Most advise traveling light, especially when you’re only planning a short ramble. However, you never know when that two-mile hike could turn into a day-long expedition. And if you don’t bring the basics, you could potentially put yourself and your future self in harm’s way. We pared down lists of 20 or so items to the bare essentials: Five things that will make all the difference along the way.

1. Water

Keeping fully hydrated is the most important thing you can do during any type of exercise, but this is especially important when you are traveling away from safe water sources. Bear Grylls from the Discovery Channel’s Man Vs. Wild might find alternative water sources by sipping on caterpillars tears or whatever, but we strongly advise bringing your own H2O. L.L. Bean’s day hiking tips suggests packing three quarts of water per person per day or bring along a water filter. On SurvivalTopics.com, they say “all sources of water are suspect.” And they add that if you do drink the backwoods water, it’s highly likely that you are gulping down someone’s or something’s feces. Shudder.

2. Sun Protection

It only takes 15 minutes of sun exposure to cause some damage your skin, which can turn into a first- or second-degree burn if you’re not careful. Bring along a SPF 30 sunscreen, and reapply to clean, dry skin every 30 minutes. Reapplication is key; it’s likely you will be sweating even if it is a little cooler out. Don’t forget hidden spots like the top of your ears and the back of your neck. Since that pesky sun can also damage your eyes, make sure you remember sunglasses with UV protection.

3. iPhone
You need an iPhone in case you get lost, in case there is an emergency or in case something really horrible happens — you get bored. If you don’t have an iPhone, a map, GPS device, compass and/or cell phone can be substituted. Obviously, you’re not going to look as cool in front of Bambi, but shockingly if you tape a compass to a map to a cell phone, you perhaps can see the same results. Actually, you might be better off. Why? If you’re far from civiliztion, you could wind up not even having cell service. And that’s no help at all.

4. Snacks
Yeah, so, that growling noise that’s been following you for about 30 minutes now … well, that’s not a stray dog chasing a rabid squirrel. It’s you. Luckily, you remembered to pack some goodies. What goodies did you bring? Clif makes a Nectar Fruit and Nut Snack Bar that provides two full servings of fruit and nuts and contains no trans fats. Then there’s the KIND Fruit and Nut Bar that has a low glycemic index value to keep your energy levels balanced. Better yet, just rock that old school trail mix. That way you can just pick out all the M&Ms and pretend you’re being health conscious.

5. Insect Repellent
Even though it smells bad and makes your skin feel a little sticky, bug spray will prevent mosquito bites, which inherently will prevent the West Nile virus. If you find that you’re still getting eaten up, reapply the repellent generously. Look for a repellent that contains a higher percentage of active ingredients because those will protect you for a longer period of time. Seeking a natural repellent? Try oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, the plant-based repellent is registered with the EPA and can sometimes be just as effective as chemical repellents.

(Images via Wikimedia Commons)