The Ten Essentials for Hiking: What Every Hiker Should Carry

Hiking Chabenec from the village Magurka to Durkova cottage, a very popular hiking destination in Low Tatras National Park, Slovakia

The Ten Essentials are the basic safety systems hikers carry to prepare for injuries, navigation mistakes, unexpected delays, sudden weather changes, equipment failures, and unplanned nights outdoors.

You may complete dozens of hikes without needing several of them. Their value becomes apparent when a routine outing stops going according to plan.

A trail may take longer than expected. A bridge may be washed out. A wrong turn can add several miles. A hiker may become injured. Clouds can obscure the route, temperatures can fall rapidly, and daylight can disappear before the group reaches the trailhead.

The Ten Essentials are not ten specific products that remain identical for every trip. They are ten categories of equipment that should be adjusted according to the route, season, weather, group, terrain, and distance from assistance.

The modern systems commonly used by the National Park Service, REI, and The Mountaineers are:

Navigation
Sun protection
Insulation
Illumination
First aid
Fire
Repair supplies and tools
Nutrition
Hydration
Emergency shelter

The National Park Service describes these as basic items that can help during minor injuries, sudden weather changes, and unexpected emergencies. It also emphasizes that additional equipment may be required for a particular park or activity.

🎒 The Ten Essentials at a Glance

Essential system	Basic day-hike example	Remote or demanding-trip additions
Navigation	Paper map, compass and offline phone map	Handheld GPS, altimeter, satellite communicator
Sun protection	Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat	Sun hoodie, neck protection and glacier glasses
Insulation	Spare warm layer and rain shell	Insulated jacket, gloves, beanie and dry base layer
Illumination	Headlamp	Backup headlamp and spare batteries
First aid	Compact personal first-aid kit	Trauma supplies, splinting materials and group kit
Fire	Lighter and protected fire starter	Waterproof matches, backup lighter and stove
Repair and tools	Knife or multitool, tape and cord	Equipment-specific repair kit and spare parts
Nutrition	Extra snacks	Additional meal, emergency rations and electrolytes
Hydration	Water bottles or reservoir	Water filter, purification backup and extra capacity
Emergency shelter	Emergency bivy or reflective blanket	Tarp, bothy bag, winter bivy or tent

The exact contents should change according to the consequences of being delayed.

A two-mile walk through a developed park does not require the same equipment as a winter summit attempt. However, the same ten systems should still be considered.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Pack for the conditions you might face if the hike takes several hours longer than planned—not only for the weather expected while everything goes well.

🧭 1. Navigation

Navigation equipment helps you plan the route, recognize your location, avoid wrong turns, and find a safe way back.

A complete navigation system may include:

Current paper map
Compass
Offline digital map
Smartphone
Handheld GPS device
GPS watch
Altimeter
Satellite communicator
Personal locator beacon
Printed route description
Saved trailhead coordinates

The NPS recommends carrying appropriate navigation tools and knowing how to use a topographic map, compass, or GPS before beginning the trip. A device is not useful merely because it is present in the backpack.

🗺️ Paper Maps

A paper map provides a broad view of the surrounding landscape without requiring batteries.

A useful hiking map should cover:

The complete intended route
Adjacent trails
Alternative exits
Nearby roads
Waterways
Major terrain features
Trailheads
Surrounding valleys and ridges

Downloading or printing only a narrow strip around the intended trail can leave you without useful information after a wrong turn or reroute.

Topographic maps are particularly valuable because contour lines reveal:

Elevation
Slope steepness
Ridges
Valleys
Passes
Summits
Cliffs
Drainages

Protect paper maps inside a waterproof case or resealable bag.

🧭 Compass

A baseplate compass provides directional information without batteries or satellite reception.

It can help you:

Orient the map
Determine direction
Follow a bearing
Compare the trail with surrounding terrain
Maintain direction in poor visibility
Confirm an electronic compass

Simply carrying a compass is not enough. Practice using it on familiar trails before depending on it in darkness, fog, snow, or unfamiliar terrain.

