What Are The Ten Essentials? ~ Why Do I Need Them?

Back in the 1930s The Mountaineers...an organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers...created the original 'Ten Essentials' list to help people be prepared in case of an emergency situation while exploring the great outdoors. Over the years this list has evolved due to the changes and improvements of outdoor gear.

Bringing these 'Ten Essentials' with you while exploring the wild areas of the great outdoors will help you be prepared to keep yourself and/or someone else safe. Sometimes the most unexpected things happen!...right!?...so having these items with you could be essential to your survival.

Here's what they are and why you need them.....

1. Navigation ~ Map, Compass, GPS devise.
        ~ A topographic map and a compass are essential in case you become disoriented in the wilds. Knowing how to use each of these
           is very important too! You may prefer to use your cell phone as your navigational devise, however keep in mind that connections
           and batteries are unreliable. Plan accordingly and please have a back up plan!



2. First Aid Kit ~ including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
        ~ Having a First Aid Kit with you and knowing how to use the items in the kit is essential in the case of an injury. Basic pre -
           assembled kits are available that you can add items to based on your individual needs. 
                ~ Your basic First Aid Kit should include.....
                        A compact first aid guide
                        Treatment for blisters
                        Adhesive bandages of various sizes
                        Gauze pads
                        Adhesive tape
                        Antibiotic ointment
                        Pain Medication
                        Gloves


 
3. Headlamp ~ with extra batteries.
        ~ Whether your plan is to be exploring the outdoors after dark or not...I'm tellin ya, things happen! Being able to find your way
           around while out in the wild places at night is essential. A headlamp is the most preferred devise because it allows you to have
           your hands free. Always carry extra batteries too, just in case!



4. Sun Protection ~ Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
        ~ Having ways to protect your self from the sun while outdoors is essential...even on a sunshiny winter day! Sunscreen to keep your
           skin from getting sunburned. Sunglasses to protect your eyes...snow blindness is a thing! A hat with a full brim is an awesome
           way to protect not only your head but your face and eyes too! 



5. Knife ~ Multitool, Gear Repair Kit (depending on length of time in the wilds)
        ~ A knife is an essential tool for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling, self protection and other emergency needs.
           Please carry some type of knife with you while you're out exploring the wild areas of the great outdoors! 



6. Fire ~ Matches, Lighter, Fire starter, Stove
        ~ In case of an emergency, you will need a reliable way to start and maintain a fire. Where firewood is unavailable...above the tree
           line and/or on snow...a stove is essential as an emergency heat source!

7. Shelter ~ Bivy sack, Space blanket
        ~ You should always carry some type of emergency shelter for protection from the elements in case you get stranded or injured on
           the trail. A couple of ultralight options are a bivy sack or a space/emergency blanket. Both of these pack very small and weigh just
           a few ounces.

8. Extra Food ~
        ~ Packing an extra days worth of food is essential just in case something happens that causes your adventure to be longer than
           expected...an injury or bad weather. Extra food items like energy bars, nuts, trail mix and jerky are great!



9. Extra Water ~
        ~ It's very crucial that you have enough water with you, along with some method of treating water while you're out in the wild
           places! A few options for treating water is with a light weight water filter system, chemical water treatment such as Aqua water tabs
           or a stove for melting snow and/or boiling water. Clean water is essential for survival.

10. Extra Clothing ~
        ~ Conditions in the great outdoors can quickly turn wet, windy and/or chilly!...or an injury could result in an unplanned night outside!
           It's very essential that you carry extra clothing with you. When deciding what clothing to bring consider the time of year, weather
           forecast and what you would need to survive a long, inactive period of time out in the elements. Good options include a layer of
           insulated underwear...tops and bottoms...a warm hat, extra socks, extra gloves and a down jacket or vest. It's also a really good thing
           to always carry rain gear with you...that way it won't rain!...right!?

The essential items you carry with you should be geared towards the type of outdoor adventure you're going on. So when deciding exactly what to bring consider the time of year, weather forecast, how long you'll be out in the wilds, the difficulty of the trails and the distance you'll be covering. 

Plan ahead, be prepared and stay safe while exploring the great outdoors!

It's amazing out there!

Be Wild and Free ~ Chase Wonders!