The Ten Essentials (Plus Two More Essentials)
This list is based on various editions of The Mountaineers Ten Essentials and represents the basics of what everyone should bring on their backcountry day hike. Not all of this will be necessary in the frontcountry, but when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
- Navigation: at least a map and compass, and sometimes also a GPS. If you bring a GPS or other satellite-based navigation devices, also bring a portable battery and a charging cable.
- Lighting: a headlamp is strongly preferred over a flashlight. Make sure it is fully charged before you begin your hike.
- Sun protection: sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- First aid kit: usually a small one is fine, and don't bring anything you're not trained and qualified to use. Include foot care as needed.
- Repair kit: a small tool, such as a Swiss Army-style knife or Leatherman-style folding multitool. You may also want to bring adhesive patch kits to repair tears in your rain jacket.
- Fire kit: a lighter works best, but you may also choose to bring weatherproof matches, normal matches, a firestarter (such a flint-and-steel), and/or tinder.
- Emergency shelter: usually a brightly-coloured emergency bivy sack. The Mylar “space blanket” is too flimsy to be usable.
- Extra food: bring an extra energy bar for a short day hike, a half-day of extra food for a long day hike, and a full-day of extra food for a multi-day backpacking trip.
- Extra water or water purification: bring more water than you normally drink, or else bring a method of water purification, such as a filter-based purifier or water treatment tablets.
- Insulating clothing: bring enough warm layers to survive an emergency overnight.
- Signalling: an emergency whistle, even if there's already one built into your backpack's sternum strap, and a signalling mirror. If you are going somewhere especially remote, it may be wise to bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in case you are lost for a long time or in need of urgent rescue.
- Bug protection: bug shirt or headnet, and bug repellent spray, if needed. Include tick forceps to your first aid kit depending, depending on time of year and location.