Learn how to:

Identify magnetic north
Orient a map
Read a bearing
Follow a direction of travel
Account for magnetic declination
Compare terrain with contours

📱 Smartphones and Offline Maps

A smartphone can be an excellent navigation device when maps are downloaded in advance.

Before leaving cellular coverage:

Download the entire hiking area.
Include alternative trails and access roads.
Save the planned route.
Test the map in airplane mode.
Confirm that detailed map layers remain visible.
Charge the phone completely.
carry backup power.
Protect the phone from water and impact.

GPS positioning may remain available without cellular service, but the map itself may disappear when it has not been stored offline.

Do not rely on a screenshot as the only digital map. Screenshots provide limited scale, little surrounding context, and no interactive location information.

🛰️ GPS Devices

A handheld GPS can provide:

Current location
Topographic maps
Saved waypoints
Recorded tracks
Distance information
Elevation data
Route guidance

Purpose-built devices may offer:

Rugged construction
Physical buttons
Replaceable batteries
Better glove operation
Long battery life
Water-resistant housings

However, GPS devices can still fail because of:

Dead batteries
Software problems
Damaged screens
Signal obstruction
Incorrect settings
Map errors
User mistakes

A correct GPS location can also appear on an inaccurate or outdated trail map.

📡 Satellite Communicators

A satellite communicator may provide:

Two-way messaging
SOS activation
Location sharing
Tracking
Weather information
Preset check-ins

It is especially valuable beyond cellular coverage, but it does not replace navigation skills or emergency equipment.

Satellite communication may be delayed by:

Deep valleys
Dense forest
Buildings
Caves
Rock overhangs
Poor antenna orientation

Rescue may still take hours or longer after an SOS is activated.

🧭 Navigation Checklist

Before hiking, confirm:

The route is current and open.
Maps are downloaded.
The paper map covers surrounding terrain.
The compass is accessible.
GPS batteries are charged.
The trailhead is saved.
Coordinate format and map datum are understood.
Alternative exits have been identified.
Someone knows the route and return time.
Navigation tools have been tested.

☀️ 2. Sun Protection

Sun protection is necessary throughout the year, not only during hot summer hikes.

Exposure can be intensified by:

High elevation
Snow
Water
Open rock
Desert terrain
Long hours outdoors
Limited shade

The sun-protection system generally includes:

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Protective clothing
Lip protection
Neck coverage

The NPS includes sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat in its Ten Essentials system.

🕶️ Sunglasses

Sunglasses help protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare.

Look for:

Appropriate ultraviolet protection
Comfortable fit
Secure arms or retainer
Adequate side coverage
Impact resistance
Compatibility with hats and helmets

Snow-covered terrain can reflect intense light toward the eyes. Mountaineering and glacier travel may require specialized glasses with greater coverage and darker lenses than ordinary hiking sunglasses.

Carry sunglasses in a protective case when they are not being worn.

🧴 Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to exposed areas such as:

Face
Ears
Neck
Hands
Arms
Legs
Scalp
Tops of feet

Reapplication may be necessary because of:

Perspiration
Water
Toweling
Long exposure
Rubbing from clothing and equipment

A small container carried in an accessible pocket is more likely to be used than a large bottle buried at the bottom of a backpack.

Sunscreen supplements protective clothing; it does not make unlimited sun exposure safe.

🧢 Sun Hats

Useful hiking hats include:

Wide-brimmed hats
Baseball-style caps
Bucket hats
Legionnaire hats
Hats with removable neck capes

A cap shades the eyes but provides little protection for the ears and neck.

A wide-brimmed hat offers greater coverage but may be difficult to control in wind. Choose a secure adjustment or chin cord for exposed terrain.

👕 Sun-Protective Clothing

Clothing can reduce the amount of skin requiring sunscreen.

Useful options include:

Long-sleeved hiking shirt
Sun hoodie
Full-length hiking pants
Neck gaiter
Sun gloves
Clothing with a published UPF rating

Lightweight full-coverage clothing can sometimes be more comfortable than bare skin in intense direct sun.

💋 Lips and Reflected Sun

The lips are easily overlooked. Carry a lip balm with suitable sun protection when exposure is significant.

