And a few other items to consider: Whistle: For summoning help, it will outlast your vocal chords and the sound will travel The New Ten Essentials much farther. BE PREPARED. Why create such a list? The Watch: Keep track of start time, turnaround- A Systems Approach time, and when the sun sets. book's editors explain: "The pur- Insect repellent: Your most effective options pose of this list has always been are: 1) Lotion or spray repellents containing to answer two basic questions: DEET, and/or 2) Clothing that has been treated with permethrin. First, can you respond posi- Signaling device: As noted earlier, some Ten 1. Navigation tively to an accident or emer- compasses come with sighting mirrors. If gency? Second, can you safely yours does not, consider taking a small mir- 2. Sun protection ror to signal rescuers in an emergency. spend a night—or more—out?" Communication device: Two-way radios, a 3. Insulation Packing these items whenever cell or a satellite phone, and/or a satellite Essential messenger (i.e., SPOT) can add a measure 4. Illumination you step into the backcountry, of safety in many situations. even on day hikes, is a good Knowledge: Having items in your pack has 5. First-aid supplies habit to acquire. True, on a rou- no value unless you understand how to use them. As one search-and-rescue leader told Systems 6. Fire tine trip you may use only a few us, "People talk about the Ten Essentials, but of them. Yet you'll probably the most important essential is between your 7. Repair kit and tools ears." never fully appreciate the value 8. Nutrition of the Ten Essentials until you Final Thoughts really need one of them. Even though you may only occasionally use a 9. Hydration few of these items, carrying the Ten Essen- tials on all your backcountry excursions is a 10. Emergency shelter Before you hit any trail, no mat- smart move. They serve as the antidote to the unexpected, like the seatbelts in your ter how easy, no matter how vehicle. short, no matter how close to The Ten Essentials can also form the core of home make sure your backpack your home (or car) emergency-preparedness The original Ten Essentials list was kit. They are all about safety, advance is loaded with the ten essentials. preparation and peace of mind. They could assembled in the 1930s by The When in the backcountry you potentially save your life. Mountaineers, a Seattle-based are responsible for your own organization for climbers and out- safety, and any one of these ten door adventurers. In 2003, the items may help to save your life. group's updated "systems" approach Carry each one and know how made its debut in its seminal text on to use them. climbing and outdoor exploration, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the In addition to these items, know PO Box 867 Hills (The Mountaineers Books, 2010), your limits and be sure you Lake Placid, NY now in its eighth edition. 12946 leave an itinerary with friends or relatives. Phone: 518-523-3441 Fax: 518-523-3518 Web: www.adk.org from your skin. Cotton clothing, soaked in sweat, handy, but always carry some matches as a backup. tablets or boiling before drinking. Always 10 Essential Systems dew, rain or melted snow, loses 70% of its insu- Either must be absolutely reliable. A magnesium or carry at least one water bottle or collapsi- lating value by conduction and evaporation and flint/steel firestarter is a good backup. Firestarters ble water sack. Daily water consumption has caused the frostbite injury or death of many are indispensable for igniting wet wood quickly to varies greatly. Two quarts (liters) daily is people. Clothing should be made from synthetic make an emergency campfire. Common firestarters a reasonable minimum; in hot weather or materials (i.e, polypropylene, pile, fleece, nylon, include candles, chemical heat tabs, commercially at high altitudes, 6 quarts may not be 1. Navigation Goretex) or natural wicking fibers such as wool. available products and homemade items [dry tinder enough. In dry environments, carry addi- A compass, combined with map-reading tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming tional water. Plan for enough water to knowledge, is a vital tool if you become disori- 4. Illumination paste; heat "nuggets" (chipped-wood or sawdust accommodate additional requirements due ented in the backcountry. Always carry a com- Even if the climbing party plans to return to their clusters soaked in resin or candle wax); cotton balls to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or emer- pass and a detailed topographic map of the cars before dark, it is essential to carry a head- soaked in petroleum jelly; even lint trappings from a gency. When beginning extended travel area you are visiting and know how to use them. lamp or flashlight, just in case. Every member of household clothes dryer can work.] along a ridgeline or in alpine conditions, Place the map in a protective case or plastic a backcountry party should carry his or her own consult your map and try to envision possi- covering. Climbers may also choose to carry light. Batteries and bulbs do not last forever, so 7. Repair Kit and Tools ble water sources. Try to resupply at the other navigational tools such as an altimeter or carry spares of both at all times. Test your light Knives are so useful in first aid, food preparation, last obvious water source