The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
- Map (with protective case)
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our first-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
10. Emergency shelter
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack
- Pack cover
- Tent, tarp or bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Footprint (if needed for tent)
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Trekking poles
- Ice axe
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset (with pot grabber)
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Bear canister (or hang bags for food)
- Nylon cord (50 feet for hanging food)
- Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
- Collapsible sink or container
- Packable lantern
Clothing options: Warm weather
- Wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool)
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Bandana or Buff
Cool weather (insulation in Ten Essentials)
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
- Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
- Gloves or mittens
- Rainwear (jacket, pants)
- Fleece jacket or vest, and pants
Footwear; assorted personal items
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for fording, in camp)
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Field guide(s); star identifier
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Earplugs and eye shade
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Headnet
- Bear spray
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap (and shower bag)
- Quick-dry towel
- Cell phone/satellite comunicator/2-way radios
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left w/ friend + under car seat
- _______________
Ratings and Comments
Why is the "printer friendly version" not available???
Can't click on it...
It works for me. It's PDF. IDK if that makes a difference or if you still need it...
Does REI support women backpacking? Is the expert author of this list aware of the fact that women menstruate? I fear the answer to one of these questions must be no, because this checklist leaves out one of the most necessary items for taking care of yourself (especially when miles away from drugstores): feminine products. They've already included the caveat, "This list is intentionally extensive", so why in the world is this missing?
It is quite a shame, because REI actually carries a fairly revolutionary product, the Diva Cup, which can be worn for 12 hours, emptied, and replaced, eliminating lots of waste that needs to be packed out or be biodegradable. I found it under the "camp bathrooms" section, and while I haven't yet used it in the woods, I would highly suggest fellow female wanderers check it out (there are reviews from those who have).
Please, REI, address this example of subtle sexism and acknowledge that women can have outdoor adventures any week of the year.
Ok, really? Sexism? When they put 'toiletry kit' that seems to be the area it would fall under. Do you need REI to point out you need to bring along prescriptions as well. Be an adult- this is a gear list not a social commentary.
I would like to point out that prescriptions are included in the linked first-aid kit list. My point is just that this is something a number of backpackers need to think about, and I would argue is more vital than remembering you might want music and headphones. Especially because REI offers a great solution, why don't they include a link to a product that covers this need? (When considering weight and waste, it really is an issue you need to think about handling well). Even if this was written by a man (who understandably didn't think about this), it is important to remember that others have different needs, and it reveals a lack of consideration that the gear list wasn't reviewed by a woman. This is what I mean by the word "subtle" - I'm sure this was not intentional, but the fact remains that it was written by and for guys. My main goal is just to make people aware that this is a sport enjoyed by both sexes, and everyone's hiking needs should be considered.
Please, half the sales staff at the REIs I buy stuff at are female. They are just as knowledgeable as their male compatriots. You're picking nits. I don't need to think about because I assume that when I'm out hiking, I will see an even distribution of both sexes. I think you need to let go of the agenda you obviously have. I don't want to see gender specific lists. I want general information that a reasonable person can tailor to their needs.
You've really got to be kidding. As a woman, I don't need it put "feminine products" on a checklist. I create my own checklist of items to take each time I go out and I NEVER include this as part of my list though they always go. I do however ALWAYS include prescriptions, etc. because it doesn't take a genius to know that if it is that time you need to be prepared and have those items but I will forget to take daily medicines with me if it's not written. I have always considered myself a bit of a feminist and it is statements like these that are irritating and make the entire feministic attitude seem ridiculous.
It's women like this that give feminism a bad name...
I don't need a reminder to tell me to be prepared for menstruation... I don't find it as sexist at all.
Excellent point, HorseThief, but from my experience with similar situations this appears to be a case of unintentional sexism vis a vis lack of perspective rather than deliberate sexism. There is, of course, a strong sexism component to lack of perspective, in so much as it stems from lack of consideration, and that is fostered by societal views that support such behavior or at least fail to effectively condemn it. At the very least this list should have a complete subsection devoted to women's camping supply needs. Respect requires very little effort, and it's costs are typically negligible. Rather than argue with HorseThief, why not simply take her suggestions to heart, implement them, and learn from them.
To call it sexism is to put a negative connotation on it, it makes it accusatory. assuming the author was male it is perfectly acceptable that he would leave out a feminine hygiene product, this doesn't mean he's sexist, it just means he's a guy. The same way a women would't think to add in jock straps or styptic pencils. The correct response would have been to say please add in tampons and leave it at that but Horse thief made it a social commentary and accused the author of being sexist. This kind of militant attitude is really unacceptable and as we can see in the responses really brings out the worst in people. Adding that kind of anger to the world is completely uncalled for. Remember: if you go looking for reasons to get angry your going to find them, it's not hard expecially when you argue semantics. oh and one more thing: "GunRightsGuy?" LOL, Really? who are we fooling here.
To call it sexism is to put a negative connotation on it, it makes it accusatory. assuming the author was male (which we really have no idea either way) it is perfectly acceptable that he would leave out a feminine hygiene product, this doesn't mean he's sexist, it just means he's a guy. The same way a women would't think to add in jock straps or styptic pencils (also left out, maybe the author is female?). The correct response would have been to say please add in tampons and leave it at that but Horse thief made it a social commentary and accused the author of being sexist. This kind of militant attitude is really unacceptable and as we can see in the responses really brings out the worst in people. Adding that kind of anger to the world is completely uncalled for. Remember: if you go looking for reasons to get angry your going to find them, it's not hard especially when you argue semantics.
