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{{short description|Survival items recommended by hiking and Scouting organizations}}
The '''Ten essential''' items for hiking, backpacking and other similar extended outdoor activities are to deal with common situations and emergencies typical of the outdoors. Some are for prevention, others are for treatment. Also called ''Ten-plus essentials'', the essential items are:
]]]


The '''Ten Essentials''' are survival items that ] and ] organizations recommend for safe travel in the ].<ref name=GORP/><ref>{{cite web|title=Ten Essentials|publisher=National Park Service|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm}}</ref>
# Map
# ] (optionally supplemented with a ] receiver)
# Flashlight
# Extra food and water
# Extra clothes
# Sunglasses
# First aid kit
# Knife
# Waterproof matches
# Firestarter (quick burning fuel)
# Water treatment device (filter or chemicals) and bottles
# Whistle
# Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)
# Sunscreen
# Food storage container
# Cell phone or two-way radio


The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the third edition of '']'' (January 1974).<ref name=Mountaineers>{{cite web|url=https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials|title=What Are The Ten Essentials?|publisher=The Mountaineers|access-date=2020-03-20}}</ref> Many regional organizations and authors recommend that ], ], and ] rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them. However, personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise and with experience most adventurers add and subtract from the list depending on the situation.<ref name=GORP>{{cite web|url=http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-hiking-wilderness-skills-sidwcmdev_058018.html|title=Ten Essentials|work=Great Outdoor Recreation Pages|access-date=2015-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125224056/http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-hiking-wilderness-skills-sidwcmdev_058018.html|archive-date=2015-11-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some ] do not always carry all of the items and believe it is an acceptable risk they take in order to travel light and fast.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jardine |first=Ray |year=2000 |title=Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardine's Guide to Lightweight Hiking |publisher=AdventureLore Press |page=124 |isbn=9780963235930}}</ref>
The first ten items originated (according to ) in mountaineering magazines of the 1950s, probably descended from the ]. Additional items have been added over time as various concerns become widely perceived or technology advances.


==List==
The essentials are not necessarily items that are required to be used when in the backcountry. In fact, it is hoped that many of them will never be used. Some might seem to be for comfort more than necessity, but after a cascade of bad events (map blown away, clothing soaked, dead flashlight batteries, and an unexpected ]), the whistle and firestarter take on major significance. Redundancy is an attribute of self-sufficiency.
]]]
The ninth edition of ''Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills'', published in 2017, defines the Ten Essentials as:


# '''Navigation''': ], ], ], ], ]
* '''Map''': maps which cover the area of interest in sufficient detail and dimension (marked with topography, trails, campsites, etc.) and the skill and knowledge to use them are indispensible when traveling through areas lacking signage, markings or guides.
# '''Headlamp''': with ] and spare batteries
* '''Compass''': Some knowledge is useful, but even the a casual observer can avoid going in circles with a compass.
# '''Sun protection''': ], ], ]
* '''Flashlight''': useful for the dark, finding things in the pack, and for distant signaling.
# '''First aid''': a ], wrapped in waterproof packaging
* '''Extra food and water''': great for sustenance, but also useful to minimize the odds of ].
# '''Knife''': hikers on a short trip may also carry a ], ] and ]; on a longer trip, further small tools may be useful
* '''Extra clothes''': Multiple layers of clothes are generally warmer than an equivalently thick single garment. A change of clothes is the fastest way to warm up after an inadvertant dunking in a cold mountain stream. Extra clothing is useful for protection from shrubery, thorns, insects, sun, wind, as well as cold. If need be, they can be cut into bandages, or used as a tree climbing aid or descent line.
# '''Fire''': the means to both start and sustain a fire; either a ] or ], or other ] device. ] for igniting even wet wood, and in areas where no firewood will be available, a stove is highly advisable.
* '''Sunglasses''': Walking into the sunset reflected off snow or water might make a great photo, but it's not terribly comfortable—and possibly dangerous.
# '''Shelter''': plastic tube ], jumbo plastic ] or ]
* '''First aid kit''': treatment for cuts, abrasions (blisters), punctures and burns is probably the minimum. Additional items to consider might address broken digits, broken limbs, crush injuries, cardiac conditions, ], ], ], ], ], insect and snake bites, animal attacks, and chemical burns, depending on the specific locale and activities.
# '''Extra food''': at least one day's food for a short hike, that should require no cooking.
* '''Knife''': useful for opening packages, building shelter, repairing clothing, eating, rapid disentanglement, field surgery, etc.
# '''Extra water''': ] and the skills and tools to ]
* '''Matches''': Yes, rubbing two sticks together might work, but it's way more difficult than using a match or lighter.
# '''Extra clothes''': additional items may be needed if spending the night in the emergency shelter
* '''Firestarter''': To start a campfire, something to bridge between the match and the pieces of wood saves on matches.
* '''Water treatment device''': Apparently wilderness water quality wasn't an issue before 1970 or so. Most backcountry travelers now carry one: low end models are inexpensive and provide protection against many diseases. Are you sure an elk didn't do his business upstream a few days ago? Another benefit might be improving the taste of water (which can help avoid dehydration).
* '''Whistle''': compact, light and inexpensive, these are a great relief for the voice when help is needed. Wind, snow and heavy rain can make hearing difficult, or make yells sound like trees or animals whistling.
* '''Insect repellent''': not only can insects ruin an otherwise great outdoor experience, there is recent attention being paid to diseases which insects might transmit.
* '''Sunscreen''': Protection from ], and maybe from heatstroke and dehydration.
* '''Food storage container''': now required in some areas as protection from (and for) bear curiosity.
* '''Cell phone''': though not on many ''essentials'' lists, they tend to be prolific and portable. If near an area with cell service, it is a great way to obtain directions, assistance or evacuation. In remote areas, they might not work on the trail, but maybe by climbing up a nearby feature, marginal service could exist. Also, two way radios are useful in case your group splits up where there is no cell coverage.


