| Essential = absolutely necessary | ||||||||||
For your safety and comfort in the wilderness the following items should be carried by every person on every hike, no matter how short or long.
The original "10 Essentials" list was prepared by the Mountaineers, a group of mountain climbing enthusiasts and instructors. The list became a standard for all backcountry travel. This list is called the "10+ Essentials" because I have added items to the list to make it more complete and in keeping with modern standards for wilderness protection and travel. | ||||||||||
| FOR FINDING YOUR WAY | ||||||||||
| 1 | Map | Bring a good topo map of the area you will be in. | ||||||||
| 2 | Compass | An orienteering type with a baseplate is best. | ||||||||
| 3 | Flashlight | Bring spare bulb and batteries marked with the purchase | ||||||||
| date so you will always know how fresh your batteries are. | ||||||||||
| FOR PROTECTION AND COMFORT | ||||||||||
| 4 | Food | Plan enough high-energy food for the whole length your trip. Bring | ||||||||
| more than you plan to use so you'll have an emergency reserve. | ||||||||||
| 5 | Water | Bring enough water for the whole trip or know where on your route | ||||||||
| you can get more. Bring filtration or purification supplies to treat | ||||||||||
| wilderness water. | ||||||||||
| 6 | Sun protection | Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses - very important in desert or snow. | ||||||||
| 7 | Toilet paper | Bring a couple of small, sealable plastic bags to "pack-out" your | ||||||||
| and trowel | used toilet paper. The wilderness is not your toilet. | |||||||||
| 8 | Extra clothing | Bring something to keep you warm overnight. Wool shirt or sweater, | ||||||||
| warm cap, mittens, etc. | ||||||||||
| 9 | Rain gear | Waterproof jacket and pants or poncho. Even an umbrella will work. | ||||||||
| FOR EMERGENCIES | ||||||||||
| 10 | Pocketknife | Keep it sharp and clean. | ||||||||
| 11 | Personal First | Keep your kit in a waterproof container. See the back of this sheet | ||||||||
| Aid kit | for first aid kit contents. | |||||||||
| 12 | Matches | Carry them in a waterproof container with a firestarter. Firestarters: | ||||||||
| dry cotton balls, a small candle, anything to get your fire going. | ||||||||||
| 13 | Space blanket | Pocket sized blanket of thin, heat relfective material. | ||||||||
| 14 | Whistle and | Blowing a good sturdy whistle is easier and louder than yelling | ||||||||
| signal mirror | for help. Reflecting light off a small mirror can help recuers find you. | |||||||||
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