8 Life-saving Items Every Hiker Should Never Trek Without, According to Search and Rescue Experts

"It's been almost two years since the traumatic day when I had to be rescued while traveling solo in South Africa. While I can't remember what I ate for lunch yesterday, that sunny Monday morning in Table Mountain National Park is forever etched into my memory. I did a lot of things wrong that day-for starters, hiking alone on a dangerous trail."

"With over 1,000 purchased in the last month alone, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is one of Amazon's best-selling handheld GPS units. Dyason named this particular model saying, 'It gives you the ability to call for help in an emergency, even if you don't have a cell phone signal.' Plus, unlike smartphones, it can go weeks between charges. The only downside is that you need an active satellite subscription, but it's still worth every penny for the peace of mind."

A solo hiker required rescue in Table Mountain National Park after hiking alone on a dangerous trail. Search-and-rescue professionals rescue dozens of hikers yearly and sometimes recover bodies. Blake Dyason of Love Our Trails and Creed Zibell of Central Montana Search and Rescue recommend carrying specific safety devices to reduce chances of needing rescue. A satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 enables emergency calls without cell signal and offers long battery life, though it requires a subscription. Small items such as an emergency whistle and waterproof headlamp are inexpensive, practical, and can prevent costly ambulance and hospital bills.

Read at Travel + Leisure