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The Ten Essentials
by Roger J. Wendell
From the Rocky Mountain Chapter's
Peak & Prairie publication
Volume XXIII, Number 2, April/May 1998, page 23
Each member of any outing should
always carry at least these
basic items in case of an emergency. (Remember, reading a short essay like
this is not sufficient preparation for an outdoor experience.)
- Map - Topographic "quad" (US Geological Survey, 7.5 minute Quadrangles
are inexpensive and available everywhere).
- Compass with straight edge - GPS units can be useful but are not
reliable.
- Matches and Fire Starter - A good supply of matches (protected against
moisture) and at least two butane lighters. "Fire Starter" is any type of material
that can be used to ensure that the fire stays lit and grows, even during wet
conditions (i.e., candles or chemical and wax preparations available at outdoor
and surplus stores).
- Headlamp or Flashlight with extra bulb and batteries - Headlamps are
preferred because they free your hands for other tasks.
- Extra water and food - Always carry plenty of water, along with a
purification device and/or chemicals.
- Extra Clothing however, no cotton! - Cotton retains moisture
and loses its ability to insulate - a very dangerous combination in the high
country. Wool, polyester, and synthetics are vastly superior. An extra pair
of heavy weight socks are also a "must."
- First Aid Supplies - First Aid training is strongly recommended.
- Pocket Knife - I like the ones full of gadgets that have at least one
solid, traditional blade.
- Bivy Gear - "Space" blanket, large lawn bags, 50 feet of cord, and
the thermal pad. The space blanket can be used as a temporary shelter or
signaling device. Large garbage bags can be used to reinforce your shelter,
as additional raingear, makeshift sleeping bags, etc.
- Sun Protection - Sunglasses and suncsreen.
- Signaling Devices - Whistle (carries farther than shouting) and
mirror.
Optional Items:
- Avalanche Beacon - Even if you're not in avalanche terrain you could be
called to an area to help others.
- Gaiters - Excellent ankle and leg protection in the snow, mud, heavy brush
and scree-strewn slopes.
- Insect Repellant
- Sierra Cup - Excellent for melting snow or cooking in (worthless for drinking
hot liquids because the metal edge will burn your lips!)
Each individual, regardless of the group's size, must carry at
least the Ten Essentials. This applies even to "inseparable"
couples who share tents and sleeping bags - there's a chance you
might get separated and spend some time alone. The Ten Essentials
won't guarantee your survival, but they will put you way ahead of
those lost hikers we read about in the papers each year.
Click Here for
information on CORSAR, The Colorado Outdoor Recreation
Search and Rescue Card - Don't leave home without it!
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Contacts
 For more information
about Rocky Mountain Chapter's Outings, please contact:
Outings Chair: Jacob Morgan
Assistant Outings Chair: Gary Matthews
Member of Peak to Peak Trail and Wilderness Links
Last update:
September 26, 2003
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