Listed below are the standard “Ten Essentials” for travel which should be carried even on a day hike:
- map
- compass
- flashlight with extra bulb and batteries
- candle or fire starter
- sunglasses
- extra clothing
- extra food and water
- pocket knife
- first aid kit, and
- waterproof matches
Another perspective of “Essentials” for travel is listed below and is a bit more expanded than the list above:
E mergencies
S ustenance
S helter
E xtras
N avigation
T oiletries
I ncidentals
A ttitude
L ight
S omething to carry it all in
A description of each letter follows:
Emergencies
- waterproof matches
- candle or flammable material
- first aid kit
- whistle and/or signal mirror
Sustenance
- food (including cooking gear)
- water and/or water purification device
Shelter
- sun protection: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- rain- and wind-resistant outer clothing
- clothing for expected temperatures
- footwear appropriate for the terrain
- overnight gear (sleeping bag, pad, tent)
Extras
- extra food
- extra water
- extra warm clothing
Navigation
- map(s) of area
- compass
- pencil and straight edge
- altimeter (if needed for critical navigation)
Toiletries
- toilet paper
- trowel (to bury solid waste)
- sanitation/personal items
Incidentals
- knife
- nylon cord (for securing items or holding a delaminated shoe or boot together)
- needle and thread or dental floss (for mending cloth, eyeglass frames, etc..)
Attitude
- positive attitude–the ultimate essential!!
Light
- flashlight with fresh batteries
- extra batteries and spare bulb
Something to carry all of it in
- fanny pack, day pack, or backpack
- stuff sacks (for compressing bulky items and organizing gear)
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