10 Essentials...revised

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

Came across this in this month's REI Clinics & Events Newsletter...

REI's Top Essentials

The original 10 essentials list developed in the 1950s has been updated over time to these 14 key items. Don't head for the backcountry without them!

-Map (in a waterproof case)
-Compass (plus optional GPS receiver)
-Extra clothing
-Extra food and water
-First-aid kit
-Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
-Matches (stormproof, or in a watertight container)
-Fire starter
-Knife (or mult-tool)
-Sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-waterfilter (or other water treatment method)
-Whistle
-Food storage container

How many of us have the 14 essentials with us on our hikes? Sure, maybe for a trans-Superstition Wilderness hike, but what about on Wind Cave?

Are there other items that should be included?

Any thoughts....
_________________
-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

I have all those things except food container, sunglasses, and sunscreen. I have never used either and its never been much of a problem. I have darker skin so I don't burn and I wear a wide brim hat, so I don't worry about the sun in my eyes. As for the food container, I don't travel in bear country much and if a mouse wants to nibble my food, so be it. I never leave it in my pack. Other than those things, I have all my essentials (plus a few) in a modified ammo pouch thats always in my daypack or backpack.

In addition to those things I also carry an emergency "sleeping bag" (one of those shiny plastic deals), a mirror, two alternative means to start a fire (magnesium rod and magnifying glass), and tweezers and comb for cacti (its obvious the people developing that list don't hike in the desert). I also have some other useful items like cord and a screwdriver, small scissors and a role of tape. Everything fits in my 4x3x8 bag and weighs a little under 16oz

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

I can honestly say I've never carried any fod or wter on a hike. Even an overnighter or epic!! Laughing

How about a mirror or some other signaling device?
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plummer150 · Posted: 12/3/2003, 5:19 am Post subject: re:

I carry all except sunglasses, sunscreen, waterfilter, whistle, and the food storage container. I was looking at getting a waterfilter for Christmas and the others are feasibly easy for me to add to my hiking list.
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I probably go a bit overboard with my pack, and then some. Us mechanic types like to be prepared for anything and get pretty ticked when we don't have that needed tool... Mad

Other items (other than on the list) that I bring on all hikes are:

Disposable ponchos (2)
Waterproof Jacket
Multitool
Wire saw
Garbage bag and assorted zip-lock bags
Duct tape (yes I said DUCT Sheri...)
T Paper
Camera
Sometimes a pair of small binoculars
Kitchen sink

Can't say that I've ever brought fod or wter on any hike either Mike...

Daryl · Posted: 12/3/2003, 6:31 am Post subject:

Extra FOD! FOD is a bad thing (Foreign Object Debris).

Good list, but TP and a space blanket are a must. A space blanket makes a great signaling device an can protect you from the rain and cold. TP is self explanitory.
I'd also add that a first aid kit isn't complete without some form of medical tape, which has numerous uses on the trail outside of first aid (just as duct tape).
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Hikngrl · Posted: 12/3/2003, 9:10 am Post subject:

I haven't seen a bandana mentioned yet! I always have one with me... it can be used in som many different ways and weighs nothing!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

Sande J · Posted: 12/3/2003, 9:38 pm Post subject:

Sande J · Posted: 12/3/2003, 9:43 pm Post subject:

Another essential is a really cool hiking partner... Wink

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And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare-

Hikngrl · Posted: 12/3/2003, 9:47 pm Post subject:

You go girl!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Trishness · Posted: 12/3/2003, 10:01 pm Post subject:

I carry everything on the list except I need to get a water filter....that's on my "necessities" list.
_________________
~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

sherileeaz · Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 874

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347