The first five items are intended to prevent and respond to emergencies, the second five to safely spend one or more nights outdoors.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mountaineers |first1=The |title=Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills |date=5 October 2017 |publisher=Mountaineers Books |isbn=978-1-68051-005-8 |edition=9th |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vyE6DwAAQBAJ |access-date=16 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
⚫ ===External links===
*


==Other lists==
] that can be used to dig a ]]]
Other outdoor organizations have variations of the ''Ten Essentials'' pertinent to local conditions.


Boy Scouts of America's "Scout Basic Essentials" are quite similar (Map and Compass, Sun Protection, Extra Clothing, ], First-Aid Kit, Matches and Fire-starters, Pocketknife, Trail Food, Water Bottle, and Rain Gear.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boyslife.org/outdoors/outdoorarticles/6976/scout-outdoor-essentials-checklist/|title=Packing Checklists for Camping Trips|date=16 May 2017}}</ref>
{{tool-stub}}


Utah's ] lists extra water in place of food, as Utah is mostly desert terrain, and water is more difficult to find.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/UTAH.htm|title=Precipitation in Utah|access-date=2009-06-06 }}</ref>
⚫ ]

]
The Spokane Mountaineers list "thirteen essentials", which supplement the list with emergency shelter such as a ], signaling device, and toilet paper and ] (for sanitary disposal of ]; the toilet paper also doubles as ] for starting a fire).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spokanemountaineers.org/public_html/trip_lead_essentials.htm|title=The 13 Essentials of the Spokane Mountaineers|publisher=Spokane Mountaineers|access-date=2007-08-26 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928222706/http://spokanemountaineers.org/public_html/trip_lead_essentials.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-28 }}</ref>
]

The "Ten Essential Groups" is an alternative approach to essential gear selection.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://texas.sierraclub.org/dallas/page.asp?10essentialgroups |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602140202/http://texas.sierraclub.org/dallas/page.asp?10essentialgroups |archive-date=2011-06-02 |title=The Ten Essential Groups |publisher=Dallas Sierra Club |access-date=2015-01-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Items from each group should be chosen depending on the season, geographic location, and trip duration. In 2011, Columbia Sportswear adopted the "Ten Essential Groups" concept for their ] app "Take Ten to the Greater Outdoors".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/take-ten-to-greater-outdoors/id412088534 |title=Take Ten to the Greater Outdoors |publisher=Columbia Sportswear |access-date=2015-01-28}}</ref>

Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association promotes the 12 Essentials, which includes Signaling Devices and Personal Items.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mountainrescue.org/tips|title=Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association|date=2018-03-20}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|33em}}

⚫ ==External links==
* {{cite web |url=http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Assets/ClientPages/zz_TenEssentials.aspx |title=New Ten Essentials |publisher=Mountaineers Books |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916020807/http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Assets/ClientPages/zz_TenEssentials.aspx |archive-date=2012-09-16 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html |title=The Ten Essentials |last=Wood |first=T.D. |date=2014-02-18 |publisher=]}}

⚫ ]

Latest revision as of 14:07, 31 May 2024

Survival items recommended by hiking and Scouting organizations
A simple dry magnetic pocket compass

The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organizations recommend for safe travel in the backcountry.

The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (January 1974). Many regional organizations and authors recommend that hikers, backpackers, and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them. However, personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise and with experience most adventurers add and subtract from the list depending on the situation. Some ultralight backpackers do not always carry all of the items and believe it is an acceptable risk they take in order to travel light and fast.

List

A multi-tool

The ninth edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, published in 2017, defines the Ten Essentials as:

  1. Navigation: map, altimeter, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon
  2. Headlamp: with LED bulb and spare batteries
  3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun protective clothing, sunscreen
  4. First aid: a first aid kit, wrapped in waterproof packaging
  5. Knife: hikers on a short trip may also carry a multi-tool, strong adhesive tape and cordage; on a longer trip, further small tools may be useful
  6. Fire: the means to both start and sustain a fire; either a butane lighter or matches, or other fire making device. Firestarters for igniting even wet wood, and in areas where no firewood will be available, a stove is highly advisable.
  7. Shelter: plastic tube tent, jumbo plastic trash bag or bivy sack
  8. Extra food: at least one day's food for a short hike, that should require no cooking.
  9. Extra water: drinking water and the skills and tools to purify water
  10. Extra clothes: additional items may be needed if spending the night in the emergency shelter

The first five items are intended to prevent and respond to emergencies, the second five to safely spend one or more nights outdoors.

Other lists

A trowel that can be used to dig a cathole

Other outdoor organizations have variations of the Ten Essentials pertinent to local conditions.

Boy Scouts of America's "Scout Basic Essentials" are quite similar (Map and Compass, Sun Protection, Extra Clothing, Flashlight, First-Aid Kit, Matches and Fire-starters, Pocketknife, Trail Food, Water Bottle, and Rain Gear.)

Utah's Wasatch Mountain Club lists extra water in place of food, as Utah is mostly desert terrain, and water is more difficult to find.

The Spokane Mountaineers list "thirteen essentials", which supplement the list with emergency shelter such as a space blanket, signaling device, and toilet paper and trowel (for sanitary disposal of human waste; the toilet paper also doubles as tinder for starting a fire).

The "Ten Essential Groups" is an alternative approach to essential gear selection. Items from each group should be chosen depending on the season, geographic location, and trip duration. In 2011, Columbia Sportswear adopted the "Ten Essential Groups" concept for their iOS app "Take Ten to the Greater Outdoors".

Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association promotes the 12 Essentials, which includes Signaling Devices and Personal Items.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ten Essentials". Great Outdoor Recreation Pages. Archived from the original on 2015-11-25. Retrieved 2015-11-25.
  2. "Ten Essentials". National Park Service.
  3. "What Are The Ten Essentials?". The Mountaineers. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  4. Jardine, Ray (2000). Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardine's Guide to Lightweight Hiking. AdventureLore Press. p. 124. ISBN 9780963235930.
  5. Mountaineers, The (5 October 2017). Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills (9th ed.). Mountaineers Books. ISBN 978-1-68051-005-8. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  6. "Packing Checklists for Camping Trips". 16 May 2017.
  7. "Precipitation in Utah". Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  8. "The 13 Essentials of the Spokane Mountaineers". Spokane Mountaineers. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-26.
  9. "The Ten Essential Groups". Dallas Sierra Club. Archived from the original on 2011-06-02. Retrieved 2015-01-28.
  10. "Take Ten to the Greater Outdoors". Columbia Sportswear. Retrieved 2015-01-28.
  11. "Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association". 2018-03-20.

External links

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