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By far, the best known outdoor equipment list is the so-called Ten Essentials. It originated in the 1930s, and has become widely quoted. The Ten Essentials is a good starting point for your daypack. 1) Matches. (or lighters) Get waterproof “Strike anywhere” matches. Do not get “Strike on box” matches as they will only light when struck on the box, and will not light when the box is wet. Place the matches in a waterproof case and include a striker. An emery board is great for this. Remember to use caution when lighting fires in forested areas. 2) Fire Starter. Small tea candles work great. In a pinch, toilet paper and/or hand sanitizer can be used (Yes it works! The alcohol content makes it easy to light). 3) Map. Even if you are sure of the area, you can never go wrong with a good topographical map. 4) Compass. A GPS is great, but should be an addition to the traditional compass. Your batteries or satellites may fail at a crucial moment. 5) Flashlight, extra batteries, and bulb. A headlight is even easier to use if you get caught in the dark. Don’t feel like carrying a flashlight? Key ring lights are small and better than being left in the dark. Dayglow sticks (found in stores around Halloween) are also lightweight, but only last about 6 months, then must be replaced. 6) Extra food. Extra food helps ward off hypothermia. Hard candy, energy bars, or peanut butter & crackers are good space saving items. 7) Extra clothing. The minimum you should carry is a rain jacket. A garbage bag, space blanket, or lightweight poncho will help shelter you if you are caught overnight or in the rain. A hat or cap keeps the sun off and your head warm. 8) Sunglasses. Good sunglasses are especially important when hiking in snow to prevent snow blindness. 9) First Aid Kit. First aid kits vary greatly. Items to consider are gauze pads, alcohol wipes, moleskin, scissors, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory, tweezers, ace bandage or bandana, hand sanitizer, and duct tape. 10) Pocket knife. A light weight multi purpose tool is best. Other items to consider: Extra water Lunch and snacks A comb (for removing that annoying cholla). Tweezers or pliers also work well. Whistle (3 blasts mean “need help!” Outdoor thermometer (you can find the whistle, thermometer and compass all in one) Toilet tissue, plastic bag, plastic trowel Sunscreen/chapstick Cellphone Binoculars Camera (don’t forget the extra batteries) Insect repellent/bug net Pencil and paper Gardening gloves for rock scrambling Guides to birds, flowers, etc. The above is by no means everything you might want to take, and does not include many items for backpackers such as: Piece of plastic to make a solar still (desert survival!), water purification tables, metal cup to boil water, etc.   | Daypack Essentials | Hiking Tips & Hints | April-May-June | | Return Home | Newsletter | Hikes | Socials | Photo Gallery | Hike Leaders Page | Getaways | Great Links/Resources | Contact Us | |
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