BC Hiking Gear Tips:
Ten Essential Items to Bring on Every BC Hike

Outdoor Gear Tips

If you're planning on going out hiking or backpacking into the mountains in British Columbia, here's 10 essentials to bring along on every hike:

1. Flashlight (also spare batteries & bulb)

• Tip: Consider a lightweight headlamp

2. Fire – firestarter/waterproof matches/lighter

• Tip: Make sure you keep your matches in a waterproof container. Bring along a small lighter to ease the pain of trying to start a fire in the wind or rain. Don't rely solely on a firestarter flint

3. Signal – whistle or mirror to signal for help if you're lost

• Tip: Plastic whistles are so cheap you have no excuse to not have one. Buy two
  and give one to a friend. If you get a mirror, make sure it's a strong, shatter-proof one. The last thing you need is broken glass in your pack.

4. Extra food & water

• Tip: It never hurts to throw in another water bottle and at least a few powerbars into
  your pack. Make it a habit to take twice as much as you think you'll need. Also
  bring water purification tablets in case you do run out of water and have to drink water
  from a stream or lake, as you can get sick from any water source regardless how clean the water looks.

5. Extra warm and waterproof clothing (and toque)

• Tip: You have to stay warm and dry when you're out in the elements. Don't skimp on good outdoor clothing. Get a good wool toque and get a good warm shirt, jacket and pants (no jeans, no cotton).

6. Navigation & Communication Aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand held radio – fully charged battery)

• Tip: You usually can't rely on a cell phone when you're out in the mountains, so it's a good idea to bring along alternative communications. Always have a map with you of where you're hiking, and always look at the map of the area you'll be going into before you head out. Get a compass, they're cheap. Learn to use it.

7. First Aid kit (and know what's in it and how to use it)

• Tip: there are lots of great pre-made first aid kits on the market these days. Get one and dig through every item to familiarize yourself with what you've got. Add any extra medication you'll need. Many first aid kits come with a book on how to use the kits and how to do basic first aid. Read it. Better yet, sign up for a first aid course and learn the basics

8. Emergency shelter – tent, bivy, tarp or large garbage bag.

• Tip: keeping out of the rain and wind are essential if you have to overnight in the forest. While a garbage bag isn't going to help much, you'd be better off with a tarp or bivy shelter. If you can, always pack a small lightweight tent

9. Pocket knife or multipurpose tool with a good saw blade

• Tip: there are endless uses for a good multipurpose tool, so never leave home without it.

10. Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)

• Tip: get at least spf 45 sunscreen and dark sunglasses and a good sturdy hat. Don't bring expensive sunglasses that you can't afford to break.
  

It's always a good idea if you're planning to hike in BC to also plan to have the following on every hiking or backpacking trip.


* Hiking Pole(s)
* Wool socks plus extras
* Hiking Boots
* Small backpack/camel back water system
* Bug spray
* Moleskin for blisters
* Tent
* Sleeping bag and pad
* Stove and fuel
* Food bag
* Gear repair kit

Related Reading:

• BC Canada Hiking Clothing Tips
• BC Outdoor Gear and Equipment Stores