backpacking in 2016, I’ve tried Brooks, New Balance, Salomon, Columbia, and Merrell. I’ve landed on Salomon as my go-to favorite across the board, and I am proud to be a sponsored Salomon athlete.

I’m a huge fan of the Salomon SpeedCros s trail running shoes. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and the tread eats mountains for breakfast.

Also, I got fitted for custom insoles at Road Runner Sports and highly recommend doing the same. Since wearing custom insoles, I very rarely get sore, even on huge mileage days, and I believe having great support and great shoes helps tremendously! When I got fitted, I learned that my right foot is a bit taller than my left and a half-size larger than my left, which explains why in previous shoes, the tongue of the shoe dug into the top of my foot. That’s one of the reasons I love these shoes - the tongue stays put, is thin, and is lightly padded. The lay-flat laces don’t create too much tension on top of my foot.

If you prefer something a bit more supportive, I am a HUGE fan of the Salomon CrossHIKE boots. They fit like the SpeedCross and offer ankle support like a traditional hiking boot. The completely new CrossHIKE is designed for any conditions, anywhere in the world: multi-directional lugs, a seamless, closed-mesh construction and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Agile yet really grippy, this mid-height shoe cushions your ankle and keeps you on track wherever your adventures take you.

Socks

Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. Socks are one of the most important items to invest in. Cotton socks will make your feet sweat, which leads to blisters and other complications. I swear by Darn Tough socks, and they swear by them too, offering a Lifetime Warranty on their products. Whether you like no show, mid-height, or tall socks, Darn Tough has a sock for you with a design you’ll love. I love the quarter-height socks for both my SpeedCross 5’s (low on the ankle) and CrossHike mids. Generally I prefer their lightweight socks to keep my feet dry, but when I need a little extra cushion on a big mileage day, I’m a big fan of these Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks.

Up Next: Clothing

On my first backpacking trip, I brought several changes of clothes and packed for my fears - as if the weather would experience all four seasons. These days, I follow Barry’s way of packing for big trips and I have my day clothes and my night clothes. My hiking clothes are going to be more performance-based because they are lightweight, moisture wicking, easy to wash, if need be, and quick to dry. They also offer UV protection. The forecasted weather dictates what else I am going to bring. I find that when I am moving all day, I stay nice and warm but I always carry something thermal for cold nights. I rarely hike in heavy clothes because moisture from excess sweating can cause rapid cooling in unwanted situations. Nothing worse than trying to stay warm in wet clothes. When I am done hiking for the day, I switch into my camp clothes. Something comfortable, warm and that retains heat. My camp clothes aren’t too different from what I would wear on a cool rainy day at home. You can always take off layers at night if you are too warm.

ProTip: Waterproof = Windproof.

Underwear

I’m obsessed with ExOfficio underwear. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, dries quickly, and anti-microbial. I prefer the hipster briefs so there’s no chafing and no wedgies.

I wear a sports bra every single day. As a person with breasts, you know that your mileage may vary depending on the size and shape and level of support you require. I don’t have a lot going on in this region and I find padded sports bras to be the most comfortable for me as they tend to prevent my backpack straps from chafing on the area near my armpits.

Base Layers

Base Layers can make the difference between a pleasant outdoor excursion and a frigid day of shivering. Staying warm is all about layering and I absolutely love what SmartWool brings to the table in this department.

Top: Women’s All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve

Bottom: Women’s Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom

The Merino wool base layers are thin and lightweight. Perfect for cold days and cool nights. The wool is super soft and wicks away moisture to keep you dry. The offset shoulder and side seams on the long sleeve are designed to increase comfort and minimize chafing while wearing a backpack.

Moisture-Wicking Hiking Shirt

For an all-day hiking shirt, I chose the REI Sahara Shirt. I like the long-sleeve shirts where you can button the sleeves after rolling them to keep them secure. This shirt is nicely vented, is made of quick-dry fabric, and is lightweight. I love this shirt because it protects my tattoos from the sun without sitting too close to the skin - I can wear this shirt well into the 80’s and not feel like I’m overheating.

