The idea of packing the right emergency gear has been around for generations, but it remains just as important today as it was when hikers first started documenting their must-carry items. Whenever you head outdoors—whether it’s a calm afternoon walk through forest trails or a demanding climb in unpredictable mountains—you’re stepping into an environment where conditions can shift without warning. A twisted ankle, an unexpected storm, or even taking a wrong turn can quickly turn a simple trip into a survival situation. Because of that, outdoor experts created a core list of ten categories to help people stay safe, prepared, and capable of dealing with setbacks.
Get to know your compass well, and it quickly becomes one of those outdoor tools you never want to leave behind. It doesn’t need batteries, isn’t affected by weak signals, and works anywhere from quiet woodland trails to long mountain crossings. Once you understand its parts and how they work together, a compass turns into a reliable partner that keeps you oriented no matter where your journey takes you.