The 10 Essentials
Yeah, we know. Everyone talks about the "10 essentials" to carry for outdoor gear. Really though, they are important. Important enough that we here put them as a primary link on the side menu of this site. These are a the items that unless you are doing urban hiking, you should never go adventuring into the outdoors without. Whether you are dayhiking, backpacking, kayaking or whatever, you really should have them. This list and what it means to you, will of course vary slightly depending on your needs and the needs of the terrain you will be in.
- Food
This should really mean, extra food. Pack a few sports bars that are nasty flavors and would not normally eat. Put them in a zip top bag and bury them in your backpack. They will be in there for a while, but when you really really need something to eat, that chocolate-brocolli-prune bar will be better than nothing. - Water
Not many 10 essentials lists have this one on it for some reason, but if you are going out into the wilds, you need water, period. Whether you carry water in 20 oz pop bottles, Nalgene bottles or a water bladder is up to you, but carry it. If you really want to be prepared, go pick yourself up some Aqua Mira Water Treatment in case you need to purify some water in a pinch. Most hardware or outdoor stores carry it. It is lightweight and takes up almost no space. - Extra Clothing
- First Aid Kit
- Knife
There are a billion uses for kinves. From cutting an apple, to digging a rock out of you skin, it can help out and potentially save your life. I prefer to carry a multitool like a Gerber or Leatherman. They make nice light ones and even in varying colors. - Sunglasses
- Light Source
It sucks being stuck somewhere in the dark, at night. - Map (and the knowledge to read it)
- Compass (and the knowledge to use it)
No a GPS does not count. Most outdoor GPSs tell you where you are, not where to go. Think of it like this, in a heavy fog you are a dot on a screen with a GPS. With a map and a compass, you can use that river you see in valley below you to know to go north and which way north is and neither needs batteries. There are plenty of good books out there on how to learn what is called orienteering. It is really not that hard, honestly. - Fire Starter
Pick your favorite, waterproof matches, store lighter, magnesium sticks, flint and steel, whatever. Have it and know how to use it. When the time comes you will be happier and possibly save your life.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of great items you should have in your outdoor adventuring arsenal, it is the basics. For a list of other items go check out our Dayhiking or Backpacking sections. Also take a look at the other essentials page.
