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
- Tent, Tarp or Bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
- Footprint
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Sleeping pad
- Whistle
- Signaling mirror
- Trekking poles
- Ice ax
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cook pot
- Utensil(s)
- Measuring cup/mug
- Bear canister or hang bags for food
- Length of nylon cord (5 feet+)
- ____________________
Clothing options
(base choices on trip length and possible weather extremes)
- Wicking T-shirt
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying shorts or convertible pants
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Bandana or buff
- Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
- Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
- Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
- Sun-shielding hat or insulating headwear
- Gloves or mittens
- ____________________
Footwear; assorted personal options
- Light-hiking or trail-running shoes
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for fording, in camp)
- Insect repellent
- Headnet
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Camera and memory cards
- Monocular or Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Cell phone/satellite communicator
- Small amount of cash or credit card
- Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
- ____________________
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