Pay particular attention on:

Snowfields
Beaches
High plateaus
Exposed ridges
Desert routes
Open water

🧥 3. Insulation

Insulation protects against unexpected cold, wind, precipitation, and inactivity.

The correct extra clothing depends on:

Season
Elevation
Weather forecast
Wind
Route exposure
Trip duration
Personal cold tolerance
Distance from shelter

The modern Ten Essentials system treats extra clothing as insulation rather than prescribing one specific garment. REI recommends considering the additional layers required to survive an unplanned overnight stay.

🧅 A Hiking Layering System

A common clothing system contains:

Base layer
Midlayer
Insulated layer
Weatherproof shell

Not every layer must be worn continuously. The advantage of layering is the ability to add or remove protection as conditions and activity levels change.

Base Layer

A base layer manages moisture next to the skin.

Common materials include:

Polyester
Nylon
Merino wool
Blended technical fabrics

Avoid relying on absorbent cotton clothing in cold or wet environments.

Midlayer

A midlayer provides moderate warmth.

Options include:

Fleece
Grid fleece
Lightweight wool
Active synthetic insulation
Technical pullover

Fleece remains breathable during movement but usually provides limited wind protection.

Insulated Jacket

An insulated jacket provides greater warmth during:

Rest stops
Summit breaks
Camp
Emergencies
Unexpected delays

Common insulation types include:

Down
Synthetic fill

Down generally offers excellent warmth for its weight but requires careful moisture protection. Synthetic insulation usually retains more performance after becoming damp.

Waterproof and Windproof Shell

A shell protects the insulating layers from:

Rain
Wet snow
Wind
Spray
Saturated vegetation

Ordinary water-resistant clothing is not a substitute for dependable rain protection during prolonged precipitation.

🧤 Accessories

Cold-weather accessories can provide substantial protection for little pack weight.

Consider carrying:

Warm beanie
Gloves
Spare gloves
Neck gaiter
Insulated hood
Dry socks

Cold hands can make it difficult to operate zippers, communication devices, first-aid supplies, and navigation equipment.

🌡️ Pack for the Worst Credible Conditions

Do not choose spare clothing only from the expected afternoon temperature.

Consider:

Predawn temperature
Wind chill
Summit exposure
Rain
Snow
Sunset
Inactivity after injury
Delayed rescue

A hiker generating heat on a steep climb may become cold rapidly after stopping.

💧 Keep Insulation Dry

Store critical layers in:

Waterproof pack liner
Dry bag
Waterproof stuff sack
Sealed plastic bag

A rain cover alone may not prevent water from reaching the backpack’s contents.

🔦 4. Illumination

Every hiker should carry a dependable light, even when the outing is expected to end well before sunset.

Unexpected darkness may result from:

Slow travel
Injury
Route-finding difficulties
Weather
A missed turn
Trail damage
Longer-than-expected breaks
Helping another hiker

The NPS includes a flashlight or headlamp—with spare batteries—among the Ten Essentials.

🔦 Why a Headlamp Is Usually Best

A headlamp keeps both hands available for:

Trekking poles
Scrambling
Map reading
First aid
Tent setup
Cooking
Equipment repairs
Holding railings

A phone flashlight can provide temporary light, but it:

Occupies one hand
Drains a communication device
Provides limited stability
May be difficult to use in rain
Is vulnerable to impact

💡 Useful Headlamp Features

Consider:

Several brightness settings
Low mode
Flood beam
Spot beam
Lockout function
Battery indicator
Water resistance
Glove-friendly controls
Red-light mode
Replaceable or rechargeable batteries

For ordinary hiking, reliability and runtime are generally more important than the largest advertised lumen number.

🔋 Spare Power

Carry:

Spare batteries, or
Power bank and charging cable, or
Independent backup light

Keep batteries:

Dry
Protected from metal objects
Warm in cold conditions
Stored in a battery case

Planned night travel, mountaineering, and remote winter hiking justify a second independent headlamp.

🔒 Use the Lockout

A headlamp can turn on inside a crowded backpack and drain its battery.

Activate its lockout mode or use the manufacturer’s storage method before packing it.

Confirm that you remember how to unlock it.

🩹 5. First Aid

A first-aid system helps manage minor problems and provide initial care during more serious emergencies.

