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Ten Essentials: Difference between revisions
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The '''Ten Essentials''' comprise the basic equipment that many consider essential in the backcountry. These items are recommended as the very minimum materials necessary to increase the likelihood of survival when in the field. The Ten Essentials are normally carried in a small, separate waterproof container or pack so that they can always be carried on person, and are thus less likely to be lost. In the event that a hiker loses the bulk of his equipment, these ten essentials ensure that the individual will have the fundamental materials needed to have or improvise the human needs for food, shelter, and fire, and in some instances, the ability to navigate out of dangerous circumstances. Although they are referred to as the | The '''Ten Essentials''' comprise the basic equipment that many consider essential in the backcountry. These items are recommended as the very minimum materials necessary to increase the likelihood of survival when in the field. The Ten Essentials are normally carried in a small, separate waterproof <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.allaccentpillows.com/ <span style="color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;/*CITATION*/">throw pillows</span>]</span> container or pack so that they can always be carried on person, and are thus less likely to be lost. In the event that a hiker loses the bulk of his equipment, these ten essentials ensure that the individual will have the fundamental materials needed to have or improvise the human needs for food, shelter, and fire, and in some instances, the ability to navigate out of dangerous circumstances. Although they are referred to as the "Ten Essentials," the list is generally supplemented by a several additions, such as a plastic tarp, duct tape, sewing kit, etc. | ||
The ''Ten Essentials'' were first described in the 1930s by The Mountaineers (Pacific NW)|The Mountaineers, a hiking and mountain climbing club. Many [[hiking|hikers]], [[backpacking|backpackers]], and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them [http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking/skills/teness.htm]. | The ''Ten Essentials'' were first described in the 1930s by The Mountaineers (Pacific NW)|The Mountaineers, a hiking and mountain climbing club. Many [[hiking|hikers]], [[backpacking|backpackers]], and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them [http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking/skills/teness.htm]. | ||
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* '''Extra food and water''' can prevent or cure [[hypothermia]] and dehydration, common illness that can be serious risks in the backcountry where immediate medical response is not possible. These items also minimize the likelihood of panic. It is not recommended that one eat food when there is no water, as the body requires water to metabolize food. | * '''Extra food and water''' can prevent or cure [[hypothermia]] and dehydration, common illness that can be serious risks in the backcountry where immediate medical response is not possible. These items also minimize the likelihood of panic. It is not recommended that one eat food when there is no water, as the body requires water to metabolize food. | ||
* '''Extra clothes''' protect against hypothermia. Multiple layers of clothes are generally warmer than a single thick garment. By having the ability to simply take off a layer of clothes, one can avoid overheating, which can cause sweat and dampen clothing. Moreover, a change into dry clothes is the fastest way to become warm. Extra clothing is also useful for protection from the elements, including thorns, insects, sun, wind, and often cold. If necessary, they can be cut into bandages, used as a tree climbing aid, made into hotpads, pillows, towels, or makeshift ropes. For overnight trekking, one should keep one set of clothes dry for wear in the evening. One can wear the | * '''Extra clothes''' protect against hypothermia. Multiple layers of clothes are generally warmer than a single thick garment. By having the ability to simply take off a layer of clothes, one can avoid overheating, which can cause sweat and dampen clothing. Moreover, a change into dry clothes is the fastest way to become warm. Extra clothing is also useful for protection from the elements, including thorns, insects, sun, wind, and often cold. If necessary, they can be cut into bandages, used as a tree climbing aid, made into hotpads, pillows, towels, or makeshift ropes. For overnight trekking, one should keep one set of clothes dry for wear in the evening. One can wear the "day" clothes during the next day's hike when they are drier. | ||
* '''Sunglasses''' help prevent [[snowblindess]]. Sunlight, especially when reflected in snow, can seriously limit visibility, and jeopardize one's ability to travel safely. | * '''Sunglasses''' help prevent [[snowblindess]]. Sunlight, especially when reflected in snow, can seriously limit visibility, and jeopardize one's ability to travel safely. | ||
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* A '''whistle''' is a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive way to signal for help. Although a person cannot shout for a long period, he can whistle for extended amounts of time. Moreover, the sharp sound of a whistle travels over longer distances than the human voice, and provides a much more distinct sound. Although environmental factors such as wind, snow, and heavy rain may drown out a voice, the sound of a whistle is clearly distinguishable in the field. | * A '''whistle''' is a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive way to signal for help. Although a person cannot shout for a long period, he can whistle for extended amounts of time. Moreover, the sharp sound of a whistle travels over longer distances than the human voice, and provides a much more distinct sound. Although environmental factors such as wind, snow, and heavy rain may drown out a voice, the sound of a whistle is clearly distinguishable in the field. | ||
== Other | == Other "ten essentials" == | ||
Other outdoor organizations have variations of the ''Ten Essentials'' pertinent to local conditions. For example, Utah's Wasatch Club lists extra water in place of food, as Utah is mostly desert terrain, and water is more difficult to find. | Other outdoor organizations have variations of the ''Ten Essentials'' pertinent to local conditions. For example, Utah's Wasatch Club lists extra water in place of food, as Utah is mostly desert terrain, and water is more difficult to find. | ||
The Spokane Mountaineers list | The Spokane Mountaineers list "thirteen essentials," which supplement the list with emergency shelter such as a [[space blanket]], signaling device, and toilet paper and [[trowel]] (for sanitary disposal of human waste. The toilet paper also doubles as tinder for starting a fire). | ||
