Hiking survival gear is a very important thing to consider if you hike any distance at all. Even if you hike in areas that you know well, injuries and other unexpected problems can create the need for emergency hiking survival gear. The important thing is to pack your hiking gear with the survival items that will actually be of use, and not just dead weight on your back as you hike. Here are the key hiking survival gear items that every hiker needs in their backpack, and why they need them:

Compass - This is the single most important thing you could ever need for a hike in unusual territory. It is very easy to lose your bearings, and not everyone is able to read directions via the natural signs. Bring along a compass to make saving yourself easier in an emergency.

Rope - Rope is essential for a number of reasons including but not limited to; clotheslines, securing your shelter, tying off game, climbing, and much more.

Blankets - In the warmest climates in the world such as the desert, it gets pretty cold at night. Always have a blanket on hand for warmth, and it also makes a great makeshift tent against bugs along with your rope.

Water proof matches - The advantages of these are rather obvious, as you will need to build a fire to cook and cleanse your water supply if you get lost among other things.

Whistle - A whistle is a piece of hiking survival gear that many do not think of, but more should. It is great to help outdoor rescue teams locate you, and also is a good deterrent against wild animals. If you have a raccoon, bear, boar, or even a mountain lion come around, a few toots on this whistle will often send them scurrying away.

Fishing line and hooks - Fishing is one of the easier means of catching food when you have the right equipment.

Small knife - This comes in handy for small tasks such as cleaning your fish, trimming away bark, and a million other things.

Hatchet - For your larger cutting jobs, a hatchet will save you hours and hours of work. You will need this to build shelters, and clear areas for camping. It also can be used as an emergency weapon to hunt food if you practice.

First Aid Kit - It is absolutely vital that you have some basic first aid materials. A first aid kit can be had for less than ten bucks but it could one day save your life.

Insect Repellent - Again, this is not expensive, but every hiker knows it to be survival gear of the highest order.

Water Tin and Container - This can be a number of different things such as a coffee tin or any other container that will allow for you to heat water in it. You will also need a container to carry water that has been cleansed in.

Iodine tablets - These are good for cleaning water, though boiling it is still advised.

While this is not a hard and fast list, it does cover the basics that a hiker needs in survival gear. If you were left alone in the woods with these items, you would have a decent chance of making it. Hiking survival gear is somewhat specific to the area you are hiking in as well. For example, if you are hiking in the Arizona desert, you may want to take along a snake bite kit. If you are in Alaska, then it is unlikely you would need that. Tailor your hiking survival gear to the places you are hiking, and you will be just fine and well prepared when emergencies do happen.