The 10 essentials: A revised list for emergency wilderness ...



The 10 essentials: A revised list for emergency wilderness survival

If you're going into the backcountry, you need to be able to take care of yourself; the point of the 10 essentials is to allow you to safely respond to an emergency and safely spend a night or two outside. They're much debated and the list is not hard and fast. Furthermore, some say your brain should be No. 1 on the list. It is important to emphasize you not only need to carry these items, but also have the knowledge of how to use them. One of the cardinal rules of good outdoorsmanship is to always pack the "10 essentials." The specific contents of this all-important list varies slightly depending on whom you're talking to.

However, most pros agree that the following 10 items are essential to your wilderness well-being:

__ Navigation: map and compass

__ Sun Protection: sunglasses, sun screen, cap

__ Illumination: flashlight/headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries

__ Insulation: extra clothing, including rain gear

__ Fire: fire starter, matches in waterproof container, or lighter

__ Repair Kit and Tools: pocket knife, multi-tool, duct tape, safety pins

__ Nutrition: granola, jerky, nuts, candy, dried fruit

__ Hydration: water

__ First Aid Supplies

__ Emergency Shelter: space blanket, extra large trash bag

On a lighter note: with all due respect to the gurus who came up with the above list, one may beg to differ. After much trial and error, here is a newly discovered list of things that are essential to any wilderness trip.

__ A sense of humor. When your fuel bottle leaks all over your clean underwear, it helps to be able to laugh it off and insist that everyone call you "Hot Pants" for the rest of the trip.

__ Good company. Whether it's just one buddy or a group of 10, be sure to choose your comrades wisely. They will make or break the trip for you. If you're going solo, well, you're stuck with you.

__ Chocolate. A trip without chocolate is a sad, sad affair. A jumbo-sized bar of Hershey's with almonds will do nicely.

__ Ingenuity. Remember that TV show "MacGyver" about the guy who could make an elevator out of two popsicle sticks and a piece of dental floss? I'd like to go backpacking with him.

__ A bottle of good cabernet*. Or the beverage of your choice in leakproof plastic bottle. There's nothing like a nightcap at the end of the day. P.S. -- It goes great with chocolate.

__ Gear that works. Simple as that.

__ An open mind. When something goes wrong -- and it always does -- the ability to make quick and easy adjustments will save you much angst.

__ A sense of awe. If you're not blown away by the sound a creek makes or the view from the top or the color of moss -- or something (!) -- you're probably in the wrong place doing the wrong thing. Maybe you'd be better off on your couch watching "MacGyver" reruns.

__ Toothbrush and toothpaste. With the breath of a thousand camels, you'll get lonely real fast.

__ Every single item in the first, the original, the REAL list.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download