The 10 Essentials

• Regular backpack
• Hiking backpack
• Travel backpack
• Hydration backpack
• Climbing backpack

Not having a backpack may result in limited carrying capacity, reduced mobility and comfort, increased risk of losing or damaging gear, difficulty in accessing and using gear, and safety concerns due to potential exposure to the elements and limited access to supplies and emergency resources.

HOT AND HUMID WEATHER

• Head covering: Wide-brimmed hat, cap or scarf.
• Upper body: Relaxed-fit, long-sleeved garments (preferably made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric for quick-drying comfort)
• Lower body: Loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers (preferably made from lightweight fabric)
• Wearing short sleeves and short pants may allow more air flow and reduce sweating in a hot weather. However, it also means that wearing short sleeves and short pants may expose your arms and legs to scratches, cuts, punctures, bites, or sunburn while walking through rough terrain and dense vegetation.
• An umbrella may be used in less windy or safer trail conditions.
• Natural shade from trees, overhanging rocks, or other natural features in the environment.

RAINY WEATHER

• Rain jacket
• Poncho
• Quick-drying clothes for both upper and lower body.
• Long sleeves and long pants may protect your skin from rough terrain and dense vegetation, but they can also get wet and heavy easily. This can keep you wet and cold for a longer time and increase the risk of cold-related illnesses.
• A plastic or waterproof cover, such as trash bag, for impromptu protection against sudden light rain or drizzle
• An umbrella may be used in less windy or safer trail conditions.
• Natural cover from overhanging rocks, or other natural features in the environment.

COLD TEMPERATURES (higher altitudes)

• Extra clothes for layering
• Clothing that fit snugly but not too tightly, and that don’t sag or bunch up. They provide warmth, support and moisture-wicking.
• Sweater
• Bonnet
• Scarf
• Gloves

BLISTER REDUCTION

• Anti-blister socks
• Regular socks

Not wearing appropriate clothing may result in skin injuries, heat-related illnesses, discomfort, reduced performance, hypothermia and increased risk of other health issues.

• Trail shoes
• Trail boots
• Regular sneakers
• Sandals
• Flip-flops

Not having appropriate footwear may result in increased risk of injuries, reduced mobility and comfort, exposure to environmental hazards, and overall safety concerns. It is crucial to wear suitable footwear that provides proper support, traction, and protection for your feet.

• Reusable bottle
• Single-use bottle
• Hydration bladder
• Collapsible bottle
• Water reservoir with spigot
• Water purification tablets or water filter if you are absolutely sure that there are accessible and reliable water sources in your destination.

Failing to hydrate regularly can result in dehydration, reduced endurance and performance, increased risk of heat-related illnesses, impaired decision-making and judgment, and overall health risks.

SHORTER TRIPS: Ready-to-eat or require minimal preparation, such as:

• Bread from local bakeries
• Rice meal from local eateries
• Snacks from street vendors
• Fruits from local fruitstand

OVERNIGHT TRIPS: Foods and snacks that are non-perishable or require minimal preparation, such as:

• Canned foods
• Energy bars
• Biscuits and crackers

Running out of food may result in reduced energy levels, weakened immune system, mental and emotional impacts, increased risk of accidents, and delayed recovery.

• Handheld GPS device
• Smartphone with offline maps and GPS tracking apps.
• Map and compass (make sure that the paper map is not outdated to avoid confusion and miscalculation)

It is safer to stick to established trails and hire local guides if you can, because the Philippine wilderness can be risky without proper navigation tools. You might get lost, spend too much time and energy, have accidents or injuries, face harsh weather or environment, and rely on unreliable or inaccurate information.

• Mobile phone ( or a smartphone)
• Two-way radios
• Satellite phone
• Whistle
• Flashlight
• Signal mirror

The lack of communication tools may pose significant risks, including the inability to call for help during emergencies, difficulty in communicating with your group or the outside world, increased vulnerability in hazardous situations, and challenges in obtaining crucial information about weather, trail conditions, or other important updates.

• Headlamp
• Handheld flashlight
• Handheld lantern
• Built-in flashlight on smartphones
• Fire starters (match or lighter)

Without a reliable light source, you may face potential risks such as getting stranded or lost in the dark, increased chances of accidents or injuries due to poor visibility, difficulty in navigating trails or finding your way back to camp, heightened vulnerability to wildlife encounters, and increased anxiety or stress in low-light or nighttime conditions.

• Standard first aid kit available at local drugstores - may include bandages, antiseptics, medications for common ailments, and any personal medications you may need.
• Improvised first aid kit - may include multi-tool, duct tape and extra clothing.

Not having a first aid kit may result in increased risks from injuries, infections, delayed treatment, and heightened stress.

• Tent
• Hammock
• Tarp
• Bivy sack
• A large trash bag could potentially be improvised as a makeshift shelter in an emergency situation, but it is not recommended as a reliable or sustainable shelter for wilderness camping
• Natural shelters such as caves, rock overhangs, or fallen trees, but these require careful assessment of safety and suitability before use.
• Camper van

Without a shelter for overnight wilderness camping may lead to exposure to harsh weather, increased vulnerability to illnesses, discomfort, and inability to rest.