Rain and wind jacket or a poncho
Even if the morning is clear blue. It's almost always windy on the ridge, and summer storms in the Tatras are nothing unusual. It takes up almost no space and can save the whole day.
Food, water and electrolytes
At least a litre and a half of water, more in summer. I add electrolytes – when you sweat a lot, water alone isn't enough and cramps and fatigue kick in. Plus something proper to eat and a few extra bars.
First aid kit
Blister plasters, a bandage, disinfectant, painkillers. Nothing big, but when you need it, nothing else will do.
Neck and face scarf
It protects against wind, sun and cold. You can wear it around your neck, over your face or as a headband. A small thing I use on almost every hike.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
The sun in the mountains burns more than you think – especially above the tree line and on snow in winter. And wind with sun will quickly dry out and crack your lips.
Gloves and a hat
It can easily be 10 degrees colder at the summit than down in the valley. I carry them even in summer – on the ridge and when descending along chains, gloves always come in handy.
Power bank
Your phone drains fast in the cold and when taking photos. And in the mountains, your phone is your navigation, your camera and your way to call for help.
Headlamp
The most underrated item. All it takes is staying too long at the summit, missing a turn or setting off early in the morning – and without a light you're in trouble. It weighs just a few grams.
Offline maps
I download the map to my phone in advance. There's often no signal in the valleys or under the peaks, and that's when an offline map is gold.
Wet wipes
For your hands before eating, for a sweaty face, and for when nature calls somewhere without a toilet. You'll appreciate them in the mountains more than you'd expect.
Rubbish bag
What you carry up, you carry down. Bar wrappers, used wipes, peels – everything goes into the bag and back home. Let's keep the mountains clean for those who come after us.
Final thoughts
None of these things are expensive or heavy. You might not even use most of them – but it's for that one day when you need them that you should always carry them. And one more tip: have mountain rescue insurance and save the number of the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), 18 300, in your phone.