before begin- global positioning system (GPS) receiver; other before each trip. Headlamps are the light repairs, and other emergency needs that every ning a stretch of unpredictable water aids include route markers, route descriptions, source of choice in the backcountry because of party member needs to carry one. Other tools availability. and other types of maps or photos. GPS units their hands-free operation, low weight, compact (pliers, screwdriver, awl, scissors) can be part of a are great, but they are not substitutes for know- size (so they occupy minimal space in your pack) knife or a pocket tool, or carried separately— 10. Emergency Shelter ing how to use a map and compass. They're and long battery life (in models using light- perhaps even as part of a group kit. Other useful Most overnight wilderness travelers al- delicate devices and can break, get water- emitting diodes, or LEDs). repair items are duct tape, cordage, shoelaces, ready carry a tent or tarp, but day trip- logged or seize up in cold weather. A compass It's easy to overextend your stay on a picture- safety pins, needle and thread, wire, nylon fabric pers should carry some type of emergency weighs next to nothing and does not rely on perfect mountain. If you're trying to hustle out of repair tape, cable ties, plastic buckles, webbing, shelter too. The thinking is, even if you’re batteries. If you travel regularly in the wilder- the backcountry in dwindling light or trying to and parts and tools for equipment such as tent, not planning to spend the night out, you’ll ness, consider taking a class to learn navigation set up camp as the last bit of blue drains from stove, sleeping pad, crampons, snowshoes, and skis. be prepared for rain, wind or poor techniques in depth. the sky, a headlamp is an invaluable aid. weather if getting lost or injured leaves 8. Nutrition (Extra Food) you stranded in the backcountry. Options 2. Sun Protection 5. First-Aid Supplies For shorter trips, one extra day’s supply of food is a include an ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, an Carry and use sunglasses, sunscreen for the lips Carry and know how to use a first-aid kit, but reasonable emergency stockpile in case foul weath- emergency space blanket, even a large and skin, and clothing for sun protection. Your do not let a first-aid kit give you a false sense er, faulty navigation, injury, or other reasons delay plastic trash bag. eyes need protection, especially if you are on of security. The best course of action is to al- the planned return. An expedition or long trek may snow or above treeline. Sunglasses are a ways take the steps necessary to avoid injury or require more. The food should require no cooking, must. The sun’s rays are strong and damaging; sickness in the first place. Pre-assembled first- be easily digestible and high in energy, and store Source: Mountaineering: The Freedom of the sunscreen is important for people of all skin aid kits take the guesswork out of building your well for long periods. Extra energy bars, jerky, Hills (The Mountaineer Books, 2010) types. own kit, though many people personalize these nuts, candy, granola, and dried fruit works well. If a kits to suit individual needs. The length of your stove is carried, cocoa, dried soup, and tea can be 3. Insulation (Extra Clothing) trip and the number of people involved will added. There are many possibilities. The process of The term “extra clothing” refers to additional impact the contents of your kit. It's also a good digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a layers that would be needed to survive the long, idea to carry some sort of compact guide to cold night it's smart to munch some food before inactive hours of an unplanned bivouac. Extra dealing with medical emergencies. Make sure bunking down—just don't leave animal-attracting clothing should be selected according to the you have the supplies to deal with major injuries, leftovers inside your shelter. season. Ask this question: “What is needed to and make sure you have the knowledge. Take survive the worst conditions that could be realis- a first aid course from American Red Cross or, 9. Hydration (Extra Water) tically encountered on this trip?" Conditions can better yet, a wilderness first aid course with It is essential to drink a lot of water while hik- abruptly turn wet, windy or chilly in the back- Adirondack Mountain Club. ing. Without water, your body doesn't perform as country, so it's smart to carry an additional layer well and you could grow more susceptible to heat of clothing in case something unexpected (you 6. Fire stroke, hypothermia and altitude sickness. Carry get hurt or lost, for example) prolongs your Carry the means to start and sustain an emer- extra water and have the skills and tools required exposure to the elements. Always tuck rain gency fire. Most climbers carry a butane lighter for obtaining and purifying additional water. All gear into your backpack and bring along layers or two and matches in a waterproof container water sources can harbor tiny organisms that would of clothes. Avoid cotton clothing in favor of (or waterproof matches). Take plenty and en- make your life unpleasant later. You should purify wool or poly blends that wick moisture away sure they are kept dry. Mechanical lighters are all water with a water filter or purifier, chemical