Most backcountry hikers are familiar with the Ten Essentials that you should take with you whenever you head into the wilderness. Over the past few years, I noticed that I was getting a bit sloppy with regard to what is actually in my pack when I head out on the trail. This hit home one day when my GPS battery went dead. I fumbled around to find my compass which was supposed to be in my pack. Well, it was in my pack, the other one that I left at home.
This caused me to review the list of ten essentials to make sure I had the right stuff in my kit. A search on the internet revealed that the classic list of ten has been modified and augmented by various people to make it better. (Innovation runs rampant on the interwebz, you know.) One of the better resources I found was this page on the REI web site, which explains how the Classic Ten Essentials have been updated to the Ten Essential Systems:
- Navigation (map and compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter
Read through the REI web page to get the fine points of this system approach. I won’t repeat that information here. They also include a Beyond the Top Ten list which calls out the need for:
Communication device: Two-way radios, a cell phone or a satellite telephone can add a measure of safety in many situations.
Of course, what they really mean is an amateur radio transceiver and antenna but they probably can’t say that in print due to licensing issues. (Not everyone in the backcountry has an FCC ham license. I know, they all should have an amateur license but many don’t…very hard to understand 🙂 )
So how are you doing with your Ten Essentials list? Are you consistent in taking along the right stuff in your pack? Any tips to share with hiking hams?
73, Bob K0NR
I’m guilty of not carrying First Aid supplies in my pack, but I do have a box in my truck. I also don’t carry a lighter or matches. My GPS and headlamp both use AA batteries, so I carry an extra 4-pack of AAs. I’ve never needed to make fire, but I suppose I could use the batteries and some cannibalized coax. What is a Repair Kit and Tools for hiking?
Repair kit = knife or multitool. Also, some duct tape wrapped around your water bottle.
I just returned from a trip in CA/OR and you made me realize that I did not carry anything to start a fire. I did have the 9 other items. The best fire starter I like is a 9 volt battery and some steel wool. Works everytime. Thanks for the list!
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