If you are heading out for a hike, don’t forget to bring The 10 Essentials. The 10 Essentials include a group of very basic emergency and first aid items you should always carry with you when out in the wilderness. Hikers typically make kits (ziplock bags) of items that work together, so they are easy to see and keep together. For example you may carry an eating kit, a cooking kit, a safety kit, a hygiene kit and a first aid kit.
The first 10 essentials have been well known since the 1930s for any type of outdoor enthusiast. These items help people be more prepared for minor injuries, unexpected weather changes and emergency situations. This list was designed to help people who go out in the wild be prepared to: (1) respond to injuries and (2) spend the night outdoors, in an emergency.
The Useful Extras on this list are things I learned from my Girl Scouts San Diego Hiking and Backpacking experience. I find these extras useful, but you can adapt the list to your specific needs. In addition to this list, always tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return from your hike or adventure and carry a fully charged cell phone.
Remember this is a minimum list and the area, weather and duration of your hike may require additional items such as bug spray. Listed below are the 10 Essentials plus some important extras. The 10 Essentials are organized in categories to help you…
Find Your Way
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- A map (and knowledge how to read the map)
- Compass (and the knowledge how to use it)
Manage an Emergency
- Pocket knife
- First Aid Kit (band aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.)
- Waterproof matches (in ziplock bag)
- Firestarter (a small candle in zip bag)
Protect Your Body
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & lip block)
- Cold protection (a jacket and layers of extra clothing)
- Food & water (at least 2 quarts and emergency stash of food)
Useful Extras
- Toilet paper (hygiene kit)
- Whistle (to signal an emergency - blowing in a series of 3)
- 10 -15 feet of parachute cord
- A bandana