list was devised in the 1930's by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation
organization, whose members get out in some truly dreadful weather—including in the rainy North Cascades,
along the Olympic Peninsula, and on such snow-covered peaks as Mount Rainier.
Now the Boy Scouts of America advocate them as necessary items to bring for every outing. Our troop requires that each scout bring their 10 essentials, which they should put together themselves, to every troop and patrol meeting. This will enable them to familiarize themselves with the importance of having these items with them, as well as provide for the convenience of having them readily available for trips. Lastly, it is great to have them in a pack which can hold their scout book and other materials to bring to the meeting.
Here's what you need—and why:
1. POCKETKNIFE OR MULTIPURPOSE TOOL.These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cutting cheese and open cans. The scout book claims that a pocketknife is the most useful tool you can own.
2. FIRST-AID KIT.
There are many variations, but two distinct types of first-aid kits in scouts. Each scout should have their own personal first aid kit, and every group, whether it is a hiking trek, or even a patrol or troop as a whole, should have a thorough first-aid kit for more serious injuries. For information on what should be contained in a personal first-aid kit, look at the second-class first-aid slideshow, as preparing a personal first-aid kit is a scouting requirement.
3. EXTRA CLOTHING.
Above timberline, bring one more clothing layer than you think you'll need. Two
rules: Avoid cotton (it dries slowly and keeps moisture close to your skin), and
always carry a hat. A windproof, water-resistant fleece jacket can help you withstand
ornery mountain conditions.
Headlamps and flashlights allow you to find your way in the dark or signal for help. Headlamps are convenient for hands-free use. Extra batteries are a must, especially for long-term treks.
5. RAIN GEAR.
Remember that high mountains make their own weather, and storms can erupt suddenly and violently. Even in a temperate summer forest, a dousing rain can quickly chill you to the point of hypothermia. Rain gear protects against not only rain, but also wind, cold, and even insects. REMEMBER that on most outings (especially in the Sierras) a poncho is by no means adequate rain protection.
6. WATER BOTTLE.
Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well. You'll be
susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness, not to mention the abject misery of raging
thirst. Always carry plenty of water and stop often to drink; camel-backs are great on hiking trips and used by many Troop 1 hikers. (Your brain is roughly 85% water)
7. MAP AND COMPASS.
A map not only tells where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find
campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident. A compass helps you
find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can't see
the landmarks. A GPS (global positioning system) can also help—but it is no substitute for
knowing how to read a map. Obviously, without proper knowledge of a map, they're almost meaningless, so take ample amount of time to learn how to properly read a map (such as orienting a map with a compass).
8. MATCHES AND FIRE STARTER.
The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent hypothermia. Also, a fire can be a
signal for help if you get lost. Carry matches and a small amount of fire starter protected in
zipper-locking bags. Commercially available windproof and waterproof matches are also a good choice, but at least use a waterproof container for your matches to ensure you'll never be without a fire.
Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well. You'll be
susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness, not to mention the abject misery of raging
thirst. Always carry plenty of water and stop often to drink; camel-backs are great on hiking trips and used by many Troop 1 hikers. (Your brain is roughly 85% water)
7. MAP AND COMPASS.
A map not only tells where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find
campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident. A compass helps you
find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can't see
the landmarks. A GPS (global positioning system) can also help—but it is no substitute for
knowing how to read a map. Obviously, without proper knowledge of a map, they're almost meaningless, so take ample amount of time to learn how to properly read a map (such as orienting a map with a compass).
8. MATCHES AND FIRE STARTER.
The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent hypothermia. Also, a fire can be a
signal for help if you get lost. Carry matches and a small amount of fire starter protected in
zipper-locking bags. Commercially available windproof and waterproof matches are also a good choice, but at least use a waterproof container for your matches to ensure you'll never be without a fire.
A Fire starter is anything flammable, from pocket lint to filled-in journal pages. Pine needles and birch bark make especially good starter, even when wet.9. SUN PROTECTION AND SUNGLASSES.
Especially above timberline, when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sun-glasses to prevent snow blindness and sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Buy sunglasses that are ultraviolet ray (UV) resistant.
Don't use sunscreen that's been sitting in your medicine cabinet for a season or more: It has probably lost at least some of the effectiveness of its sun-protection factor (SPF), a rating of how well and how long the sunscreen will keep you from getting sunburned. Wide-brimmed hats are also strongly recommended. In desert conditions, consider using a long-sleeved light shirt and lightweight loose-fitting long pants, with sip-off capability.
10. TRAIL FOOD.
Nothing boosts energy and spirits as much as a quick trail snack. You can make your own trail
mix with nuts, raisins, banana chips, and chocolate bits. The combination of sugar, fats,
and potassium tastes great and provides quick energy, long-lasting calories, and
replacement electrolytes. Always take a bit more food than you think you will need. A lot of things could keep you out longer than expected, like a lengthy detour, get-ting lost, an injury, or difficult terrain.
10. TRAIL FOOD.
Nothing boosts energy and spirits as much as a quick trail snack. You can make your own trail
mix with nuts, raisins, banana chips, and chocolate bits. The combination of sugar, fats,
and potassium tastes great and provides quick energy, long-lasting calories, and
replacement electrolytes. Always take a bit more food than you think you will need. A lot of things could keep you out longer than expected, like a lengthy detour, get-ting lost, an injury, or difficult terrain.
By Karen Berger