I do hope this is an attempt to troll, otherwise it's a pretty ridiculous statement.
It is not necessary to create a delusional sense of sexism because the author left out a specific personal hygiene product. I could add an entire paragraph of specific supplies and commentary to each category of gear, yet the author decided not to. They intended this to be a rudimentary list of basic supplies that would be necessary for an enjoyable and safe backpacking experience. This is an outline, not holy scripture made racist against females. If the author should add anything to this list, it should be to "Bring your common sense and leave your bitchin' at home."
It is sexism? Really, I mean there was no mention of Lotrimin for jock itch! I’m appalled!! The author was really of the female species. I usually think ahead, just in case, what may happen on the trail and that’s why I pack some condoms which, by the way, were omitted. Also missing, or I missed it, was mention of a snake bite kit. I’m going to stop while I’m ahead by not mentioning why I don’t take raw steak into my tent at night.
I know no female adult who does not consider this need. There are better things to be offended over.
And this is why coffee cups have printed on them: "Warning: Product served extremely hot".
Just want to say HorseThief has way too much time on her hands. There are so many cases of real sexism that actually require our attention that complaining about a camping checklist as sexist is beyond insane. Its because of comments like hers that big companies have stopped providing free help like the list above, because they are too afraid someone will complain or, god forbid, sue. Yet with all that said, is she had just clicked on "Sanitary Trowel" she would have seen an add for the product she mentioned, "The Diva".
the diva is gross
Best left as a secret kept by the women.
oh snap!
This is an excellent list and the PDF is very well formatted. I am using it to help our Venture Crew for a backpack trip to CO this summer. Thanks!
Does REI support male backpacking? is the author aware that men need support? I fear the answer to these questions must be no, because this checklist leaves out one of the most necessary items for taking care of yourself (especially when miles away from a good hot tub): a Jockstrap. they've already included the caveat, "this list is intentionally extensive, so why in the world is this missing? ...
Please, REI, address this example of subtle sexism and acknowledge that men can have outdoor adventures regardless of... physiology.
I don't want to hurt the authors feelings, but clearly she left out an important part of any man's backpacking checklist. this appears to be a case of unintentional sexism vis a vis lack of perspective rather than deliberate sexism. There is, of course, a strong sexism component to lack of perspective, in so much as it stems from lack of consideration, and that is fostered by societal views that support such behavior or at least fail to effectively condemn it. At the very least this list should have a complete subsection devoted to men's camping supply needs. Respect requires very little effort, and it's costs are typically negligible. Rather than argue with me, why not simply take my suggestions to heart, implement them, and learn from them.
Great list REI!!! Thank you!!!
Horse Thief.. should be Thread Thief!! with a side of "I need some attention"
If you can't remember to bring your pads, hairspray, and nail polish.. get back in the kitchen and stay there.
You are the definition of why men don't want women in combat arms.
Call me a sexist all you want.... I don't care one bit. I've been protecting your right to criticize me every day for the past 26 years.
Oh, btw... if you'd like to come express your disapproval of me face to face.... You can.... burka no longer required!!! Just ask the local women who are no longer suffering from REAL sexism rather than your current state of imagined sexism.
The equipment list is merely a suggestion of what to carry it is up to the individual to customize the items as they see fit, i.e. I recommend that everyone carry their own essential items to fit personal needs, do you really think that a simple "list" reflects any sexism, for pete's sake people just take the given info at value, not an expression of someone's social position.It's a list not a directive!
John Staehle, Deming, NM
This comment is the best. Well played!!!
Please tell me how this post went downhill so fast...And I thought this was TOO Inclusive.
Ok. This got a little crazy here. Is there a list of birth control options and links as well? What if someone wants to have sex? Are you all anti sex? Ok. Just kidding but some links would be nice. Lol. Anyhow, I wanted to know what all this has to do with combat arms? Camping in the us is NOTHING like war people. How dumb. When I was living in the middle east with my "non combat arms" transportation unit we planned not to mensturate during the time we were there. That would have fallen under the prescription list by the way people. Anyhow, I think if a woman was goofy enough to want to go camping during her time she should know herself what products to use. And that cup thing mentioned sounded really grose.
Why isn't there a Camping, Fishing.....etc checklist?
Women using this list should be advised to not forget to bring feminine products if needed.
In response to the other comments:
Other backpacking checklists online DO specifically include feminine hygiene.
I am a veteran and my basic training specifically included discussion of feminine hygiene products as it relates to military service. It was not assumed that everyone would think of and remember to consider this need.
If all women are so good at remembering to be prepared there would not be tampon vending machines in nearly every public bathroom.
There is no way to know what the author(s) was/were or was/were not thinking and thus I don't feel it appropriate to assume they are being sexist. Rather, we should simply bring it to their attention and suggest that they include this as it is important and relevant to backpacking.
Including feminine hygiene on a checklist does not make it gender specific; it makes it inclusive.
The cup may sound gross, but compare it to carrying around used tampons for leave-no-trace camping...
Female biology is a fact of life, not a gross thing we must hide.
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