An emergency kit is an essential must-have for any hiker, even if you are traveling a short distance. Experts say the best ones have everything you need to deal with the most common emergencies hikers encounter: minor injuries (cuts, bruises, blisters, stings), dehydration, water-borne illness, sprains, illness from extreme heat or cold and getting lost. To get a little more guidance on how to be a prepared hiker, I tapped outdoor experts and reputable agencies like the National Park Service (