The "ten" essentials

What are the "ten" essentials?
The "ten essentials" are the gear that you should always carry. This list of essential gear has its origin with The Mountaineers, a famous Seattle hiking and mountaineering club. As stated in their book Mountaineering, The Freedom Of The Hills: "You won't use every one of these items on every trip, but they can be lifesavers in an emergency, insurance against the unexpected." Lists vary and this list isn't perfect, but it's very good. (Yes, there really are more than ten items on the list - but hey, the name's catchy)

1. water
   
2. extra food
   
3. extra clothing/insulation
   
4. rain and wind protection
   
5. sun protection: sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm, sun hat
   
6. compass and maps and knowledge of their use
   
7. flashlight and spare batteries
   
8. first aid kit and insect repellent
   
9. emergency kit: whistle, matches or small lighter, candle or fire starter tabs, lightweight reflective emergency bag or space blanket
   
10. pocket knife

What should you do with the 10 essentials?
There are differences of opinion on this subject. Here's one opinion, based on the following:
• There is no crystal ball giving infallible weather predictions.
• No, the professional meteorologists don't have one either.
• Conditions in the mountains are incredibly changeable.
• Be prepared for the worst conditions reasonably likely to occur.

Here's our recommendation:
• Put the 10 essentials in your day pack.
• Always keep them in your day pack.
• Always bring your day pack.
Yes, that means you should not remove your rain jacket from your pack because you're "sure" it won't rain today. Nine times out of ten you'll probably be right. The 10th time you might get hypothermia.

Some other gear to think about
• high-top boots (tough leather for rocky or off-trail hikes)
• poly-fleece clothing for warmth
• extra fleece cap, mittens, and neck gaiter for warmth
• a cell phone for emergencies (if you have cell service)
• a water filter (on long hikes)
• wind jacket and wind pants
• gaiters (for snow or gravel)
• toilet paper, trowel or sand-stake, zip-lock bags to pack out toilet paper