If long-sleeve isn’t your jam, the shirt I bought and wear religiously while I’m hiking was discontinued by REI, but I’ve added the Outline Summer t-shirt from Salomon and this Sahara short sleeve shirt from REI to my arsenal.

Hiking Shorts

I generally wear pants to protect my legs from scratches, ticks and other insects, but nothing beats hiking in shorts on a hot day when it's appropriate to do so. I prefer to have a bit of stretch for comfort and made from a quick-drying material in case I decide to take a dip in an alpine lake or river. That's why I choose a sensible pair of shorts like these from Salomon.

Hiking Pants

I have a few different pants I like for hiking and backpacking - Prana Halle Pants, Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights, and the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers.

The Prana Halle pants are great on and off the trail and feature three-way stretch fabric and a water-resistant coating. They’re comfortable, stylish, and they roll up in case the weather warms up and you want to convert them to capris.

The real MVPs in my backpack are the trekking tights and trousers from Fjallraven. They are quite pricey but I have worn them on hundredds of hikes for thousands of miles in all kinds of terrains and for all kinds of distances so they are well worth the investment.

When I want a bit of support, I wear the trekking tights. I’m obsessed with how they fit, and how they make me feel secure. I have a bit of loose skin since losing weight after being diagnosed with Diabetes, so they make me feel like everything is contained. My favorite feature, however, is the Cordura on the butt. When you need to sit on trail, or a picnic table, or scramble up and over boulders or otherwise scoot around on your butt, you can do so knowing that the pants won’t snag. The tights feature an easy-access leg pocket perfect for your cell phone, a zippered leg pocket to keep some items secure, and a zippered hidden pocket in the waistband. That’s where I keep my chapstick.

The trekking trousers are lightweight and cool and great for trekking in warm conditions. Made from durable four-way stretch fabric and lightweight, strong G-1000 Lite, giving a pliant, fast-drying garment with excellent ventilation. Perfect for hot days when you want to wear full-length trousers for protection against brush and biting insects out in the terrain. They have a technical cut with pre-shaped knees, which in combination with the stretch fabric gives well-fitting trousers that let you comfortably take full-length strides. Long ventilation zippers from the hips to the knees release excess heat. There are two hand pockets as well as spacious leg pockets with zippers for a map or the like. The leg endings have strap adjustments and boothooks that prevent them from riding up. Reinforcements at the leg endings and on the inside of the calves make them extra resistant to wear.

Headwear

For me, I chose the Kuhl Sun Dagger Hat. Now, it’s classified as a men’s hat and I didn’t see a female equivalent at the store, but this thing has a hole that is PERFECT for a ponytail to pop out of, and you can tighten and loosen like a regular ballcap. This Kuhl hat reminds me a little bit of a safari hat, but it keeps my face/ears/neck protected, keeps the hair off my neck by allowing me to have a regular ponytail, and it is high-wind tested (and patent-pending according to the tag). My only complaint on this hat is that I had to mold and fold the back brim down once I had my pack on. The back brim stuck out a bit far from my head and was jamming into the top of my pack. Easy fix!

Picking the Right Backpack

Traditional Backpack

Before we started using Ultralight gear, I chose the Osprey Aura 50 and I love the way it fits. It has a ton of structure, and the hipbelt feels like it’s giving you a hug. Fit is a big deal when it comes to backpacks, so I highly recommend rolling over to your local outdoor store and having them help you select a backpack. I like this size (50L) because it can carry everything I need for about a week’s worth of hiking before I need to resupply. More experienced backpackers will tell you to buy the things you need for the trip before you select a backpack, and I think that’s good advice. If I go for shorter trips and don’t need to pack as much, this pack tightens down quite nicely and doesn’t feel over the top. Again, this is all going to be based on your budget, body type and what kinds of colors and features you want. For me, having hip pockets was an absolute must - I need somewhere to keep my snacks so I don’t have to take off my whole pack every time I need a little something to keep me going. Osprey offers the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee. They will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If they are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, they will happily replace it.

