Regardless of whether you’re planning on hiking for hours or days, there are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without. By bringing along these ten essential items on your hike, you’ll ensure your trail experience is as enjoyable as possible.

1. HIKING PACK

For short trails, only a small daypack may be necessary. For longer trails, the type of pack you bring along may need to be more robust. Regardless, you’ll be grateful to be carrying something you can put the following nine items into.

SHOP HIKING PACKS

2. WATER

Utah’s climate is notoriously dry, and our trails sit at a high elevation. It’s crucial to stay hydrated while you’re hiking. Once you’re halfway through your water supply, that’s your indicator that it’s best to turn around—unless you brought along a water purification system to replenish your supply. It’s a good idea to research your hike for water sources beforehand.

SHOP WATER BOTTLES/FILTERS

3. HIKING SHOES

The fastest way to ruin your experience on the trail is to wear inappropriate footwear. The shoes you wear should be well-fitting, durable, and have soles with good traction to keep you agile and help avoid injuries.

SHOP HIKING SHOES

4. NAVIGATION

Beyond downloading maps to your cellphone that you can access while offline, it’s a good idea to bring a physical map of the area and/or a compass in case technology fails you. Regardless of the length or level of your hike, you should always carry a personal locator beacon that will allow you to get in contact with help in the case of an emergency.

SHOP MAPS

5. LAYERED CLOTHING

Utah’s weather can be variable, so it’s best to wear layers that will help protect you from the elements. Wear sweat-wicking base layers to keep you cool, and supplement with warm layers as needed. Be sure to pack a waterproof layer in case of inclement weather.

SHOP OUTERWEAR

6. SNACKS

Active bodies need fuel. Bring along calorie-dense, easy-to-pack snacks like energy bars, trail mix, and fruit to keep you going. It’s always a good idea to bring extra food in case you’re on the trail for longer than planned.

7. SUN PROTECTION

Regardless of the time of year or the weather, you should always use SPF any time you go outside and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat on every trail to help protect your head and face from the elements.

SHOP SUNGLASSES

8. HEADLAMP

Even if you’re only planning on hiking for a short time, always bring a headlamp or flashlight. In the case of an emergency, you’ll be glad you did. Bringing along a light source will also allow you to extend the length of your hike if you wish. Be sure to carry extra batteries, too!

SHOP HEADLAMPS

9. FIRST AID KIT

Even on short trails, it’s a good idea to bring a small first-aid kit containing band-aids for scrapes or blisters and a pain reliever like Aspirin for headaches and minor pains. Depending on the trail and length of the hike, you should build your kit to include other items like tweezers, insect repellent, Moleskine, and antibacterial ointments.

SHOP FIRST AID

10. KNIFE OR MULTI-TOOL

There’s no excuse to not bring a pocket knife or multi-tool along on your hike, as the benefits far outweigh the few ounces of weight it’ll add to your hiking pack. From gear repair to fire building and first-aid assistance, this item truly is essential.