The Ten Essentials For Adventure Elopements

Getting into the outdoors is one of my favorite things and what I encourage everyone else to do, too! To do so safely, though, there’s a few things you’re going to need to have an enjoyable trip!

Back in 1930, The Mountaineers created the original Ten Essentials list for climbers and hikers in the Seattle and it was quickly adopted by outdoor groups all over the country. Now, you can find copies of the Ten Essentials from REI, the National Park Service, and other outdoor groups! It used to be that the list was comprised of ten specific items: a map, compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, a headlamp or flashlight, first aid, fire starters, matches, a knife, and food.

Today, the list has evolved to be more system-based. You can find many recommended products in each category online, but it really comes down to preference, and reliability (in that order). Everyone you ask will say this headlamp is better or that tent is lighter or some other opinion, but what really matters is that your gear is something you like AND YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT, and that it is going to be reliable in all situations.

Also remember that your systems can be customized to the kind of adventure you’re going on. If you’re going on a day hike with friends in a Metropark, you might decide that the AllTrails app on your phone is sufficient. If you venture out into the wilderness and you’ll be gone overnight in an area with no service, you might want a waterproof map and compass.

One more thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want to consider a bunch of factors when deciding how to customize your systems. For example, you need to think about the weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help if you needed it. What would work for a stroll in the park will not work for a multi-day adventure in the backcountry.

All this sounds stressful and like a lot to keep track of, but remember that it is always better to be prepared than to find yourself in a situation where you wished you had what you needed!

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

Navigation: a map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB), or satellite messenger. Here's GearLab's rank of the best GPS units of 2022, and here are some compasses sold by REI. Here are some National Geographic maps that cover everything from adventure to hiking maps. For the outdoors, you’ll need a topographic map, not a guide one.
Headlamp: and remember the extra batteries! Here's a roundup of the Best Headlamps of 2022 by SwitchBack Travel. I got my headlamp from Eddie Bauer and honestly love it. I also have one from Nitecore (the NU25) that is great and very water-resistant.
Sun Protection: sunglasses (polarizing ones will help with seeing in the snow and the water), sun-protective clothes, and sunscreen. When buying sunscreen, try to get one that is reef-safe to help protect our oceans and coral reefs like Badger Clear Zinc, Raw Love Mineral Sunscreen, or Sun Bum (my favorite!).
First Aid: including foot care and insect repellent. My favorite one is this one from REI. It includes a ton of stuff in a compact bag so you don’t have to compromise space for safety. Here’s some of the stuff included:
- Trauma pad to stop bleeding, triangular bandages for stabilizing sprains, a single-use thermometer, EMT shears, forceps, irrigation syringe, wound closure strips, benzoin, medications (for allergies, pain, fevers, and sickness), moleskin, a wilderness medical guide with illustrations for treating injuries and sickness along with a step-by-step guide on using all the stuff inside.
- It’s important to know how to treat basic injuries even if you’re just out riding bikes or heading in the backcountry!
Knife: and a gear repair kit. Know how to repair your clothing, shelter, bike, kayak, whatever you have with you. A knife and a roll of ducktape will do wonders.
Fire: a lighter, matches, tinder, and/or a stove. Remember that some fire starting products won’t work if they get wet, so have a backup!
Shelter: carry a shelter at all times, even if it’s just a tarp or a bivvy!
Extra food: more than you think you’ll need. You can always save that granola bar or camp dinner for next time, but you can’t scrounge up high-calorie food in an emergency.
Extra water: more than you think you’ll need. Plan for 2 cups (1/2 liter) every hour for adults, and 1-2 cups every hour for children. Bring some way to filter water in case you run out.
Extra clothes: more than you think you’ll need. Bring wool layers if you’re going to be in the rain or cold since wool doesn’t absorb water, and bring lots of light-colored and sweat-wicking clothing if you’re going to be in the sun and heat.

OTHER ITEMS TO BRING

The NPS recommends a few more things to bring, depending on the adventure:

Protection from volcanic ash: Volcanic ash can cause throat and eye irritation! Having goggles and a dust mask (or bandana) will help keep you safe from the ask.
Deterrents in case of aggressive wildlife: when in bear country, remember bear spray, whistles, bear bells, and know how to use them. A lot of these items can’t be brought on airplanes, so know where to procure them when visiting.