10 Essentials of Hiking

The “Ten Essentials” are a list of items that should be brought on every hike. Whether it be a quick trot up Cobble Hill to spending 2 weeks doing the Northville Placid Trail. Or, to step outside the ADK, spending 6-8 months doing the AT. These items are considered the bare minimum for survival in the backcountry.

Originally assembled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers, this list has evolved from close to 10 actual items to a list of 10 “systems”, with each system comprised of a few different items.

These 10 systems should be brought on every hike; however, they can be adjusted for that hike. You wouldn’t want to bring a deep winter layering system on a summer hike, and only bringing layers appropriate for the summer and fall is a sure way to end up as a recovery if that’s what you brought out in February. You and your hiking partners should know where these things are in your packs and more importantly be comfortable and knowledgeable in their use. Here is a list of what to pack and how to use them.

1. Hydration-water and water treatment supplies

2-3 liters of water is a good starting point. This may need to be adjusted based on temperature, difficulty of hike, and your own personal water consumption. Bringing a means of making clean water is very important as well. There are a number of various filters available, as well as iodine tablets. Make sure to bring something along to replace lost electrolytes, whether that be salt tabs (know how to use them), electrolyte powders to mix with the purified water (can help get rid of taste of iodine tabs). When hiking ensure that you’re drinking before getting thirsty.

2. Navigation-map, compass, and GPS

At the bare minimum, you should be heading out with a map, compass, and the knowledge of how to use them. Bringing a GPS or your phone is never a bad idea either, just be aware that electrical devices can and will fail. While it isn’t truly essential, a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is also worth considering.

3. Emergency Shelter

Yes, when you go on multi-day backpacking trips you should bring a tent or hammock. But even on day hikes there is always the risk of having to spend the night, getting injured and needing shelter while you wait for rescue, etc. At the very least, you should always bring a light weight space blanket or trash bag will keep you dry and slightly warmer than the ambient temp, a better option would be an emergency bivy sack.

4. Layers

Be prepared for the season, not the weather! While you shouldn’t be starting your hike at a comfortable temperature (remember, be bold, start cold!), you do want to make sure to have reliable rain gear, dry-fast synthetic (never cotton) top and bottoms, and appropriate mid and base layers. You will need to adjust what you’re bringing based on the season, but always bring clothes that you can survive the night in if necessary. As you hike you need to be able to layer down and up according to how much you sweat/how warm you are. Ideally you should be delayering before you start sweating. If you find yourself getting cold, are getting ready to go above tree line, or the weather is picking up layer up as needed.

5. Illumination

As you’ve noticed the common theme in this list, always be prepared to spend the night in the woods or have the ability to walk out at night. This means packing a headlamp or flashlight. Ideally, you should have a back up and back up batteries. There are several ultralight headlamps if you don’t want the weight of two standard lights. Make sure that batteries are fresh/fully charged and the lights are functional before heading out. DO NOT rely on the light on your phone to find your way out of the woods. These burn through batteries quickly, batteries that are better served calling for help if an injury or life-threatening situation develops.

6. Nutrition

You are unlikely to get far without fuel for your vehicle, the same goes for your body. Hiking will burn a lot of calories, more in the winter. You should bring adequate food to keep you fueled up through your hike and to have adequate nutrition should you have to spend the night. Consider no-cook items that are calorie dense to maximize your weight to energy ratio. Salty, easy to digest foods, energy bars, or jerky are good suggestions.

7. Fire

Fire can be used for warmth, cooking, as well as a emergency signal. Also, do not forget about the morale boost simply from having a fire in front of you. Make sure to check your local regulations on use of fires. This system will include a means of lighting your fire, disposable butane lighter, waterproof matches, or a commercial Firestarter or sparking device. Your kit will also need to include an element to help get your fire started and burning. This is also called firestarter (not to be confused with the device). This can be dry tinder (in a plastic bag), candles, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, dryer lint, or pre made heat nuggets (chipped wood clusters soaked in resin).

8. First-Aid Kit

A first aid kit can be the difference between life and death in the event of a serious injury or the difference between completing your hike or turning around in the event of something less serious. You and your partners should know where the kit and how to use the supplies in it. There are pre-made kits available that can be modified if desired or you can create your own.

• At a minimum it should include:

• Pain control-acetaminophen, ibuprofen

• Asprin for cardiac issues

• Antihistamines-cetirizine, loratadine. Stay away from diphenhydramine as it can dehydrate you and cause sedation

• Anti-diarrheals

• Moleskin for blister care

• Bandaids, gauze, medical tape, feminine pads for wound care

• Antibiotic ointment

• Ace wrap, SAM splint for sprains and fractures

• Tweezers

You can, and should, tailor your kit for the length of the hike as well as the number in your party.

9. Sun Protection

Sunglasses or goggles with UV protection, broad spectrum sunscreen, and sun protective clothing. Keep in mind that as we ascend the atmosphere filters out less ultraviolet rays, increasing the risk of skin and eye damage (particularly in the winter).

10. Knife and Gear Repair Kit

A knife should accompany every adult member of your party. The decision of what type of knife can be left to the individual; whether it be a simple fixed blade knife, a multitool, or anything in between. Keep in mind the possible uses and don’t go too overboard with extra features that will add weight without improved function. The repair kit should be appropriate to the hike. Duct tape wrapped around an old bank card, zip ties, paracord, the means to do a quick repair on a tent, hammock, or pack. Don’t forget the means to repair the bindings on snowshoes.

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