Hiking safety in Montana is a subject worth revisiting, especially for guests at Lakeside Motel & Resort who plan to explore some of the hiking trails in the northwest corner of the state. This article builds from an earlier Lakeside piece, 8 Safety Tips for Summer Hiking in Montana, and goes deeper into preparation by focusing on a system developed for hikers and mountaineers. The National Park Service (NPS) highlights the “Ten Essentials” as a framework for what to pack before heading into the backcountry. According to NPS, this concept originated with The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization, who outlined it in their book Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.
For anyone considering hiking safety in Montana, these Ten Essentials—and a few additional practices unique to this state’s wilderness—provide a reliable checklist for reducing risks and enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
Table of Contents
The Ten Essentials: A Foundation for Hiking Safety in Montana
The Ten Essentials are divided into categories that cover navigation, protection from the elements, sustenance, and emergency response. While day hikes might seem straightforward, Montana’s varied terrain and sudden weather shifts can make carrying these items necessary for both short and long trips.
1. Navigation
Good navigation tools are vital to hiking safety in Montana. Maps, a compass, and a GPS unit can help you avoid getting lost, especially if you consult them while planning your hike and also in orienting yourself during your hike. They can become essential if you do become lost.
Some trails in Montana are lightly used and may not appear on apps or be available in local outfitters’ map racks. It can be worth searching further for maps of trails you might be interested in, and even contacting cartographers for suggestions. A printed up-to-date-topographic map paired with a compass can provide a strong option on the trail. A GPS unit or smartphone navigation app is very helpful, but batteries can run down and service can be spotty or nonexistent—so having a paper backup can be indispensable for hiking safety in Montana.
2. Sun Protection
The high elevation of many Montana trails can mean stronger sun exposure, even on cool days. Sunglasses can protect against glare and eye strain, sunscreen can prevent painful burns, and a wide-brimmed hat can shield your face and neck. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts can also add protection. Prioritizing sun protection is an often-overlooked part of hiking safety in Montana, but it helps prevent both short-term and long-term health risks.
3. Insulation
Montana weather can be unpredictable. In summer, hikers may face a passing thunderstorm and a sudden drop in temperature. In the fall, early-season snows can occur in some areas. Insulation layers—such as a jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear—allow hikers to adapt quickly. Packing these items adds some weight but can make a real difference during unexpected weather events and during emergencies.
4. Illumination
Carrying a flashlight and/or a headlamp is important. Trails can take longer than expected, and darkness can seem to fall quickly in the forest. Reliable illumination not only prevents tripping or injury but can also be used to signal for help if needed. Headlamps have the advantage of being hands-free. Packing extra batteries can help ensure you have light when needed.
5. First Aid Supplies
A first aid kit is essential to hiking safety in Montana. A pre-assembled kit can be a good start, and then customized for medical needs and for hikes. Continually check for items that have reached their expiration dates and replace as needed. Scrapes, blisters, or insect bites are common, but more serious accidents can happen too. Even a small kit with bandages, antiseptic, and antibiotic ointment can prevent small issues from becoming major problems. The NPS article suggests including an emergency guide in case an unfamiliar medical emergency occurs.
6. Fire
Fire-making supplies are another essential. Waterproof matches and a lighter can be lifesavers if hikers need to spend an unplanned night outdoors. Fire can provide warmth, cook food, and serve as a visible emergency signal. In Montana, where temperatures can drop rapidly after dark, a campfire can be a critical survival tool. The NPS article recommends learning about the area’s fire use regulations in preparation for the hike.
7. Repair Kit and Tools
Duct tape, a knife or multitool, screwdriver, and scissors are all worth the small amount of pack space they take up. From broken gear straps to torn clothing, a repair kit can “save the day.” Tools can also help in setting up emergency shelters or repairing equipment.
8. Food
The NPS article recommends packing an extra day’s supply of food. Hiking safety in Montana can mean preparing for unexpected delays. High-energy, high-nutrition, compact, no-cook snacks like trail mix, nuts, and granola bars can be ideal.
9. Hydration
Carrying ample water is crucial. The NPS article emphasizes “If you’re active outdoors (hiking, biking, running, swimming, etc.), especially in hot weather, you should drink water often and before you feel thirsty. Prepare your water before you need it and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.” Water treatment supplies, such as filters or purification tablets, can add an extra layer of safety if natural sources must be used. Drinking unfiltered untreated water from streams or lakes may cause serious illness.
