Mountain Survival Gear Checklist

When planning your next outdoor adventure, make sure to have a proper checklist. Survival gear refers to the tools you will need to remain safe throughout your backpacking or camping trip. Unforeseen weather such as heavy snow may require you to extend your trip. Packing backup supplies of food will ensure that you remain nourished when harsh conditions arise.

  1. Food and Water

    • Keeping well fed will allow you to maintain a proper level of energy while trekking across mountainous terrain. Granola has been a popular backpacking food item as it is lightweight and has a high content of protein. Due to the amount of energy you exert while on the trail, you must increase the amount of calories you take in on a daily basis. Backpacking Trip Planner recommends bringing dehydrated foods including fruit and beef jerky. Dehydrated foods will not take up a lot of room in your pack and will not spoil due to warm temperatures. Carrying large quantities of water with you can result in a heavy backpack. Using water purification tools will allow you to drink from natural steams along the way. Common purification practices include using iodine tablets or a specialized pump.

    Clothing

    • Clothing remains an essential part of the survival gear checklist. The appropriate clothing depends on the time of year, as well as the altitude of the mountainous terrain. While summer hikes may have warm temperatures during the day, after the sun drops the temperature can plummet. According to Backpacker Magazine, a few vital pieces of clothing include a waterproof jacket and pants as well as a wool or fleece hat. Breathable materials are recommended for hiking trips. Breathable material allows the air to evaporate your perspiration. A good base layer of clothing for winter trips include a pair of long johns. Waterproof boots and socks will ensure your feet remain warm and free from moisture.

    Equipment

    • Having some form of shelter remains a crucial aspect of the survival gear checklist. Backpackers commonly use collapsible tents as a form of shelter from the elements. Compact, one-person tents can easily fit into a standard sized backpack. Having a sleeping bag will help you to maintain a comfortable body temperature through the cold night hours. The mummy bag design features a hood that helps to lock in heat. According to the outdoor specialists at Tiso, mummy bags have the ability to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.