It should be matched to:

Group size
Trip length
Terrain
Activity
Remoteness
Known medical conditions
Responder training

The NPS recommends carrying first-aid supplies and considering the needs of everyone in the group. A compact emergency guide may also be useful.

🧰 Basic Hiking First-Aid Supplies

A small day-hiking kit may contain:

Nonlatex medical gloves
Adhesive bandages
Sterile gauze
Medical tape
Blister supplies
Elastic wrap
Cleansing supplies
Tweezers
Small scissors
Personal medication
Emergency information

Remote or high-risk trips may require:

More gauze
Large absorbent dressings
Rolled bandage
Triangular bandage
Irrigation syringe
Splinting materials
Additional gloves
Trauma supplies for trained users

🦶 Blister Treatment

Blisters are easier to manage at the first sign of friction.

Stop when you notice:

Hot spot
Burning
Localized tenderness
Redness
Moist, wrinkled skin

A foot-care kit may include:

Blister dressing
Medical tape
Moleskin or similar padding
Gauze
Small scissors

Continuing to walk after a hot spot develops can turn a minor irritation into a serious mobility problem.

💊 Personal Medication

Carry enough essential medication for:

The planned trip
Reasonable delays
An unexpected overnight stay

Depending on the person’s care plan, this might include:

Prescription medications
Epinephrine auto-injector
Asthma inhaler
Glucose
Allergy medication
Other prescribed emergency treatment

Critical medication should remain with the person who needs it rather than being placed only in a group leader’s pack.

🧠 Training

A first-aid kit is most effective when someone knows how to use it.

Useful training includes:

Basic first aid
CPR
Bleeding control
Wilderness first aid
Group emergency management

Do not carry specialized medical equipment merely because it appears on an advanced checklist.

🔥 6. Fire

The fire system provides a method of producing flame for warmth, signaling, or emergency use when fires are legal, safe, and appropriate.

Possible components include:

Lighter
Waterproof matches
Stormproof matches
Fire starter
Dry tinder
Backpacking stove
Fuel
Ferrocerium rod for trained users

REI’s modern Ten Essentials guidance includes both a dependable ignition source and material capable of sustaining an emergency fire.

🔥 Carry More Than One Ignition Method

A simple fire kit might include:

One reliable lighter
Protected backup matches
Compact fire starter

Keep ignition equipment inside waterproof packaging.

A lighter may fail because of:

Cold
Water
Fuel loss
Broken mechanism
Wind

Matches may fail because of:

Moisture
Damaged striking surface
Wind
Insufficient quantity

Redundancy is valuable.

🪵 Fire Starter

Natural tinder may be:

Wet
Frozen
Covered by snow
Unavailable
Illegal to collect

A carried fire starter can help establish a flame quickly.

Options include:

Commercial tinder
Waxed fire starter
Cotton prepared for fire starting
Compressed fuel tabs
Other purpose-designed materials

Store tinder separately from anything that could ignite accidentally.

⚠️ Fire Is Not Always Appropriate

Do not build a fire:

During a fire ban
In dry vegetation
In severe wind
Above the tree line where fuel is scarce
Where collection is prohibited
Where the fire cannot be fully extinguished
Inside a tent, bivy, or emergency shelter
Close to synthetic equipment
Where smoke could harm an injured person

A fire should not be the only plan for surviving cold conditions.

Proper clothing, insulation, and shelter are more dependable in many environments.

🍲 Backpacking Stoves

A stove can heat water and prepare food where open fires are unsafe or prohibited.

However, a stove should not be operated inside:

Tent
Bivy
Bothy bag
Vehicle
Confined snow shelter
Other enclosed space

Fire and carbon monoxide can become fatal hazards.

🔧 7. Repair Supplies and Tools

Repair equipment helps solve problems involving:

Backpack
Clothing
Footwear
Shelter
Sleeping pad
Stove
Trekking poles
Water containers
Eyeglasses
Other essential gear

The repair system should reflect the equipment carried.