Traditional Daypack

For shorter day hikes, I use the Trailblazer 20 by Salomon. I don’t have any real hangups or recommendations about a day pack. Go for something that is within your budget, comfortable, can hold at a minimum of a 2 liter water bladder (make sure it's fitted for a water bladder. (I swap the bladder in between my two rigs.), snacks, your first aid kit, and the clothes you would need to survive in the wilderness should the temperatures drop.

Ultralight Backpack

When I first wore this Mariposa 60L Backpack from Gossamer Gear, I’m not gonna lie, I felt naked in a bad way. I was so used to the bulk and structure of the Osprey that I was uncomfortable with such a light backpack. After a good dayhike with this backpack loaded, I understood what the fuss is all about with ultralight equipment. What the backpack felt lacking in structure, it made up for in the lightweight nature of it. Ultralight backpacking is a privilege and a luxury, and it makes a huge difference after a long day on the trail. We have backpacked several hundred miles with this backpack and it's holding up very well!

Ultralight Daypack

The Murrmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack from Goassamer Gear is the stuff my dreams are made of. I started my hiking/backpacking adventures with a flimsy daypack from REI (Flash18) and overloaded it with snacks, water, and layers. It dug into my shoulders, and I hated it. When I first tried on my Murmur 36L backpack, I thought I’d experience the same. But I didn’t. Ultimately, at some point, I’d love to get my setup so dialed in that I could backpack with this backpack, because it is an absolute dream to wear. This is 7.9 ounces of barely-there badassness.

Water Storage + Filtration

I use a 3L water reservoir from Osprey and I swap it between my two packs. You can find much cheaper water bladders on the market, but water is life and this is one area where I do not skimp. I prefer the Osprey 3L Hydraulics Reservoir for a few reasons: The hydrostatic backerplate provides structure to shove a full reservoir into a fully loaded pack and maintains a flat profile. The Easy Slide-Seal top opening seals watertight and provides wide access for easy filling and cleaning. The Pour shield extends the collar to ease filling in shallower sinks and control pouring into pots or bottles, and the carry handle allows easy reservoir management and filling. The magnet clip attaches to the reservoir hose and pairs with the included sternum strap magnet for easy water access and hose management. The QuickConnect system allows easy removal/filling of the reservoir and filtering in the backcountry. For longer trips where I know clean water sources are going to be scarce, I use a Sawyer Filtration System. It is lightweight and removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. The filter rated up to 100,000 gallons. When Barry and I were cruising around Glacier National Park and Grand Teton, we probably didn’t need to filter the water, but we did just to be safe. This is a lightweight solution that doesn’t require batteries.

Other Key Items

Trekking Poles

Poles may feel goofy or dorky at first but they will help tremendously as you move through varying terrain, especially on the downhills. If you’re just getting started, there’s nothing wrong with these Trail Buddy poles from Amazon. They are sturdy, reliable, and a great set of budget-friendly poles. We’ve since upgraded to the Gossamer Gear trekking poles.

Trekking poles are a very versatile piece of equipment. Not only can they be used as tent poles but they can also be used in an emergency situation. They can be repurposed as crutches, splints and can also be rigged to hold traction for compound fractures. They can even be used to fashion a litter to transport an injured hiker to safety.

Knife

A good knife is essential for being outdoors. You don’t need to go full Rambo out there, but you are going to want something pretty decent. Barry prefers the SOG Seal Pup Fixed Blade Tactical Survival Knife with a 4.75” blade. I carry a Leatherman Skeletool which has everything I need in a small, relatively lightweight package. Tools included? Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Hard-wire Cutters, Wire Cutter, Combo Knife, Carabiner/Bottle Opener, Large Bit Driver and Carabiner.

Fire

To start a fire, I carry a full lighter and a flint-based fire starter from UST Gear. I would recommend practicing with the striker before you have to use one in a real life emergency situation. They can be a bit tricky to use but they last for a long time and even work when they are wet.

