*Post updated March 2024
Essentials for the Trail and Your Faith
The outdoor community has a special list called “The 10 Essentials.”
This includes essential items to pack when going into the wilderness. These items are essential for maintaining health on the trail and for ensuring preparedness for unplanned mishaps.
Depending on your adventure plans, elements may need to be added or altered, but their applications remain generally the same.
So often in wilderness ministry, we use objects in our pack or nature found along the trail as word pictures to illustrate a spiritual reality.
As we walk through each essential, I’ll include a scriptural thought that could correlate to the essential’s usefulness.
These verses can help paint analogies, they could remind us of stories that inspire truth-filled lessons, or they might provide structure for a multi-day lesson plan.
These are only a few ideas, but with God’s word and the wild, the resources to draw from are endless!
So often in wilderness ministry, we use objects in our pack or nature found along the trail as word pictures to illustrate a spiritual reality.
10 Backpacking Essentials:
1. Navigation
This could be a map and compass, a fancy GPS device, or even a photo of the park’s trail system! There’s no need to bring fancy items above your knowledge level and if the adventure requires it, take a friend who has more knowledge that you can learn from.
God’s word is like our navigation system.
On a map, hills and valleys are outlined along with other pertinent information. It’s there, but it doesn’t mean every adventurer will take the same route.
Each traveler will have a different journey with unique needs. The map is a guide with solid truth, yet it has various applications for each explorer.
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.” Psalm 119:1-2
2. Headlamp
Headlamps are amazing because your hands stay free while the work is illuminated! Headlamps are not only for lighting your path, but it is essential for cooking meals, setting up camp, or reading a book before bedtime.
On that note, don’t forget to bring extra batteries!
The many functions of a headlamp remind me of the Holy Spirit.
Like a headlamp, the Holy Spirit illuminates the truth in your mind, or gives clarity and peace to your situation.
The Holy Spirit is the Father’s guiding light that cares for you as you follow His path (and even when you get lost), step by step.
“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you.” John 14:26
“By your word I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” Psalm 119:105
The Holy Spirit is the Father’s guiding light that cares for you as you follow His path (and even when you get lost), step by step.
3. Sun Protection
Over-exposure to sun and other elements while backpacking is more harmful than you think. So sun protection is vital for a successful trip.
Sun protection includes sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, or clothing that shields you from exposure.
Even if you are adventuring in the winter, these items are necessary to bring because cloudy days can still cause bad sunburn. If there’s snow, a sunny day could blind you with bright reflections (in this case, polarized lenses are best).
Just as sunglasses and sunscreen protect your body from exposure, God is often described as our fortress or our protection.
So, when I’m overwhelmed, I run into the arms of Jesus. I take a deep breath and let him be my refuge, anxiety is replaced with peace.
“His huge outstretched arms protect you – under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing – not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.” Psalm 91:3-6
4. First Aid
You can build your first aid kit depending on the length of your trip, the terrain, and potential obstacles.
I never regret packing foot care, insect repellent (if needed), band-aids, Benadryl in case of an allergic reaction, and duct tape for everything else!
Like navigation, there’s no need to bring items you don’t know how to use properly so keep it simple.
A first aid kit is the perfect illustration of God as our Great Healer. The Bible is full of verses and stories that could be used to share these truths, so I’ll leave it at that for your curiosity.
“He forgives your sins – every one.
He heals your diseases – every one.
He redeems you from hell – saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal.
He renews your youth – you’re always young in his presence.” Psalm 103:3
5 & 6. Fire and Knife
You might think these tools are only good for emergency situations, but I end up using them more often than not.
Knives are great for preparing lunch or fixing gear while a lighter could also help with gear repair or to start a small stove for a hot drink.
For extended trips, add a gear repair kit, fire starter, and stove to complete this category.
Throughout your life, you may have received love from a mentor or witnessed examples of how not to be. Like a fire and knife, these experiences can remind you how to navigate both the simple and complex situations that arise. Seek out and remind yourself of these special “wisdom nuggets” because they are gifts from God!
“Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” Proverbs 11:14
7, 8, & 9. Extra Food, Water, and Shelter
There’s a balance between overpacking and bringing necessities in case you’re caught in the elements longer than expected.
In addition to what you plan to consume, bring a few extra snacks and water (or a water filtration system) for yourself and others in case your trip includes unexpected detours.
Having something to shield you from the weather for a long period of time is also a great idea. It can be small, simple, and light, like an emergency bivy, ultralight tarp, or emergency space blanket.
My scriptural application for this one is simple yet profound. The Lord provides nourishment for our souls. He gives us rest, grace, and peace; as his children, we can be secure in his care.
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
10. Clothing Layers
I’ve heard it said many times of mountain towns to “wait five minutes and the weather will change” and this couldn’t be more true.
Rain, wind, and cold systems can move in with little notice and it’s good to be prepared with proper layers.
Just like extra food and water, think about what you might need if you had to stay the night, but don’t overpack in fear.
Surprisingly enough, clothing is mentioned many times in the Bible: the need for it arises immediately after the fall (Genesis 3:7), and the command to clothe ourselves in God’s qualities is peppered throughout the New Testament. It is important to God that we dress ourselves in the spiritual outfit of love not only for the world to witness but for our good!
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you…And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3: 12-14
*All references from The Message version
In the comments, tell us your backpacking or hiking essentials!
Devan is from Washington State and a Revelation Wellness Instructor from Platoon 16. From ski instructing to river rafting, she’s enjoyed guiding and leading people in the wild since the age of 15. Although it’s challenging and scary sometimes, healing and transformation happen in the wilderness and that’s why it’s her favorite place to move in worship and meet with God.