10. Emergency Shelter
Unexpected overnights happen. Lightweight tents, tarps, bivy sacks, or even a simple space blanket can provide crucial protection from wind, rain, and cold. Emergency shelter can be the deciding factor between a safe wait and a hazardous situation.
Safety Items and Practices to Add to the Ten Essentials
While the Ten Essentials cover universal hiking preparedness, hiking safety in Montana also can require region-specific considerations. The state’s wildlife, insects, and recreational culture necessitate a few extra items and practices that are listed below. These additions show how the preparation system can be customized for a hike, a region, or a state, and the additions most likely are transferable to many other states.
Bear Spray
According to Western Montana’s Glacier Country, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts should carry bear spray, know how to use it, and be prepared to deploy it immediately when needed. The Be Bear Aware Campaign has a web page (as of this article’s August 2025 publishing) with in-depth information on bear spray and how to use it in different bear encounters. The page also includes a video tutorial.
Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and ticks can turn an otherwise peaceful hike into an unpleasant experience. Ticks, in particular, pose risks of disease. Carrying and using insect repellent adds comfort and safety to your hike, especially during Montana’s summer months.
Sharing the Trail
Montana trails are used by a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Horses, mountain bikers, and even off-road vehicles may share sections of trail. Practicing trail awareness—yielding to uphill hikers, stepping aside for horses, and communicating with other trail users—promotes safety for everyone.
Fishing Regulations
If fishing is part of your hike, remember that Montana has specific regulations on seasons, limits, and permits. Checking local fishing guidelines ensures compliance and protects the state’s natural resources. Hikers can find details on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site.
Hiking Safety in Montana: Universal Practices Beyond Packing
Packing the right gear is one part of hiking safety in Montana. Responsible practices are also important. Here are a few that are briefly described and may be universal for most all hiking endeavors:
- Know Your Route: Research trail conditions and check weather forecasts before heading out. Being aware of terrain and potential weather changes can guide your decision-making for the hike.
- Pack In, Pack Out: Packing out any trash you generate (empty food wrappers and beverage containers, for example) will help preserve the area’s natural beauty for others.
- Communicate Plans: Let others know your hiking trail, when you plan to start the hike, how long the hike should last, and when you expect to return. If you should become lost, have an accident, or encounter something unexpected, communicating your plans before the hike can help speed any needed search and rescue efforts. Hiking in groups of four or more can also add to hiking safety.
Lakeside Motel & Resort: Your Base Camp for Hiking Safety in Montana
Hiking safety in Montana is not about worry, but instead preparation. By packing according to the Ten Essentials, adding region-specific items like bear spray and insect repellent, and following responsible practices, hikers can confidently enjoy the state’s trails.
Lakeside Motel & Resort provides a scenic “base camp” for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re planning a short day hike to a scenic overlook or a more intensive trek through rugged terrain, staying at Lakeside ensures comfort, convenience, and a welcoming return point.
From the private dock on Noxon Reservoir to access for nearby trailheads, Lakeside is more than just a place to stay—it’s a launching pad for adventure. By combining preparation with the hospitality of Lakeside, you can make your Montana hiking experience both safe and unforgettable.
For more information on planning your stay and exploring the region’s hiking opportunities, visit mtlodging.com.
Sources:
Backyard Montana. “Hiking in Montana: Things You Should Know.” backyardmontana.com. 27 August 2025 (Accessed). https://backyardmontana.com/helpful/hiking-in-montana-things-you-should-know/.
Gillette, Kali (Visit Bozeman). “Tips for Staying Safe in the Montana Backcountry.” blog.bozemancvb.com. 14 May 2020 (Published). https://blog.bozemancvb.com/blog/recreate-responsibly-tips-for-staying-safe-in-the-backcountry.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. “Hiking: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers miles and miles of hiking trails for people looking to explore the outdoors.” fwp.mt.gov. 27 August 2025 (Accessed). https://fwp.mt.gov/activities/hiking.
National Park Service (NPS). “Ten Essentials.” nps.gov. 27 August 2025 (Accessed). https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm.
Western Montana’s Glacier Country. “Bear and Wildlife Safety: Stay Safe in Bear Country.” glaciermt.com. 27 August 2025 (Accessed). https://glaciermt.com/wildlife-and-bear-safety.