Headlamp

I love my Brila 580 Dual Power LED Headlamp. It’s a newer model and offers hybrid technology - you can use traditional alkaline batteries or you can charge the headlamp via USB. This is an absolute must for any planned or potentially unexpected overnight trips. You get various settings for brightness as well as red light functionality to preserve your night vision. Keep in mind that battery life will be affected when exposed to prolonged extreme temperatures. It’s always good to have a spare set of batteries and or USB charger just in case.

Microfiber Cooling Towel

This is a must have for hot conditions. They are cheap, small and lightweight and will make a world of difference on trails that don’t offer much shade. It took me a while to learn this lesson when I moved out on the West Coast. Now, I won’t get on the trail without one. These will keep you cool, provide a bit more sun protection and can be used as a towel. These are the hiking equivalent of having your own personal air conditioner. Heat stroke is a very serious condition and can be fatal. In a pinch these can be used to strain larger particulates out of untreated water sources. Manufacturers also make neck gaiter/headband versions too. You do you and get whatever strikes your fancy. I won’t judge.

Towel

I prefer the Drylite Towel from Sea to Summit. They have various sizes to fit your needs. A lightweight microfiber towel is nice because it serves as two things. 1) a towel and 2) a pillow. I prefer to have a towel that comes with a flat mesh bag (allows for unwanted moisture to escape) so when it's folded up and packed away, it’s the shape of a pillow. I place this into the head part of your mummy sleeping bag and it stays in place all night long.

Sleep System

Sleeping Bag

When I first started backpacking, I picked up a Teton Sports sleeping bag, and it was the perfect weight for backpacking in Southern California. As for pack weight, this one is listed as 2.9 pounds. There are lighter sleeping bags on the market to help you cut pack weight – here is a guide on how to buy a sleeping bag for backpacking.

I’ve since upgraded to the Sea To Summit Ember Ultralight Down Quilt. I had heard great things about quilts, primarily weight and how cozy they are. It took some getting used to, but I have now slept comfortably with this quilt in warm spring temperatures on Catalina Island, late summer on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, chilly fall temperatures in Grand Teton National Park, and through a thundersnow event in Yosemite National Park. It holds up to everything I’ve put it through so far! The high quality 850+ loft Ultra-Dry Down makes for an incredibly lightweight and tiny packed size. This well-constructed quilt offers freedom from the weight of a sleeping bag zipper and the freedom from the constrictive shape that comes with some sleeping bags.

Sleeping Pad

My sleep system has been an evolution. For our first backpacking trip, we chose one of the fold up egg-crate style sleeping pads and it was awful. It did nothing for cushioning. For our second backpacking trip, we chose the inflatable Klymit sleeping pad. It’s 2.5 inches thick and was super comfy for me, and I’m a “sleep on all sides” sleeper – stomach, back, and sides, rotating through the night. It’s annoying, but this pad held up to my side sleeping.

I’ve since upgraded to this Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. If you're looking for a lightweight sleeping pad but don't want to compromise on comfort, durability, insulation or ease of use, look no further than the Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. The Air Sprung Cell design delivers stability and support, while lamination and weld quality set a new standard for reliability. What's more, Thermolite® and Exkin Platinum® insulation deliver the warmth of an ASTM standard R-Value of 3.1 - just perfect for late spring through to early fall camping. Unsure where to start? Here’s a guide on how to pick a sleeping pad.

If you aren’t comfortable on going out in the wilderness to camp and want to set up a tent in the backyard or you are going car camping at your local campground and portability and weight won't be an issue, I would highly suggest the Filmatic Sleeping Mat from UST Gear. This pad is your goldent ticket to getting a good night's sleep. We used these during the #TakeAHikeDiabetes tour and absolutely loved them. They are self inflating, so no more huffing and puffing at the end of a long day on the trail and at 4 inches thick, they are REALLY comfortable. They have a padded foam interior which makes them really quiet. No more loud creaking when you adjust your sleeping position during the night. Bonus points for the ability to clip them together to make a larger sleeping surface!

