Before you head out on a hike or camping trip, you want to be sure you’re prepared. Even the most seasoned adventurer will sometimes encounter things they weren’t expecting. Weather can change rapidly (especially in the mountains), trail detours can cause your hike to be longer than planned, someone could get injured, or you could even find yourself stuck in the wilderness overnight. If you set out on a day hike with nothing but a water bottle and any of those unexpected things happens, you could be in real trouble. That’s why the 10 Essentials list is so important.
Real-Life Example: Eagle Creek Fire
On September 2, 2017, hikers set out on what should have been an easy day hike on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Many probably had nothing more than a water bottle with them. What they couldn’t have predicted was a wildfire starting between them and the trailhead.
153 hikers were trapped and ended up spending the night huddled together trying to stay warm, before hiking 20+ miles to safety the next morning. Having the 10 Essentials in that situation wouldn’t have saved them from spending the night outside, but it would have made it safer and made them more comfortable.
Of course, what it means to be prepared will vary depending on what you’re doing, but there are 10 essentials you should be sure to always pack. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to this list.
First, think of the 10 Essentials as a list of categories rather than 10 specific items. The activity you’ll be doing and where you’ll be doing it can change what item you need, but the category remains the same. For example, if you’re hiking a 1 mile trail in a park near a town, the “Navigation” category could be as simple as a fully charged phone with a map of the trail. But if you’re hiking 10 miles through the backcountry with no cell service, that same category would require some type of GPS device with downloaded maps and a paper map as a backup.
Second, this is not a complete list of what to consider when packing, but rather a list of basic items to be sure to include. Some activities or conditions will require additional items. For example, you won’t find anything about an ice axe on this list, but if you’re planning to summit Mount Hood you better be sure to include that crucial tool!
Navigation
- GPS Device
- Maps (paper)
- Compass
- Satellite Communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses
- Suncreen
- Hat and/or bandana to cover your head and neck area
Illumination
- Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
- Flashlight
First-Aid Supplies
- First-Aid Kit
- Burn cream
- Blister kit
- Ibuprofen (first aid kits often have very limited amount)
Repair Kit and Tools
- Knife
- Multi-tool
- Tape
- Paracord
Fire
- Lighter
- Waterproof Matches
- Fire Starter
- Small stove like the Jetboil
- Fuel for your stove
Emergency Shelter
- Space blanket
- Tarp
- Bivy tent
- Sleeping Bag
Nutrition
- Snacks high in carbohydrates and protein: Granola, Trail mix, Nuts
- Honey Stinger waffles
- Gatorade Prime Energy Chews
- Freeze dried meals
Hydration
- Water
- Extra water
- Water filter like the Sawyer Mini or Life Straw
Insulation
- Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Rain coat
- Extra layers
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