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 Freedom of the Hills (January 1974), printed and thought up here in Seattle by the Mountaineers. Many regional organizations and authors recommend that hikers, backpackers, and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them. The Outdoor (Ten) Essentials: (Boy Scout Handbook, p. 207) Any time a Scout goes on a camping trip or hike, he should always be prepared by carrying the following ten essential items in his pack. These essentials will allow a scout to survive in the outdoors in most emergency situations. __ Pocketknife (when you complete Totin’ Chip training) __ First aid kit __ Extra clothing __ Rain gear __ Water bottle (1 liter) __ Flashlight or headlamp __ Trail food __ Matches/Fire starter (when you complete Firem’n Chit training) __ Sun protection __ Map and compass Recommendation beyond the Ten: __ Insect repellant __ Toilet paper (small roll) __ Whistle Updated Outdoor 10 Essentials (Mountaineers): Rather than a specific set of essentials like the Boy Scout Handbook, a more modern list of ten essentials looks at the categories of equipment that are needed to survive. Scouts may need to bring several items, depending on where they are going and what they are doing. 1. Navigation (map and compass) 2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) 3. Insulation (extra clothing) 4. Illumination (LED headlamp + extra batteries) 5. First-aid kit (Small and simple) 6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles) 7. Repair kit and tools (small multi-tool/knife) 8. Nutrition (extra food) 9. Hydration (extra water or water treatment) 10. Emergency shelter (tent/tarp/space blanket) 03/13/2017 – K. Bassett .