I’ll bet the term “the ten essentials” isn’t new to you. I mean, you’ve at least heard it before, right? But what does it really mean, and why is it important? Especially when you’re planning to hike (or snowshoe or x-country ski, etc.) only for the day or even just a few hours or a few miles — why carry all that STUFF?
That’s just it, though; plans often go astray. And they can go even more astray if you aren’t prepared when venturing into the backcountry, which doesn’t necessarily mean all that far from the front. Sometimes, misfortune befalls a hiker relatively close to many other people, but none of those people know the one in need is there. At least, not as soon as the one in need may want (or need).
Hike smart: be prepared
The ten essentials of backcountry travel are ten categories of outdoor gear that you can easily carry in a light day-pack — gear that can make you much more comfortable if you get stuck out on the trail (or off) longer than expected for whatever reason. In fact, they can even save your life.
Navigation, illumination, insulation, hydration, nutrition, shelter, first aid, fire-starting, tools and repair, sun protection — the pieces of gear in these ten categories don’t have to weigh a lot or take up much room in that small pack on your back, but they can all come in handy, to say the least, when your plans don’t go quite … well, as planned.
Read about the details of each category in “Ten Essentials For Backcountry Travel.”