Ten “little” things that can save your trip and maybe your life.
For years, I’ve espoused the tenkara philosophy of “simplicity,” many times telling new anglers, “Don’t add anything!” But today, I risk sounding hypocritical. Going simple doesn’t mean going unprepared. While it can be a slippery slope when we start adding things to our load, there are still some things we should be carrying in certain situations to keep us safe in the worst-case scenario, and in the best of times keep us fishing when we stray up trails away from our cars.
I put a lot of thought into this list that follows. The items I’ve chosen make sense to me and are recommended by wilderness experts. I like to focus on multi-use gear that takes up minimal space.
I’ve decided to add some to my regular kit and keep others ready for deeper trips into the wilderness. Each item is marked as “Always” or “Sometimes.” The “Sometimes” gear stays in a separate bag or small pack, ready to grab when needed.
1. Maps and compass, and learn to use them – Sometimes
Anyone going even a short distance into the wilderness should see maps and a compass as essential. This is especially true if exploring new areas that take you far from the parking lot. Trails can split, double back, or even disappear, and feeling lost will bump your adrenaline levels, which can make your decision making even harder. A map helps you stay oriented, but only if you can read it. A compass alone won’t do much without a map, and a map is far more useful when paired with a compass. If you’re not confident in your navigation skills, consider taking a class or watching some YouTube videos before heading too deep into the wild.
2. The tenkara rod tip repair kit – Always
If you’ve ever broken a rod tip, you know that sinking feeling—your day might be over. Sometimes the tip is completely ruined, but other times, only the very end snaps. When that happens, a quick fix can keep you fishing. A spare lillian, a tiny bit of super glue, and a razor blade are all you need. Just cut a small piece of lillian, slide it onto the remaining tip, and secure it with a drop of glue. These simple items have saved me more than once, and I keep them handy in a small container, like an old film canister.
3. A mini first aid kit – Always
This isn’t a kit for major injuries, it’s for taking care of the small cuts, scrapes, and splinters you’ll inevitably get on the stream. There are many premade first aid kits for hiking. They are cheap and often come in a small zipper pouch. The one I bought cost all of $3. I emptied almost half the stuff out of the little kit. I wanted bandages that were more resistant too, so I changed those out. In the end I was pretty much buying a small zipper bag with a white cross silkscreened on it. It did have some antibiotic ointment, some gauze, and some medical tape. I also added self-adhesive moleskins for treating blisters and some Benadryl for allergic reactions. This kit will take care of most of the cuts and scrapes I encounter. I also have a full first aid kit in my car.
4. Chapstick, sunscreen, and mosquito repellant – Always
Chapstick, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent aren’t just for comfort—they’re essential. Wind and sun can quickly dry out your lips, so a good lip balm is a must. Apply sunscreen before hitting the trail, but you can also keep a small travel-size tube in your bag for reapplication. So often we’re standing in the stream with sunlight reflecting off the water and with that, skin burning UV rays. Since water is a mosquito breeding ground, repellent is a smart addition. Individually wrapped repellent wipes offer solid protection without taking up space—you’ll be glad you have them.
5. Water filter straw and a drinking container – Always
Stay hydrated. There are plenty of water filter straws out there, and they do a great job of removing pathogens so you can drink straight from a stream. Last summer, I finally read the instructions on mine—and learned that the thick plastic zip bag it came in was meant to be a water bag. I had been awkwardly trying to drink straight from the stream, which felt like a surefire way to end up face-first in the water. A “duh” moment. Maintenance is very important with these straws. Keep your filter in good shape and be sure the part you regularly put in your mouth stays separate from the dirty water. If your straw doesn’t come with its own bag, a small wide mouth, plastic water bottle works too.
6. When Nature calls… answer with a poo kit – Always
When nature calls, it doesn’t wait for a convenient time or place. There’s nothing quite like that moment of panic when your gut starts rumbling in the middle of the stream. Be prepared. When you have a chance, do your purging in a toilet or outhouse. When that isn’t available use this “poo kit.”
Get yourself a lightweight aluminum trowel available at most outdoor rec stores. Sure, you could dig a hole with a stick, but trust me, when you’re in a hurry, a proper shovel is a game changer. Find a private spot at least 200 feet from trails and water sources, dig a hole at least nine inches deep, and do your business. Bury it well, spreading dirt and natural materials over it. I like to put a rock or log over the top to prevent others from digging in the same place. Now clean your hands! A small bottle of hand sanitizer will keep those pathogens from working their way from your hands onto your snacks or face.
BEST THING EVER! A game changer! PACT Wipes and Tabs.
Last year, my wife gave me a gift that completely changed my backcountry bathroom routine, “PACT Wipes and Tabs.” These tiny, compressed biodegradable towels expand into the perfect wet wipe with just a splash of water. After use, drop the wipe into the hole with a few PACT mycelium tablets to speed up decomposition and reduce waste impact. They take up almost no space, and I keep a few in a waterproof pill bottle. Learn more about PACT here.
