The 10+ Essentials

The original "10 Essentials" list started appearing in hiking and climbing
publications in the 1950s and 60s. With changing environmental issues and
advances in technology, it's grown a bit, but it's still not too unwieldy.

The 10-Plus Essentials

   1. Map (in a watertight case)
   2. Compass (plus an optional GPS receiver)
   3. Extra clothing (men's, women's, kids')
   4. Extra food and water
   5. First-aid kit
   6. Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
   7. Matches (storm proof, or in a watertight container)
   8. Fire starter
   9. Knife (or multi-use camp tool)
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Sunscreen
  12. Water filter (or other method of water treatment)
  13. Whistle
  14. Food storage device

1. Map: if you're hiking on an unmistakable trail or will be away from people,
a map is essential. But not just any map: those undetailed handout maps you can
pick up at the trail-head are fine for finding points of interest along the
trail, but they're next to useless if you get lost. They don't have enough
detail to help you figure out where you are and how to get to where you want
to be. Carry a good topographic map that covers the area of your hike.

2. While GPS units are handy and convenient, they're no replacement for a
compass. Suppose your batteries die, or you break your GPS in a fall? A
good compass isn't very expensive. Of course you'll take the time to learn
basic orienteering and route-finding skills before you hit the trail, right?
A good place to start is http://www.compassdude.com/

3. Extra clothing, because the weather can change unexpectedly, leaving
you wet and cold. And it's not all that hard to lose your balance when
crossing a stream and fall in. Besides, while it's a beautiful 80° right
now, what if you're out all night, and the temperature drops into the 30s
or 40s?

4. Extra food: you're not planning to be gone long, so why bother? Well,
nobody plans to get lost or injured, but it still happens. Bring along
some extra nutrition, even if it's just a freeze-dried meal or some energy
bars.

5. First aid kit: because you never know. There are some great lightweight
kits available, and they usually leave room for you to add some personal
extras, such as prescription medications, etc.

6. Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries: again, you didn't plan to
be out all night, but here you are just the same. Besides helping you find
your way, it can be used for signaling.

7. Matches (storm-proof or in a watertight container): Self-explanatory.
And don't rely on convenience-store matchbooks--they're too flimsy and unreliable.

8. Fire starter: something to help you get a fire going quickly. You can buy
commercial fire-starters in paste or block form, or you can bring some dry
tinder in a Zip-Lock bag.

9. Knife or Multi-Tool: handy for gear repair, first aid, or starting a fire.
Even a folding pocket knife works. While some people like the Swiss Army-type
knives with scissors, screw drivers, etc., some folks consider them luxury
items. But I've never once been in a situation where I said to myself,
"Gee, I sure wish I hadn't brought this pliers/can opener/screw driver/
scissors/tweezers with me."

10. Sunglasses: protect your eyesight!

11. Sunscreen: The Mayo Clinic recommends SPF 15 or better. And bring lip
balm, too!

12. Water filter/purifier: That mountain stream sure looks pure, doesn't it?
Well, so did that spinach you bought last week. Remember that? The spinach
that gave you that nasty e. coli infection? Without recommending any particular
brand, I will say that I carry a Katadyn Hiker Pro--even when I'm carrying
extra water bottles.

13. Whistle: Sure, you can always shout for help. And after 4 or 5 hours
when you hear the rescuers calling your name, it's too bad—you've already
shouted yourself hoarse and can't answer them. Besides, you can hear a
whistle over longer distances.

14. Bear-resistant food container: these containers are like gravity--More
than a good idea, it's the law! There are an increasing number of places
where not using an approved bear-proof container can be your entry in the
"Congratulations, you won a trip to federal court and a $5,000 fine" sweepstakes.
Which is only a marginal improvement over the bear that just clawed its way
into your tent to get that candy bar you left inside your pack.