The 10 essentials

By Sherry Ross

Your simple day hike quickly turns into a small crisis with a severe ankle sprain. You run out of food and water. You wished for that windbreaker or headlamp that was left in the car. You slowly stumble back in the dark, shivering all the way.

Hikers, climbers, and wilderness travelers can recount numerous tales of uncomfortable bivouacs, aborted trips, and downright life-threatening emergencies due to the unexpected.

The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based outdoors group, researched reports of mountaineering, climbing, and hiking trips gone awry. They developed a handy list of items that would make a positive difference in a trip’s outcome. Known popularly as the 10 Essentials, it’s a collective wisdom of what one should carry for any backcountry travel:

               To help you stay “found”:

1. A map of the area
2. A compass (and know how to use it!)
3. Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries and bulb. You never know if you’ll be returning in the dark.
   
   
       For your well-being and protection:
   
   
4. Sunglasses. Sunlight, even under overcast conditions, can damage your eyes (especially at high altitude).
5. Extra food and water. You may be out longer than you think.
6. Extra clothing appropriate to the season and terrain. A sunny July morning in the local mountains can turn to hail in a matter of hours. One hiker I know always carries a set of lightweight thermals in addition to rain/wind gear.
   
   
       For emergencies:
   
   
7. Waterproof matches. For additional insurance, store them in a waterproof container such as a film canister. A cigarette lighter is handy, but difficult to strike a flame if the flint gets wet. Back it up with matches. Others carry a magnesium block.
8. Candle or fire starter. A source of flame that’s dependable over several minutes can make the difference in getting damp kindling afire.
9. Pocketknife. This can be a simple tool of one or two blades, or a multi-use gadget that weighs as much as your lunch.
10. First aid kit, with supplies appropriate to the length and type of activity. A basic first aid kit will take care of minor problems in many circumstances. Although one should prepare for the unexpected, it’s wise to plan the activity to minimize risk of injury.

    [top of page]