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lightly colored, synthetic layer for your core, and optimally a hat. A hat is not an essential, but will keep a hiker cozy and unblinded by rain or sun. If hiking solo, an umbrella usually will suffice in terms of rail protection. Recently, umbrellas can be quite lightweight and compact.

9. Bring a grease/china peel-away pencil

This will allow you to write on your plastic sheeting from #6. By using a grease pencil, you can write on almost any surface without it getting washed away in the rain. Writing down notes for a tricky to navigate spot, about your journey, or on cairns/blaze markings will nearly prevent one from getting lost.

10. Bring caffeine

This may sound silly, but if a hiker must travel for a long, long distance while sleep deprived from travel, a small bottle of No-Doz or caffeine pills is much more than something optional. Everything feels better when you are awake. Alertness and morale are two things that really benefit from "artificial sleep."

11. Bring shiny and loud things

This does in fact sound silly. If a hiker is lost, however, a whistle and small mirror can save your life.

12. Bring a trash bag

Trash bags, much like duct tape, are multi-use items. You can store food and water in them, construct a makeshift poncho, or even use it to keep your toes extra warm by preventing evaporation. And of course it can function as a trash bag. Remember to pack everything out.

13. Bring a small plastic container

You can stuff this container with other things in this list to prevent them from being thrown around. I'm talking about a shampoo container or extra water bottle. Plus, if you find something really want, like the fish you just smoked or some berries you want to eat, or some sterilized water, you can transport it without being damaged. Again, a multi-use item.

As you can see, the things to pack are multi-taskers. Trash bags, plastic containers, plastic sheets, and a knife all can do thousands of things, which saves much space and weight.

In addition to tangible objects, there are 13 simple things you can do to save space, feel safe, and enjoy yourself.

1. Know your surroundings

Researching the area will determine what you need to bring. If you are hiking in South Dakota's Badlands, rain gear is probably not needed, but a snake bite kit is. If you are in Glacier National Park, MT, then you will absolutely need rain gear as mountain weather is completely unpredictable. Know some useful common plants, and you can eat them if you run out of food or use some

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