🔪 Knife or Multitool

A small knife or multitool may assist with:

Cutting tape
Preparing cord
Repairing equipment
Opening packaging
Food preparation
First-aid tasks
Adjusting hardware

Carry only tools that are:

Legal in the area
Appropriate for the trip
Familiar
Stored safely

A heavy multitool with numerous unused functions may add unnecessary weight.

🩶 Repair Tape

Strong repair tape can help temporarily repair:

Torn rainwear
Damaged tarp
Cracked water bottle
Broken pack strap
Split gaiter
Sleeping-pad damage
Loose footwear

Wrap a small quantity around:

Water bottle
Trekking pole
Small card
Pencil

Adhesives may perform poorly when they are cold, wet, or dirty. Prepare the surface as well as conditions allow.

🪡 Sewing Supplies

A small repair kit may include:

Needle
Strong thread
Safety pins
Fabric patches
Spare button

Sewing is useful for failures that tape cannot hold effectively.

🪢 Cord

Utility cord may help:

Replace a broken shoelace
Repair a pack
Pitch a tarp
Secure equipment
Replace a guyline
Support an emergency shelter

Loose cord can create entanglement and tripping hazards. Store it neatly.

🧩 Equipment-Specific Supplies

Depending on the trip, add:

Sleeping-pad patches
Tent-pole sleeve
Replacement buckle
Stove maintenance tool
Spare water-filter seal
Eyeglass repair kit
Replacement traction-device part
Spare batteries
Zip ties
Hose clamp
Small amount of wire

The more essential a piece of equipment is, the more important its repair plan becomes.

🍫 8. Nutrition

Extra food provides energy during delays, unexpected exertion, and an unplanned overnight stay.

The amount should be based on:

Hike length
Physical effort
Weather
Group size
Remoteness
Medical needs
Possible delay

The NPS recommends food that does not require cooking and suggests considering additional food in case the outing lasts longer than expected.

🥜 Good Emergency Foods

Useful trail foods are generally:

Calorie dense
Ready to eat
Durable
Easy to open
Familiar
Suitable for the climate

Examples include:

Nuts
Trail mix
Energy bars
Nut-butter packets
Dried fruit
Crackers
Jerky
Tortillas
Chocolate in suitable temperatures
Shelf-stable snacks

🍽️ Carry Food That Does Not Require Cooking

A stove can fail because of:

Empty fuel
Wind
Mechanical problems
Fire restrictions
Lost components
Extreme cold

At least part of the food supply should be edible without cooking.

🥶 Cold-Weather Food

Some foods become difficult to eat when frozen.

In cold conditions, choose items that remain chewable and store some food closer to the body when appropriate.

Avoid relying entirely on snacks that become:

Rock hard
Brittle
Difficult to unwrap
Impossible to chew safely

☀️ Hot-Weather Food

Heat can cause food to:

Melt
Spoil
Leak
Become unappealing

Choose foods suited to the expected temperature and protect perishable items.

🩺 Medical Considerations

Hikers with conditions affected by food intake should carry supplies according to their medical plan.

Examples may include:

Glucose tablets
Fast-acting carbohydrate
Scheduled food
Backup medication

Do not place all group food in one backpack.

💧 9. Hydration

Water is essential for physical performance, temperature regulation, and decision-making.

The hydration system includes:

Water bottles
Hydration reservoir
Water-treatment method
Backup purification
Additional carrying capacity
Knowledge of reliable sources

The NPS advises hikers to carry sufficient water and to consider treatment equipment where backcountry sources may be needed. It also warns that hot-weather hikers should drink regularly rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

🚰 How Much Water Should You Carry?

There is no single amount suitable for every hike.

Requirements depend on:

Heat
Humidity
Elevation
Distance
Effort
Body size
Personal needs
Water availability
Pack weight
Medical conditions

Research the route before setting out.

Ask:

Are water sources reliable?
Are they seasonal?
Is treatment required?
Is access difficult?
Could a source be frozen?
Is there a long dry section?
How much reserve is needed?

🍼 Water Bottles

Advantages include:

Easy inspection
Simple measurement
Easy refilling
Low maintenance
Visible remaining volume
Reliability in freezing weather when managed correctly

Carry bottles securely so they cannot fall from shallow side pockets.