Pillow

I currently use the Sea To Summit inflatable pillow. It packs up smaller than a can of soda and weighs in at 2.7 ounces. If you are a true minimalist, you could use your camp towel as a pillow.

Tent/Shelter

On our first backpacking trip, trip we used Barry’s ultralight 2-person tent since there was rain forecasted. I’m glad we did, because our second night in Little Harbor was a torrential downpour and we would have been soaked if we didn’t have a tent. For our second trek across Catalina, we chose the Chill Gorilla tarp tent (now discontinued but this one is similar), as we were hiking in June and didn’t expect any rain. At Blackjack and Parsons Landing, we used this as a footprint and put our sleeping bags on top of it and cowboy camped under the stars. In Little Harbor and Two Harbors, we used Barry’s trekking poles to create a shelter out of the tent to help block some of the wind. This makes a shelter big enough for two people if using as a tent, and if laid flat as a tarp/footprint, is 10×10 and covers A LOT of ground! Having a multi-use tarp like this is great for so many reasons in a survival situation. Don’t leave home without it, no matter what the forecast says.

We upgraded our tent for our Yosemite backpacking trip and snagged a Marmot Superalloy 2P backpacking tent. It is super lightweight, way roomier than our original Eureka tent, and packs up easily. Lighter = Expensive. Unfortunately, this tent is discontinued. A comparable backpacking tent from Marmot would be the Tungsten 2-Person Tent. Not sure where to start? Here’s a guide for how to choose a tent for backpacking.

Sometimes we don’t feel like trekking into the backcountry to sleep under the stars and it’s easier just to car camp. We used the House Party 4 Person Tent from UST Gear while we hiked 220 miles around the city of Chicago in 2021 and we absolutely loved it. It was easily one of the easiest tents to set up and break down. Color coded poles, expandible single wall construction and a nice little easter egg on the inside of the tent. This is a great option when you aren’t counting pack weight.

Cooking System

Stove

After more than a decade of using a solid fuel Esbit stove, we upgraded to a JetBoil Flash. It’s amazing, we loved it, and we were able to prepare meals for two people for five days without running out of fuel in the small canisters. It’s a total win!

And for folks who aren’t trying to spend $100+ on a stove, let’s talk about the Esbit stove. The pot holds enough water for most commercially available freeze dried camp food meals and one tab will bring a full pot to boil at sea level. I dig this stove because I know exactly how much fuel I need to carry. No more. No less. I am not carrying excess weight and I never have the nagging fear in the back of my head that I could run out of fuel. I do always carry a few extra fuel tabs with me to be used as a fire starter in an emergency. There are certainly faster and more efficient stoves on the market, but if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Here’s a guide on how to choose a stove.

Utensil(s)

Sea-To-Summit Alpha Light Spork can handle anything you need to make and it’s super light.

Nutrition

Chances are, you’re probably not eating or drinking enough on the trail. How can you know how much you need to consume? Check out this awesome interview with Aaron Mayhew aka The Backcountry Foodie to learn more about meeting caloric needs and proper on-trail nutrition. PRO-TIP: If you are hiking at higher altitudes or tend to lose your appetite while exerting yourself, drinking your calories is a great way to ensure proper nutrition and hydration on the trail.

Dehydrated Meals

Not all dehydrated meals are created equal. We’ve had our fair share of mouth-watering meals in the backcountry, and occasionally, you’ll pick a meal that just absolutely sucks and that you have to force yourself to eat. Most of the pre-packaged dehydrated food is a bit bland for my taste, so Barry and I made a camp seasoning mix that will jazz up anything and everything, from a breakfast skillet in a bag to chili and lasagna. It’s a simple mix of all of our favorite seasonings: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground white pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, dried thyme + rosemary, and some cayenne.

Here are some of our favorites from our preferred manufacturers:

Outdoor Herbivore

All of the Outdoor Herbivore meals are vegan or vegetarian, using ingredients locally sourced in Northern California. These are by far the most flavorful meals we have ever had and I still have dreams about the Lemongrass Thai Curry.

