The Ten Essentials
The top ten essentials should be brought with you on every hike or adventure, no matter how long you think you will be gone. These items help you respond positively to an emergency and will allow you to spend at least one night outside. Chances are you may never need to use most of the items, but you will be happy you have them if the unfortunate were to happen.
The top ten essentials used to be specified as items, however they have now been reclassified as “systems”. You will adjust what you bring according to the length and type of adventure you are going on.
Ten Essential Systems
Navigation
Headlamp
Sun protection
First aid
Knife
Fire
Shelter
Extra food
Extra water
Extra clothes
Navigation (OnXHunt App, trail map, topo map, GPS, etc..)
Bring the tools you are comfortable with using. If you don’t know how to use a compass, don’t bring it. Since you can’t always rely on cell service or technology, we highly recommend you learn how to use a compass and topo map. Learn more about our basic navigation courses here!
Headlamp (extra batteries or battery charger)
Not being able to find your stuff or seeing where you are going at night can be difficult. Always bring a headlamp so you can find your way. Bring extra batteries or a charger just in case. Also, learn the proper etiquette of using a headlamp, like not shining it in your adventure partners eyes!
Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen/hat)
Bring the proper clothing to protect you from the elements, as well as extra sunscreen lotion. Being exposed to intense sunlight can drain you of energy and cause you to become dehydrated. Not to mention, a bad sunburn is just not fun. Don’t forget to protect your head with a hat and your eyes with sunglasses!
First-aid Kit
Bring the items you are comfortable with using. Not trained in CPR, don’t bring a CPR mask! Most kits should include bandages, blister treatments, gauze, antibiotic ointment, over the counter medication, as well as insect bite cream. Don’t forget to pack your inhaler or epi-pen if needed!
Knife
A knife can be used for gear repair, cooking, first aid, making kindling and many other emergency needs. A small pocket knife is perfect, no need for a huge machete. In addition to a knife, some folks carry common repair items such as: duct tape, cordage, fabric repair tape, zip ties, safety pins.
Fire (matches/lighter/striker)
You can always bring a fancy fire starter but a lighter works best for starting fires. You should bring dry tinder in a plastic bag just in case you find yourself in wet conditions. Tinder can include priming paste, heat nuggets, or even just lint from your household dryer!
Shelter (BIVY or tent depending on situation)
Always carry some form of shelter to protect your from wind and rain. Being stuck out in the elements at night can cause hypothermia. A shelter could be a light tarp, emergency space blanket (found in your first-aid kit), or a BIVY. BIVY’s are minimalist shelters made specifically for emergencies like this. Tents are only considered emergency shelters if they will be with you at ALL times.
Extra food (bars/trail mix)
Bring enough food for one extra day, just in case your trip goes longer due to injury or weather. Food that doesn’t require cooking is ideal if you will not have your stove with you at all times. Think energy bars, jerky, or trail mix. Pack according to the length of your adventure, are you going for a couple hour hike or multi-day trek?
Extra water (Purifier/tablets/filter)
Plan ahead and carry enough water with you if there is not a water source along the route. Bring some method of treating water if you know there will be a water source. It is never safe to drink water without treating or filtering it first. Methods of treating water include filter, purifiers, chemical treatments, or boiling. Keep in mind the temperature, altitude, and level of exertion to determine how much water you need.
Extra clothes (warmth/rain)
Conditions can change abruptly when you are on your adventure, especially in mountainous areas. Always bring enough clothing to keep you warm and dry. When deciding what to bring, think about needing to survive long, inactive periods out in the elements. You won’t always be moving. Layering is best and don’t forget to cover your head and hands!