Safety 1st...What do you have in backpack?

Other than camera gear, curious what items folks carry in day packs (not overnight backpacks) that are safety related. Whistle, compass, etc? Whats recommended to carry on day hikes? Thanks!

Toilet paper!

Also, space blanket, small first aid kit, multi-purpose tool, lighter, flashlight.

Whistle, compass, GPS, maps, signal mirror, first aid kit (checked twice a year), SOG multi-tool, waterproof matches, flashlight (extra batteries), H20 purification tablets, 2 chem-lights, 50' of para cord, and a couple of trash bags. In the past I've also carried a satellite phone.

Somewhere between Tony and Adam. Also if in bear country I like to have a slower/smaller companion with me.

Guy

Compass, GPS, Leatherman, Goretex shell, headlamp, lighter (don't smoke but great for starting a small warming fire, as opposed to a Hayman size fire),and oh yeah, Quaker Oatmeal breakfast bars, bottle of water, or if a stream or lake is along the way, an empty bottle/water filter combo.

Yep, TP is priority #1 for me. Rain gear, Trails Illustrated map of the area, water filter, GPS. Similar to Guy, when hiking alpine ridges, a taller companion comes in handy in thunderstorms.

Geez, yu people are spoiled! Snow or leaves are great substitutes for TP, really they are!

Geez, yu people are spoiled! Snow or leaves are great substitutes for TP, really they are!

Which forces me to consider what I might have to use in the canyon country.

Man, you guys are too cautious. I hike naked with nothing but a camera around my neck.

Geez, yu people are spoiled! Snow or leaves are great substitutes for TP

No wonder people prefer Utah snow...

Guy

I always take GPS, maps, compass and headlamp w/ spare batteries; spare pair of socks; gloves, hat and shell, regardless of season (can't tell you how many times they've come in handy in CO's fast changing weather); lighter; leatherman or knife.

On longer day hikes, I'll add a first-aid kit and sometimes a water filter.

Oh yeah...and some antibiotics in case I have to melt and drink any Utah snow...

Thanks for the ideas, you've given me some items I would not have thought off!

man, i thought I bring alot. I never bring spare batteries...guess that is stupid of me eh? I don't have the money for a GPS unit, so that's not even an issue!

I saw one of those how-to-survive shows and he carried a knife, matches, compass, plastic garbage bag, and a rope. He figured these are the things you just can't improvise easily on the trail. As for a TP substitute you can use cholla but you have to be really really careful.



Warren

I remember bending low to take some photos of poppies in AZ.
You'd have thought I was using cholla for TP. YOUCH! I'm glad no one was looking...that I know of.
That's when the plier/multitool is essential!

Warren, the items that you listed are good to have. However, I would not rely on any survival techniques that you see on TV. The discovery channel has two shows that are absolutely absurd (especially man vs. wild). As for me, I carry a GPS/GMRS radio, Knife, food water, sunglasses, REI stormproof matches, rain jacket, water tablets, small compass, topo map, headlamp + extra batteries, bio-TP, and common sense. These are my bare essentials. I carry alot of other gear as well, depending on the duration and weather conditions.

Also, in addition to gear, your fitness level can play a big role in your safety.

Surefire flashlight, extra batteries, knife, H2O purification tabs, a few granola bars, canteen, space blanket, parachute cord, magnesium fire starter, and most important, a GLOCK 20.