What Are the 10 Essentials and Why Are They Important?
Weather and conditions in the backcountry can change on a dime.
A bluebird day can quickly transform into dark skies and a horizon of menacing clouds. Sometimes it’s the one gear item at the bottom of your bag that can make all the difference.
The 10 Essentials are items that you should always have in your day pack even if you’re going for a short five-kilometre jaunt in the woods—you never know what the Great Outdoors might throw your way, and hiking prepared affects your ability to mitigate an injury, deal with an emergency situation or adapt to a sudden change in weather.
1. Food
While it’s always nice to have extra snacks tucked away in your bag, this could become a lifesaver if your day takes a turn for the worse. Pack food items that don’t need to be cooked and are calorie dense. This could be a bag of trail mix, fruit or granola bars.
2. Water
Packing enough water is not something you want to overlook before a day on the trail. A good starting point is to bring one litre of water for every one to two hours of hiking, depending on how strenuous the trail is. Make sure you are equipped with a way to purify water as well. This could be with water-purification tablets or some kind of filter.
3. Light
“The lack of light is the single most cause of overdue hiker calls for North Shore Rescue,” says the NSR website. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell how many hours of daylight you have left, especially in areas with heavy tree coverage. Whether it’s a high-powered flashlight or headlamp and some extra batteries, make sure you always have a source of light stored in your pack.
4. Extra Layers
Layers are the secret to temperature regulation in the outdoors. Ensure you have both insulating, quick-drying and waterproof layers. Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, and it’s vital to keep your body warm and dry.
5. First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is a non-negotiable on any outdoor adventure. Ensure yours contains items for blister care, bandages, splints, tape, gloves and even some ibuprofen. A tick remover tool is a great addition to your kit.
6. Multi-tool
A multi-tool or pocket knife is not only a great tool to cut up some yummy trail charcuterie, but it may come in handy in a variety of situations, especially when you need kindling for an emergency fire.
7. Fire starter
Being able to produce a source of heat is extremely valuable on any adventure. Carry waterproof matches or a lighter along with a fire starter. For a homemade fire starter, cotton balls and vaseline work great.
8. Shelter
In the case of an injury or emergency situation, having the means to create a shelter and hunker down in wait of a rescue is paramount. This could be an emergency blanket, bivy bag or tarp.
9. Navigation
While phones are heavily relied upon for navigation in the outdoors these days, it’s a great idea to learn how to use a map and compass and keep one in the bottom of your bag. If you opt for a GPS, ensure you know how to use it before venturing into the backcountry.
10. Sun Protection
Even in the winter, the sun can cause some serious damage reflecting off water or snow. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are essential to keep your eyes and skin protected year-round. Consider wearing clothing with a UPF rating as well.
Use this as a checklist on your next day trip to set yourself up with the essential gear you need to not only stay comfortable in the outdoors but to prevent the need for a rescue when your day doesn’t unfold as planned.
Are there other essentials that you carry in your pack on every outdoor excursion?
