The Ten Essentials of Hiking

By Bob Ryan
Mast Store Annex

In the mid 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle area hiking and mountaineering group, published a list of ten essentials that backcountry visitors should carry with them. Since the essentials list first appeared it has been updated and expanded several times by many different outdoor groups, but its purpose remains the same. When asked why the list was created, the Mountaineers explained, “The purpose of the list has always been to answer two basic questions. First, can you respond to an accident or emergency? Second, can you safely spend a night or more out?” While not every outdoor adventure will require the use of everything on the list, the following should always be in a well equipped pack.

Map and Compass: One main purpose for the Ten Essentials list is to provide the means to safely survive a night in the wilderness if you become lost. With a map and compass, and the knowledge to use them, you have the tools to help prevent this from happening. An up-to-date map, such as the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps, provides you with accurate information on trails, campsites and topography. Spend a short time familiarizing yourself with the map and trail information before heading out. Every compass, no matter the price or features, does the same thing -- it points to magnetic North. Used with your map, it will help you identify landmarks to find your way. Features such as sighting mirrors or liquid filled needle housings will make the compass more useful.

Whistle: If you need to get someone’s attention, a high pitched whistle’s sound will carry much further in the wilderness than a shout. Rescuers can more easily locate the direction a high pitched sound is coming from. The universal distress signal is 3 whistle blasts.

Water and Purification: On a 90 degree day of hiking your body can use up to 2.5 gallons of water. Even on a short hike, bringing enough water is essential. If you can’t carry enough, you need a way to purify water to make it safe to drink. The most remote mountain stream could have harmful bacteria or viruses. Many water filters and purifiers are available; another option is a lightweight package of Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets. The 12 tablet package will treat 12 liters of water, removing Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Extra Food: Carry at least a day’s supply of extra food with you, even on short day hikes. Pack no-cook high energy items such as nuts, dried fruit, jerky or energy bars. A 2.4 ounce Clif bar has about 240 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Rain Gear and Extra Clothing: The weather is always subject to change. When hiking in the mountains, you lose about 2 degrees of temperature for every 1000 feet you ascend. Layering allows you to add or remove clothing to meet current weather conditions.

Fire Starter or Matches: Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, and even signaling for help. Waterproof wooden safety matches are coated in wax and will stay dry in your pack until you need them. A magnesium fire starting tool is also helpful;  using a small amount of magnesium shavings can provide a flame source of 5400 degrees that can start a fire even with damp wood.

First Aid Kit: You don’t need to perform major surgery in the wilderness; a simple first aid kit to treat such things as cuts, burns, blisters and insect bites will serve you well. Adventure Medical Kits have all the required supplies pre-packaged for you. Created by doctors, you know the essentials are there. The kits come in various sizes based on group size and trip duration. Familiarize yourself with the content and uses of everything in your kit before you venture outside. 

Knife or Multipurpose Tool. From cutting fire-making tinder to cutting food to eat, a knife has a multitude of uses. Popular choices range from Swiss Army Knives with scissors and screwdrivers to Leatherman multipurpose tools with saw blades and files. The more gadgets, the heavier the tool is, so choose based on your needs.

Flashlight or Headlamp. Use a light for signaling in the dark, finding your way on a dark trail, or checking out that noise in the bushes. A light is only as good as its batteries and bulbs; make sure both are fresh. A headlamp with a bright beam LED bulb will give you bright hands free light. Look for a light with multiple brightness settings for longer battery life

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: For any extended outdoor activity, protection from the sun’s ultraviolet light is important, especially at higher mountain elevations. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses that block 100 percent of UV rays for maximum protection. Sunscreen should provide protection of at least SPF30; depending on the activity level, it should be applied every 2 hours for maximum protection.

Add items to the essentials list to meet your personal needs. Depending on your location or activity, such things as insect repellent, an ice axe, emergency shelter or a GPS can be useful. Think of the Ten Essentials of Hiking, along with your own common sense, as your outdoor insurance policy. Visit your local Mast General Store for assistance with your personal Take It Outside essentials.