What Belongs in a Backcountry Emergency Kit

Build Around Real Problems

A useful emergency kit should help with the problems most likely to turn a normal day into a bad night: injury, getting delayed after dark, losing your route, cold, dehydration, or equipment failure.

Core Items

• Headlamp and spare power
• Fire starter and dry tinder
• Compact first-aid supplies
• Emergency insulation or bivy
• Water treatment
• Navigation backup
• Knife and repair tape

Communication

When you are outside reliable cell service, a satellite messenger can turn a serious emergency into a manageable rescue. Keep it accessible and know how to use the SOS function before the trip.