Lemongrass Thai Curry
“Cheddar” Mac (if you love Nutritional Yeast you’re gonna pass out when you eat this, it’s soooo good)
Sunrise Tofu Scramble
Peanutty Matchsticks
Bear Patch Cobbler

Good To-Go

All of their meals are gluten-free and I can pronounce all of the ingredients on the label, they don’t use any additives or preservatives. I don’t even have to think twice about the quality of the ingredients they use.

Alpine Aire

Another great option, gluten-free, no preservatives. This brand is currently priced a bit lower than Good To-Go. In general: I want to try more of Alpine Aire’s line, because I was SUPER impressed with both chilis!

Mountain House

If you don’t have sensitivity to gluten, Mountain House has some delicious options that feel extra satisfying after a long day on the trail. Their breakfast options are some of my favorites when I want a hot breakfast before heading out to hike.

Bars + Goos + Chews

PROBAR

I love PROBAR’s meal replacement bars for no-fuss eating on the trail. We didn’t opt to cook full meals for lunch on this trip, and utilized the convenience of bars & snacks + lunch at the airport on Day 2 and lunch at Two Harbors to save pack weight. There are whole nuts and seeds in these bars so there’s some diversity in texture (instead of just mush).

Favorite flavors: Superfood Slam, Superberry & Greens

Since the first time we tackled this trail, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I was worried about consuming all of these carbs and sugars since my whole mission is to keep my blood sugar levels down. I spoke with my doctor and she confirmed that I didn’t need to worry about my blood sugar spiking, but that I should be prepared in case it went low. I was actually at a risk of having my sugars drop too low given I’d be doing 6-12 hours of exercise per day on the trail.

To help keep my sugars stabilized, I opted for the PROBAR Bolt Energy Chews (Berry Blast is my fav flavor so far).

GU

I chose GU packets to help stabilize my blood sugar as well as keep my endurance up.

Favorite flavors: Birthday Cake, Toasted Marshmallow, Espresso Love (has caffeine).

Hydration Supplements

NUUN Hydration Tablets

The Strawberry Lemonade Nuun hydration tablets are a bit effervescent, which I enjoy and found refreshing on the trail. If you do not like bubbles, be sure to read the label!
Blackberry Vanilla is a post-hike recovery blend with additional magnesium

Hammer Nutrition

Endurolytes Fizz add these dissolving tablets to your water bottle to create a delicious, effervescent electrolyte drink—the same full-spectrum electrolyte support that made Endurolytes capsules famous. For those who prefer flavored beverages to water, Fizz is a perfect way to encourage adequate fluid consumption and get your electrolytes at the same time. No sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives, of course.

First Aid + Training

Barry is a former Wilderness EMT and I am a Wilderness First Responder. Regardless of your goals in the outdoors, we highly recommend taking a Wilderness First Aid class or a Wilderness First Responder course. Even if you have zero plans of leading group hikes or guiding, the knowledge gained in these programs can contribute to more confidence and a better sense of preparedness, which makes adventures way more fun! We backpacked the Pemigewassett loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains before I took my course at SOLO and I was really anxious about getting injured on the Appalachian Trail’s rugged terrain. After I completed my certification, we summited Mount Washington - the highest mountain in New Hampshire at 6,288 and the difference was night and day. Armed with the knowledge of what to do in the worst-case scenario, I had much more confidence on the rock piles they call trails.

As for a first aid kit, we have an EMT kit in the van, but we don’t hike with it as it would add a lot of weight and bulk. We carry a basic first aid kit and a few additional items;

Assorted medicines (painkillers, fever reducers, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories)
Blister pads + necessary supplies to sanitize and drain blisters
I carry a Kula Cloth - a reusable, anti-microbial pee cloth. For #2, carry environmentally friendly biodegradable toilet paper and be sure to pack it out!
- Always follow the Leave No Trace principles! Learn more at LNT.org and always follow local rules and regulations.

Have any questions? Let me know below, I’m happy to answer them, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction!

xo
Sydney