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
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
- Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack
- 4-season tent, or tarp or bivy sack
- Snow or tent stakes and guylines
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Footprint (if needed for tent)
- Sleeping bag (liner optional)
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- 2 sleeping pads per person (+optional chair kit)
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Packable lantern
- Snowshoes
- Skis (with skins)
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles (with snow baskets)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Signaling mirror (often on compass)
- Whistle
- Personal locator beacon (PLB)
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche probe
- Slope meter
- Snow shovel
- Snow saw
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset with large pot (for melting snow)
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Pot grabber
- Food-storage sacks or canister
- 50-foot nylon cord
- Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
Clothing
- Base layer: wicking underwear
- Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants
- Shell: Rain jacket (of soft-shell)
- Rain Pants (of soft shell pants)
- Dry clothing for camp
- Insulating hat, cap or headband
- Balaclava and/or face mask
- Goggles
- Gloves and/or mittens
- Waterproof overmitts
Footwear; assorted personal items
- Boots
- Main socks, liner socks, spare socks
- Gaiters
- Camp booties
- Bandanna or buff
- Hand warmers
- Toilet paper + sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer + Quick-dry towel
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Permits
- Guidebook; interpretive field guide(s)
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Music player with headphones
- Small amount of cash or credit card
- Trip itinerary left w/ friend + under car seat
- __________________________
Ratings and Comments
Great list to start with. The 10 essentials are a definitely a must have. There is a reason they are so ubiquitous. Everyone should create a simple checklist document for their camping hiking adventures, created with your on gear and your own style.
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