5. First-aid Supplies
Pre-assembled first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building your own kit, though many people personalize these kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include treatments for blisters, adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper. Latex gloves also deserve consideration. The length of your trip and the number of people involved will impact the contents of your kit. It's also a good idea to carry some sort of compact guide to dealing with medical emergencies.
6. Fire
Matches headed into the backcountry should be the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and ensure they are kept dry. Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself some frustration and tote reliable matches on every trip. Mechanical lighters are handy, but always carry some matches as a backup.
Firestarter, as the name implies, is an element that helps you jump-start (and possibly sustain) a fire. Of all the classic Ten Essentials, it is probably the one least commonly carried by wilderness travelers. But should you get stranded overnight in the boonies and you start to shiver, you need the means to build an emergency fire.
The ideal firestarter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Candidates include dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming paste; heat "nuggets" (chipped-wood clusters soaked in resin). Even lint trappings from a household clothes dryer can work.
7. Repair Kit and Tools
Knives or multi-tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one foldout blade (more likely two), one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can-opener and (though some people will call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs (if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you may want in your knife or tool.
If you carry a self-inflating mattress, you probably do not carry a repair kit for it. Typically, the only people who do are those who have endured a puncture deep in the backcountry. Depending on your outlook on Murphy's Law, it's an item worth considering.
Here's a classic tip for carrying the basics of a poor-man's repair kit: Wrap strips of duct tape (the universal fix-it product) around your water bottle or trekking poles so you can repair who-knows-what in the backcountry.
8. Nutrition (extra food)
Always pack at least one extra day's worth of food. It can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it's even smarter to include no-cook items with nearly infinite storage times: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits or jerky.
The process of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it's smart to munch some food before bunking down—just don't leave animal-attracting leftovers inside your shelter.
9. Hydration (extra water)
Mountaineering suggests always carrying at least one water bottle and a collapsible water reservoir. You should also carry some means for treating water, whether it is a filter/purifier or chemical treatment.
When beginning extended travel along a ridgeline or in alpine conditions, it's wise to consult your map and try to envision possible water sources. Try to resupply at the last obvious water source before beginning a stretch of unpredictable water availability.
10. Emergency Shelter
Shelter is a new component in the updated Ten Essentials, one that seems targeted at day trippers. (Most overnight wilderness travelers already carry a tent or tarp.) The thinking is, if getting lost or injured leaves you stranded in the backcountry, something is better than nothing if you have to deal with wind or rain. Options include an ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, an emergency space blanket (which packs small and weighs just ounces), even a large plastic trash bag.
Beyond the Top Ten
Earlier we mentioned an altimeter as worthy candidate to consider as an add-on to the updated Ten Essentials list. Here are a few others:
•Insect repellent: Your two most effective options are: 1) Lotion or spray repellents containing DEET, and/or 2) Clothing that has been treated with permethrin.
•Whistle: For summoning help; it will outlast your vocal chords.
•Ice ax: For safety when crossing snow fields.
•Communication device: Two-way radios, a cell phone or a satellite telephone can add a measure of safety in many situations.
•Knowledge: Having items in your pack has no value unless you understand how to use them. As one search-and-rescue leader told us, "People talk about the Ten Essentials, but the most important essential is between your ears."
Final Thoughts
Even though you may only occasionally use a few of these items, carrying the Ten Essentials on all your backcountry excursions is a smart move. They serve as the antidote to the unexpected, like the seatbelts in your vehicle.
The Ten Essentials can also form the core of your home (or car) emergency-preparedness kit. They are all about safety, advance preparation and peace of mind. They could potentially save your life.
MOD edit to fix EX tags.
[edit on 6/14/2009 by greeneyedleo]
