Image source: http://tmber.com/videos/ten-essentials-hiking

If you’ve been hitting the trail for any amount of time, or even if you have not, you have probably already heard of the “10 Essentials”. These are 10 (duh!) items that you should have with you every time you go for a walk in the woods. These are to keep you and whoever you are hiking with safe and alive.

Most of these lists you see are numbered, but they will not be here. They are all equally important. And for each of these, they may actually be more than one item, so you may have more than just 10 things in your pack… always have a backup!

• Navigation
  • Map and Compass
  • GPS and EXTRA BATTERIES!
• Sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Wide-brim hat
  • Sunscreen
• Extra Clothing
  • Prep for the weather!
  • Long underwear
  • Rain shell
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Rain Pants
• Lighting
  • Headlamp
  • Flashlight
  • EXTRA BATTERIES!
• First-Aid Kit
  • Build your own!
• A way to start a fire
  • BIC Lighter
  • Waterproof matches
  • Firesteel
  • Knowledge of how to start a fire with sticks
• Tools
  • Multi-Tool
  • Knife
  • Duct-tape
• Food
  • Granola bars
  • Sports gels
  • Freeze-dried food
  • A way to cook food (stove + pot)
• Water
  • Bring enough water for you and those with you for 1 day
  • Ways to Purify Water
• Shelter
  • Tent
  • Tarp
  • Emergency Bivy

In addition to this list, I also recommend the following:

• Signal Mirror
• Paracord (at least 25′)
• Emergency Whistle

And if it’s hunting season – be sure to wear blaze orange!