💧 Hydration Reservoirs

Advantages include:

Frequent drinking without stopping
Large capacity
Balanced vertical storage
Convenient hose access

Possible disadvantages include:

Difficult inspection
Leakage
Hose freezing
Cleaning requirements
Difficulty measuring remaining water

A reservoir should not be your only container on remote trips.

🧪 Water Treatment

Common methods include:

Water filters
Purifiers
Chemical treatment
Ultraviolet treatment
Boiling

Each has limitations.

A filter may:

Freeze
Clog
Break
Fail to remove every type of contaminant

Chemical treatment may require:

Correct dosage
Contact time
Suitable water temperature

Ultraviolet devices require:

Battery power
Clear enough water
Functional electronics

Carry a backup treatment method when a failed system would leave the group without safe water.

🏜️ Extra Capacity

Collapsible bottles or water bags provide additional capacity for:

Desert routes
Dry camps
Long ridges
Seasonal sources
Emergency delays

Do not wait until the trailhead to discover that the backpack cannot carry the necessary water securely.

🏕️ 10. Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelter protects against wind, precipitation, cold ground, heat, and an unexpected night outdoors.

The NPS includes tents, tarps, bivy sacks, and emergency space blankets as possible shelter options.

✨ Reflective Emergency Blankets

Advantages include:

Very low weight
Small packed size
Wind resistance
Water resistance
Signaling potential

Limitations include:

Easy tearing
Minimal insulation
Condensation
Difficult use in strong wind
Poor ground protection

A reflective blanket is better than no shelter, but it is not a complete winter-survival system.

🛏️ Emergency Bivies

An emergency bivy encloses the body more effectively than a flat blanket.

Advantages include:

Rapid deployment
Better wind control
Compact storage
Protection around insulation
Small footprint

Limitations include:

Condensation
Restricted movement
Minimal ground insulation
Limited room for patient care

⛺ Tarps

A tarp can shelter one or more people and provide space for first aid and equipment.

A tarp system may require:

Cord
Stakes
Trekking poles
Suitable anchors
Setup practice

A tarp without the ability to pitch it is incomplete emergency equipment.

🧍 Group Shelters

A bothy bag or group shelter allows several hikers to sit inside a wind-resistant enclosure.

These are useful for:

Hiking groups
Winter outings
Exposed terrain
Patient care
Long rest stops

They create warmth quickly but can accumulate condensation and generally provide limited overnight comfort.

⛺ Tents

Backpackers already carrying a tent have a substantial emergency shelter.

However, group members should consider what happens when:

The tent is damaged.
Poles are lost.
The group separates.
One person carries all components.
The intended campsite cannot be reached.

🧊 Ground Insulation

Shelter from rain is only one part of exposure protection.

Use:

Sleeping pad
Foam sit pad
Backpack
Folded clothing
Rope
Other dry insulating material

Avoid placing an injured or cold person directly on:

Snow
Wet soil
Frozen ground
Bare rock
Metal surfaces

⚠️ Shelter Site Hazards

Do not establish emergency shelter:

In a dry streambed
In a flash-flood channel
Beneath dead trees
Below unstable cliffs
In an avalanche path
Beneath cornices
On an exposed summit
In a tidal area
Beside rising water

A tent or tarp is not a safe lightning shelter. A substantial enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle is preferred when one can be reached safely.

🎒 Do You Need All Ten Essentials on a Short Hike?

You should consider all ten systems, but the equipment can be scaled to the route.

A short local hike might include:

Small paper map
Phone with offline map
Compact compass
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Lightweight rain shell
Warm layer
Small headlamp
Compact first-aid kit
Lighter
Multitool
Repair tape
Extra snack
Water bottle
Emergency bivy

This can fit inside a modest daypack.

The point is not to carry expedition equipment on every walk. The point is to avoid being left completely without navigation, warmth, light, water, or shelter when a simple outing becomes longer or more difficult than expected.

🏔️ How the Ten Essentials Change by Trip

Developed Nature Trail

Emphasize:

Water
Sun protection
Basic navigation
Personal medication
Small light
Compact first aid
Weather layer

Assistance may be nearby, but delays and injuries remain possible.

