Essentials For Backpacking

The Essential Ten
By: Eric Osterling

Ever wondered what items were the most important to bring? Well in the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber or backpacker should be without.

	1 A Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
	2 Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can't see the landmarks. (GPS devices are also a good thing to have along)
	3 Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well: You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.
	4 Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
	5 Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.
	6 Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
	7 First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.
	8 Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
	9 Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.
	10 Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Here's what other's have to say about what their Sierra Nevada essentials are: Caddis Essential Stuff! « Thread started on: Jul 26th, 2003, 09:46am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, Maybe not 'essential' but things i always take and use and will never leave behind. It goes along with the article on the home page so I won't list the obvious 'essential' things. 1. Space blanket. I have used mine as a tarp sleep on, wind block, rain cover, a quick seat while hiking or just an extra wrap to keep me warm. I rarely use a tent so I have sewed some velcro on mine to slip my bag into it on cold nights 2. Zip stove. besides cooking and NOT hauling around fuel. It has been used as a campfire as much as a stove. Low impact and easy to find wood even in 'picked clean' areas 3. LED light. I have the aurora headlamp. But I also keep a tiny one with me at all times. LED's area dependable and batteries last an entire season! 4. Swiss army pen knife (the smallest one available). Indespensible 5. Water bladder and tube. I stay hydrated with a bladder and tube. But find I drink less when I only use a water bottle because of the hassle of getting it out of pack when fishing. 6. COFFEE. Nothing perks me back better then a cup of coffee around 4 PM. A friend of mine went BP on his honeymoon. Hung his food but left coffee out. Bear took coffee and they hiked out that morning....'nuff said OK....tell me your 'essentials' tarbubble Re: Essential Stuff! « Reply #1 on: Jul 26th, 2003, 1:00pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- my essentials for dayhikes... around my neck: 1. small folding knife 2. red photon II 3. naval whistle 4. mini compass/thermometer in my pack: 1. jacket 2. hat & gloves 3. water 4. snacks (jerky, fruit leather, granola bar, powdered drink) 5. 2 oz. sunblock 6. bandanna 7. space blanket 8. lighter or matches 9. 2 Esbit cubes 10. wide-brimmed hat i've probably forgotten something, but that's why i always keep my essentials in the same little stuff sack. i can tell my husband "it's in the essentials bag" and he knows exactly which bag i'm talking about. markskor Re: Essential Stuff! « Reply #3 on: Jul 26th, 2003, 6:20pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I always eat with a silver fork and soup spoon--I know it weighs a bit more, but the food tastes better, and I feel civilized. Doing this for 30 years--same utensils--can't stop now. The funny thing is that my knife--the smallest swiss army variety--keeps on getting smaller as the years roll by.-- also--Have a very small squeeze flashlite--the kind that fits on keychain--Have to cut the pounds somewhere. lol

>> Rate and Review This Article

For more information please refer to the High Sierra Topix message board.