By: Brittany Tuttle
Have you heard of packing the “Ten Essentials” on hikes? Whether you’re going on a short, local day hike, or adventuring into the deep backcountry, you’ll want to be adequately prepared, especially when bringing your little ones. Some of the recommended items are those you’ll use every time, and others are those you hope to never need but wouldn’t want to be without should something go sideways! So what ARE they?
The original Ten Essentials list was assembled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers, to help people be prepared for emergency situations in the outdoors. (source: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html)
The list has been updated to describe an approach vs. exact items since there are so many options! Here’s what the list looks like nowadays:
Updated Ten Essential Systems
- Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
Garmin makes the InReach, InReach Mini and Messenger that you may hear a lot about regarding emergency communication. Maps could look like use of AllTrails or printed/paper maps. If you’re relying on technology, be sure to pack a charged, portable charging device for longer excursions.
- Headlamp: plus extra batteries or charged if rechargeable
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
Always good to have at least a basics first-aid kit up to the bigger kits depending on your adventure plans!
- Knife plus a gear repair kit
- Fire: matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove
- Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency blanket)
- Extra food beyond the minimum expectation
- Extra water beyond the minimum expectation as well as water filtration This could be a Lifestraw, a filter, or dissolvable tablets.
- Extra clothes beyond the minimum expectation, particularly thinking of extra layers beyond those being worn primarily (packable coat, hat, gloves, extra socks, etc).
To be honest, not all of us have all ten essentials for every hike, but it is good practice to get familiar with these recommendations and think about where your adventures generally take you. While shelter and fire may not feel like priorities, and may not have to be carried on smaller adventures, most of the others get used frequently, especially with littles 😊.
In addition to “The Ten Essentials”, depending on where you live in the world and your typical adventures, other gear may become staples in your pack. For me, it includes a sit pad, hygiene/potty items (like the PACT Outdoors Kit), a carrier cover (if carrying your little), and in cooler months, microspikes.
With any adventure, Leave No Trace principles should ALWAYS be followed.
Extra emergency supplies in your vehicle is another great idea to consider year round. Sometimes our emergencies happen in the field, but sometimes it’s on the road or we can at least get back to the car!
Some ideas of supplies to keep in your vehicle:
- Backup of clothes from base layers to coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, etc.
- Extra food and water
- Emergency blankets
- Backup jumper battery (doubles for charging devices)
- Tire inflator
- Flashlight
- Tow straps
- Safety cones
- Shovel
- Toilet Paper
- Comfort items like toys, games, etc.
What surprises you about these lists and what do you already have in your set ups? What would you add as your go-to’s that may not be a part of the official ten essentials?
Happy & Safe Adventuring 🥾🏔