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
- Daypack
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Insect repellent
- Headnet
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Lunch
- Utensils
- Cups
- Food for kids
- _____________________ for kids
- Route description or guidebook
- Interpretive field guide(s)
- Notepad or sketchpad with pen/pencil
- Quick-dry towel
- Bag for collecting trash
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
- _____________________
Warm weather clothing options
- Wicking T-shirt
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Insulating fleece jacket or vest
- Bandana or buff
- _____________________
Cool weather clothing options
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear
- Hat, cap or headband (synthetic or wool)
- Gloves or mittens
- Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
- Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
- Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
- _____________________
Footwear
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for river fording, trip home)
- ______________________
Ratings and Comments
There are two checklists with the same name and they appear to be very similar but this one has the printer friendly version that prints the list with check boxes! How clever is that?
What about safety from animals. I hike Bonner Canyon in Irvine, CA. and happened to see some big cat the other day.. maybe a mountain lion that was about 50 lbs or so? I was walking alone and didn't think twice about it.. Would a walking stick do? or how about a air horn? I happened to see the cat in the parking lot that day, and I was driving so I was in no danger but what do you do if you see one on the trail if you are maybe 45-1 hour into the hike? shoud I carry a big knife or get a starter gun or real gun? I don't want to get mauled out there when I'm just trying to get a little exercise and enjoy nature..
I always carry my sog seal pup and 9mm handgun. I have my concealed carry partially for this reason. We don't have mountain lions here in pa but you can never be too safe. A small firearm should handle a big cat just stay away from grizzlies. Dunno if that's an issue out there. They are also good to have for wilderness survival. A gun can be a huge asset if you needed to hunt or protect yourself. As for at least some kind of knife I'd never leave home without one
Guns....
Might be logical to carry when backpacking but I'm so turned off
by ill informed 2nd ammendment fanatics. They always forget to mention the first clause which reads "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state...."
Your comment is not only irrelevant but also ill-informed.
In both the Heller and McDonald decisions, SCOTUS ruled that is prefatory text. Furthermore, "militia" is defined in 10 USC § 311 a as all able bodied men between 17 and 45 who are citizens of have declared intent to become citizens. It also includes women who are members of the National Guard or Naval Militia. Men between 17-45 who are NOT members of either the National Guard or Naval Militia are considered the unorganized militia, as designated in (b)(2) of the above US Code.
So, again, your comment is not only irrelevant but also wrong.
These checklists have been invaluable when planning for any trip. I usually make my own lists, then consult these lists for anything I forgot to add--and I always forget something. . .usually something extremely important.
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