Hiking and camping in the solitude of nature are wonderful ways to relax and get away from the stress of life. However, every trip into the wilderness carries the risk becoming lost or stranded. Anyone who ventures into nature, even just for a day hike, should carry some basic survival gear in case the unexpected happens and a short day hike turns into a night in woods.
Clothing
You should carry an extra layer of warm clothing even on short day hikes, because weather can change rapidly in remote areas. Lightweight rain gear and a nylon poncho come in handy for unexpected rain and as a windbreaker for extra warmth. A warm hat is also essential, because you lose a lot of body heat through your head.
Food and Water
When hiking, it is also a good idea to always carry extra food. A few extra high-energy sports bars will be very useful if you wind up stranded in the wilderness. Meal replacement bars, which contain the same amount of calories as a whole meal, also make a good backup. You should carry an extra liter of water for emergencies. Iodine tablets take up very little room and allow you to purify water in an emergency.
Shelter
Lightweight, one-person tents, known as bivouac sacks, are one option for shelter; however, they are somewhat bulky to carry on day hikes. Alternatively, in a pinch, you can make an emergency shelter from a large nylon poncho, an emergency space blanket and rope. Tie a rope between two trees, then hang the poncho over the rope. Put the blanket underneath as ground cover. Heavy nylon ponchos work better than the thin plastic ponchos, which tear easily and turn brittle in cold conditions.
Fire
A fire makes a night lost in the wilderness more tolerable, thanks to the heat and the light. Carry "strike-anywhere" matches in a waterproof container. Starting a fire in wet conditions is very difficult, so carrying some sort of fire-starting material, such as paraffin, is also a good idea. Always be very careful to contain the fire and prevent ignition of wildfires.
Miscellaneous
Other useful items in an emergency are a first aid kit, a pocket knife or utility tool, a flashlight with extra batteries, a fishing line and hook, sunglasses, map, a compass and a GPS unit. You also can use an emergency whistle and a mirror to draw attention to yourself.
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