7. Raincoat – Always … and a Simple Shelter – Sometimes
Any good raincoat should cover your torso and top of your legs. It should be warm as an outer layer and have some breathability. Personally, I feel fine just carrying a compact raincoat and pants. I like Frogg Toggs rain gear because they pack small, keep in heat “fairly well”, and are much more affordable than big-name rain gear that doesn’t pack as flat. If I am heading into deeper woods trails, I believe it is good to have a small tarp, space blanket or sleeping tube in case of emergencies. You can find them at most outdoor stores. You will also likely need to have some paracord or some other cordage.
8. Fire source – Always … and a Tinder Box – Sometimes
Being able to start a fire in an emergency can make all the difference, but finding dry tinder isn’t always easy, and damp wood is a challenge to ignite. That’s why carrying a small tinder kit is a smart move. First, let’s talk about fire starters.
Fire sources: Matches can get wet and become useless. Waterproof matches are pricey and there are better options. Lighters are better and I usually carry one, but they can fail when wet or at higher elevations. So my go-to is a ferro rod and steel striker. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you can throw sparks onto tinder and get a fire going fast. It’s always good to have multiple ways to start a fire. Learning these will make you feel like a “wilderness wizard.”
Tinder: (No, not the dating app…) This is what you light as a small fire to start your larger fire. You can make your own fire starters with cotton balls dabbed in petroleum jelly and kept in a ziplock bag or a film canister. You can also use materials like dryer lint, jute string, pine sap and needles, or commercial fire starters. Fire building is a very basic and necessary skill to practice often.
9. A good sharp knife – Always
A knife is one of the most valuable tools you can carry, it can help you cut branches for shelter, prep firewood, amputate an arm trapped between two rocks… Yeah, hope that you never have to. A knife gives you a little sense of security should you need it. That said, don’t expect to take on a bear or mountain lion with a pocket knife. (If you are in bear country, be “bear aware” and carry bear spray). I’m a fan of the simple and reliable Opinel knives. These folding knives are classic. Their design is simple, with a wooden handle and steel blade that locks the knife open or closed. They also hold a sharp edge well. A dull knife is a good way to injure yourself. Keep them sharp!
10. Emergency Food Reserve – Always
A calorie-dense snack can be a lifesaver in tough situations. This isn’t part of your daily lunch—it’s an emergency source of calories. Options like jerky, meat sticks, fruit leather, or energy bars can keep you going and will lift your spirits if you’re lost or stuck on the trail. It’s also worth learning about wild edibles in your area—local foraging classes can teach you what’s safe to eat locally.
There’s always more we could add, so drop your suggestions in the comments! We’re each responsible for our own safety. Know your essentials, why you carry them, and how to use them. Being prepared means understanding your environment so you’re not caught off guard.
Common sense isn’t so common these days. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Every year, thousands get lost in the backcountry—some make it out, but others aren’t so lucky. Don’t be the one on the evening news with worried family at the trailhead.
Best wishes and lots of fishes!
Dennis Vander Houwen is an early adopter of tenkara, he lives and fishes all over Colorado. For more information on living simply or approaching a richer life with fewer things check out his blog, Tenkara Path, where you can also support his tenkara lifestyle by purchasing one of his amazing, handmade tenkara line spool, fly keepers. Learn more about Tenkara Lifestyles here.
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Thanks Dennis.
Here are few others in the “always” category for me:
• An extra rod, because a rod can break in places other than the tip. In my collective time on the water, I’ve probably had rods break at other sections (or do things like develop a split along one of the joint ends) about as often as a tip break. Tenkara anglers have the good fortune of gear that’s light and unobtrusive, and I take advantage of it with an extra rod.
• On longer trips, into back country, a way to call for help: either a cell phone or a sat phone or InReach device in places where cell phone reception will be non-existent.
• A small tube of quick set UV wader repair.
• When I fish in bouldery, alpine areas, such as the Alps, I now always wear a lightweight helmet (bicycle helmet in my case, but a climbing helmet would of course work well). I added this to my “always” kit for mountainous streams after more than once taking an out-of-control tumble off a slick rock, or getting knocked on my can by the current. Spitting my head on a rock could dampen the day’s fishing… and this is some easy insurance against that.
• And lastly, an essential to leave behind: Notification to someone else of where I’m going. A quick text to family or friend is enough – ‘I’m parked at the Highway Z bride over X Stream, will go upststream, and expect to be back by dark’. Another inexpensive form of safety insurance.
Something else I recently added to my car kit – and which doubles as a courtesy to other anglers – is a simple sign I made on a piece of cardboard. One side reads “I’ve gone upstream” and the flip side reads “I’ve gone downstream”. When I park at a bridge, I put the appropriate side in view on my dashboard. If another angler parks at the bridge after me, he or she will know which direction I’ve gone and which stream direction is open and free. And if I have a problem and can’t make it back to my car, the dashboard notice will cut in half the search area (and possibly save critical time) for those who come looking for me. Cheap insurance again.
Love your additions. Yes, I do carry an extra rod if I am going deep woods. I agree about a phone, love the sign idea. Genius. Last paragraph talks about letting someone know where I am. Thanks for commenting and sharing your ideas.