Yeah, this again.
So every site blogger, YT influencer, social media poster, and state agency has a list of suggested items. I am no exception. I do tend to be a little different, as I feel what you carry should depend on your skill level and experience for being in the woods. Does that mean an expert should carry only bare essentials and that a beginner should carry everything in the house? No. What it means is you should carry items you have tested and know to work for you personally. You will gain that experience by going out into the woods and learning. You will not learn or gain experience from reading. So stop reading and go outdoors!
Still here? OK, lets get the wagon rolling. Again...But a little different.. Maybe..Sort of... Look, if you're still reading then just keep reading. You might gain some insight.
The more time one spends in the woods the more you'll find items you need and do not need. Need here, not want. You need a way to make a fire, but you do not need to carry a flame thrower (you can but... I digress). You need a first aid kit, you do not need to bring three nurses and a doctor. You need a compass, you do not need to carry a satellite on your back. Leaning what you need can take years, or one trip. I'd lean towards a years....
I've covered this, but I want to show a different approach here. Lets a look at what our NYSDEC says on the topic of recommended items, as it's actually pretty universal:
Anyone with real experience will agree with this list. Or at least most of it. Would I suggest lugging all if this for a 5 mile trek through a town park? No. Would I suggest all of it for a day hiking the West Canada Lake Wilderness? Yes, or at least most of it.
Here's the things I would either swap, change, or leave at home. It's really only a couple.
For the Sun and Bug stuff, bug repellent is a must anywhere in bug season. But I would not bother much with the bug net, sunscreen (in wooded areas, if you're in the desert with blaring sun...) or the sunglasses. They are not on what I'd consider a needed list. Use that space to carry a little more water. Or, a few small candles- see below.
The shelter items. It might be a little bulky, but I'd opt for one of the tarps with the reflective side over just a tarp AND emergency blanket. As I said, it weights a tad more and will take up a little more space than a tarp and mylar blanket, but it will not tear like the space blankets tent too. Or, even one of those emergency tents that come in the shape of an a-frame tarp shelter already and have the reflective surface in the inside.
One thing not on that list is cordage. Not everyone can ship up 50 feet of cordage like heating a can of soup. So I suggest carrying at least 50 feet of some sort of cordage. You'll need it to make a shelter from the tarp, you can use it in a pinch to make an emergency splint. Duct tape works great for that as well, but duct tape hurts like hell when removed from hairy body parts. Cordage of some sort should be in every kit.
I would also carry a knife besides just in the emergency kit. I prefer fixed blade belt knives, but at least a decent folding knife is a must.
I would also suggest appropriate clothing from the start. Those new age gym shorts and flip flops are great for pool parties, but I really suggest proper shoes, actual pants or shorts (not sweat pants or pajamas), and a tee shirt. But, I guess proper clothing is subjective in these times of not even actually getting dressed to go shopping.
As you spend more time out wandering and exploring, you'll learn what works best for you in your area, or even what works best on this trail in this area and what works best for that trail in that area.
I personally know what I need, but often carry what I want as I make videos and I'm not a minimalists in most aspects. But, anyone who knows me or has seen some of the videos I have been known to carry only a bottle of water and a knife at times in warm weather.
Now, if you read all that. Load up some stuff and go practice learning what YOU need for the woods!
