Whatever type of trip you are planning, take items with you that you cannot improvise so easily in the field and will go a long way towards ensuring a safe and rewarding experience. 

 The 10 Essentials Lists

There are several interpretations of a 10 Essentials List and reasons for them.

1. Navigation: Map and Compass
2. Illumination: Flashlight/Headlamp
3. Sun Protection: Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Hat
4. Nutrition: Extra Food
5. Hydration: Extra Water
6. Insulation: Extra Clothing
7. Fire: Waterproof Matches and Fire Starter
8. Emergency Shelter
9. Repair Kit and Tools: Knife, Duct Tape, etc.
10. First-Aid Kit

1. Navigation: Map, altimeter, compass, [GPS device], [PLB or satellite communicators], [extra batteries or battery pack]
2. Headlamp: Plus extra batteries
3. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, and sunscreen
4. First Aid: Including foot care and insect repellent (if required)
5. Knife: Plus repair kit
6. Fire: Matches, lighter and tinder, or stove as appropriate
7. Shelter: Carried at all times (can be light emergency bivy)
8. Extra Food: Beyond minimum expectation
9. Extra Water: Beyond minimum expectation, or the means to purify
10. Extra Clothes: Beyond minimum expectation

Each hike or multi-day trip may have its own requirements, factors such as heat or cold. Learn more about the 10 Essentials from The Mountaineers, who first created the list in 1974. Want something more basic for your day hike? See the Mountaineers' page on Day-Hikers Ten Essentials.

Want to learn how to use that map and compass? See Navigation.