Full-Day Mountain Hike

Add:

Detailed map
Compass
Reliable offline navigation
More water
Water treatment where needed
Insulated jacket
Rain gear
Headlamp
Larger first-aid kit
Emergency shelter
Extra food

Remote Backcountry Day Hike

Add:

Satellite communicator
More robust shelter
Repair supplies
Additional first-aid materials
Backup navigation
Backup water treatment
Extra battery power
Additional clothing

Winter Hike

Add:

Insulated gloves
Spare gloves
Warm hat
Additional layers
Traction devices
Larger emergency shelter
Ground insulation
Cold-compatible batteries
Thermos
Snow-specific navigation
Avalanche equipment where terrain requires it

Desert Hike

Prioritize:

Water capacity
Backup water
Sun clothing
Sunglasses
Wide-brimmed hat
Electrolyte support
Shade shelter
Detailed navigation
Satellite communication
Emergency turnaround planning

Overnight Backpacking Trip

Your normal camping system will cover many essentials, but verify:

Backup light
Emergency communication
Repair kit
First aid
Extra food
Water treatment backup
Paper map and compass
Shelter repair equipment

👥 Group Gear vs. Personal Gear

Some equipment can be shared, including:

Large first-aid kit
Stove
Water filter
Tent
Repair kit
Satellite communicator

However, every individual should generally have access to:

Personal medication
Water
Food
Essential clothing
Basic light
Basic navigation
Emergency information

Do not place every critical item in one backpack.

If the group separates or one pack is lost, shared systems may disappear.

🎒 How to Pack the Ten Essentials

The most important emergency items should remain accessible.

Keep Near the Top or Outside

Rain jacket
Warm layer
First-aid kit
Headlamp
Map
Compass
Emergency shelter
Gloves
Food
Water

Protect from Water

Use internal waterproof protection for:

Insulated clothing
Matches
Medical supplies
Electronics
Paper map
Spare batteries
Emergency instructions

Balance the Load

Place dense equipment:

Close to the back
Near the middle of the pack
Evenly between left and right sides

Avoid placing heavy water far from the body.

📝 Leave a Trip Plan

The Ten Essentials are more effective when someone knows where to look for you.

Tell a reliable person:

Trail name
Trailhead
Planned route
Group members
Vehicle description
Expected turnaround time
Expected return time
Communication equipment carried
When to contact authorities

The NPS recommends telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Do not change the route substantially without updating the contact when communication is available.

🔍 Pre-Hike Ten Essentials Check

Before leaving the trailhead, confirm:

Navigation

Map downloaded
Paper map packed
Compass present
Trailhead saved
GPS charged

Sun Protection

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Protective clothing

Insulation

Rain shell
Warm layer
Gloves and hat where needed
Dry clothing protected

Illumination

Headlamp works
Lockout understood
Spare power packed

First Aid

Kit present
Personal medication included
Supplies not expired

Fire

Lighter works
Backup ignition protected
Fire restrictions checked

Repair

Knife or tool
Repair tape
Cord
Equipment-specific patches

Nutrition

Planned food
Extra food
Medical nutrition needs covered

Hydration

Water containers full
Treatment system packed
Backup treatment included
Water sources researched

Emergency Shelter

Shelter present
Components complete
Deployment practiced
Ground insulation considered

🚫 Common Ten Essentials Mistakes

Treating the List as Ten Specific Objects

Each essential is a system. Navigation may include a map, compass, GPS, and communicator rather than one gadget.

Packing for the Planned Duration Only

Unexpected delays are the reason extra equipment is carried.

Depending Entirely on a Phone

One fall, dead battery, or software failure can remove navigation, communication, camera, weather information, and light simultaneously.

Carrying Equipment Without Knowing How to Use It

Practice with maps, compasses, GPS devices, shelters, water treatment, and fire tools before the hike.

Packing Everything at the Bottom

Emergency items should be reachable before conditions become critical.

Carrying a Headlamp Without Checking Its Battery

Turn it on before every trip.

Bringing a First-Aid Kit That Has Never Been Opened

Inspect the contents and add personal medication.

Treating a Reflective Blanket as Complete Winter Shelter

It provides little insulation from the ground and may tear in wind.

