The 10 essentials Developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers as a checklist for backcountry emergency preparedness, the Ten Essentials were 10 individual items that few experienced wilderness travelers would consider leaving out of their backpacks The jury is still out on the Ten Essentials regarding day hikes, especially those on familiar or well-marked trails in good weather. While most hikers agree that sunscreen is worth the weight, those trotting around Maple Pass in 3 hours would probably consider it overkill to carry a space blanket and a water filter (however, given the number of people populating that loop, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon a fellow hiker in need at some point). When packing, you’ll need to make the decision for yourself, but consider the basic premise behind the Ten Essentials: You probably won’t use most of this stuff, but as soon as you need it, you’ll be glad you brought it.
• Firestarter and matches. If for some reason you are spiraling toward hypothermia, and there are no other options for getting warm, you’ll have to light a fire. This should only be a last resort if there are no established fire rings. Heed all fire bans!
• Navigation: Learn how to read a topographic map before you hit the trail. Seriously. Ditto for your compass. Plus, a lot of compasses have mirrors in the lids, which you can use to admire your grubby face. • Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat — wear them every day.
• Repair kit and tools: Sometimes the ability to fix your stove or your pack makes the difference between comfort and misery.
• Insulation: Bring more warm clothes than you think you’ll need; it’s colder in the mountains. Even on a sunny day hike it’s often nice to have a hat and puffy jacket for lunch on the summit.
• Water and purification system. All water pulled from streams, rivers, and lakes should be treated.
• Illumination: Even in the summer with 16 hours of daylight, you never know when you might have to hike out in the dark. Pack a headlamp or flashlight and make sure your batteries are new. • First aid kit: Outdoor stores sell wellstocked commercial kits, or visit REI’s website for an inventory list that will guide you through assembling your own.
• Extra food. Bring something high calorie, non-perishable and unappealing, like stale energy bars in an unpopular flavor. You’ll have them if you need them, but you won’t be tempted to break them out for dessert one night. • Emergency shelter. If all goes well and you’re lucky, you won’t need your rain gear or space blanket, but better safe than sorry.
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