Assuming All Mapped Water Is Available

Streams and springs can be dry, frozen, seasonal, or contaminated.

Carrying Only Food That Requires Cooking

A stove can fail or become unsafe to use.

Leaving Fire Equipment Unprotected

Matches and tinder must remain dry.

Bringing a Tarp Without Cord

Carry every component required to deploy the shelter.

Ignoring the Weather Because the Hike Is Short

Mountain conditions can change rapidly regardless of trail distance.

Leaving the Ten Essentials in the Vehicle

Equipment must be carried on the trail to be useful.

🛒 Ten Essentials Buying Checklist

Before assembling your system, ask:

What could go wrong on this route?
How long might assistance take?
Is cellular service available?
What is the lowest credible temperature?
Could rain, snow, wind, or extreme heat occur?
How difficult is the navigation?
Are water sources dependable?
Does the group have medical needs?
Is every electronic device charged?
Is there backup navigation?
Is there backup illumination?
Can the shelter be deployed?
Are essential items waterproofed?
Does someone know the trip plan?
Can the backpack carry everything comfortably?

The best Ten Essentials system is not the most expensive or elaborate one. It is the system that fits the route, remains light enough to carry consistently, and contains equipment the hiker understands.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Ten Essentials for hiking?

They are navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair supplies and tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter.

Who created the Ten Essentials?

The concept originated with The Mountaineers, an outdoor organization based in the Pacific Northwest. The list later evolved from individual objects into broader safety systems.

Should I carry the Ten Essentials on every hike?

They should be considered for every outing. The weight and complexity of each system can be adjusted for the trail, weather, distance, and access to assistance.

Do I need the Ten Essentials on a short day hike?

Yes, but a compact version may be sufficient. A small headlamp, emergency bivy, basic first-aid kit, water, snacks, weather layer, and simple navigation can fit inside a small daypack.

Are the Ten Essentials enough for every hike?

No. They are a foundation. Some activities require additional equipment such as traction devices, avalanche gear, insect protection, climbing equipment, life jackets, or satellite communication.

Does a smartphone count as navigation?

It can be part of the navigation system when maps are downloaded offline and the battery is protected. It should not be the only navigation method on remote or consequential routes.

Does my phone flashlight count as illumination?

It provides emergency light but is less practical than a headlamp and consumes power that may be needed for communication and navigation.

Does a rain jacket count as emergency shelter?

It provides personal weather protection but does not replace a shelter capable of protecting an injured or stationary person for an extended period.

What is the lightest emergency shelter?

Reflective blankets and ultralight emergency bivies are among the lightest options. Their durability, insulation, and condensation management are limited.

How much extra food should I carry?

Carry enough to support an unexpected delay based on the route’s length, remoteness, weather, and physical demands. Choose food that can be eaten without cooking.

How much extra water should I bring?

There is no universal amount. Heat, elevation, effort, distance, medical needs, and water availability all affect requirements.

Do I need a water filter on every hike?

Not when you can carry enough water for the entire trip and reasonable delay. A treatment method is valuable when backcountry sources may be needed.

Should I carry a lighter when fires are prohibited?

A lighter remains useful as an emergency ignition tool, but it does not authorize an illegal or unsafe fire. Check current restrictions.

What repair supplies should I carry?

At minimum, consider a small knife or multitool, strong tape, and cord. Add patches and spare parts for essential trip-specific equipment.

Should every group member carry all ten systems?

Some equipment can be shared, but critical personal needs such as water, medication, clothing, and light should not depend entirely on another person’s backpack.

Where should I keep the Ten Essentials?

Pack them in consistent, accessible locations. Protect critical supplies from water and avoid burying first aid, rainwear, shelter, or illumination beneath overnight equipment.

Is a satellite communicator one of the Ten Essentials?

It may be part of the navigation and emergency-communication system, particularly on remote routes, but it does not replace the other essentials.

Do I need both a map and GPS?

A paper map and compass provide dependable backup for an electronic device. Carrying both is prudent on remote, complex, or high-consequence routes.

How often should I inspect my emergency equipment?

Check it before every major hike and after every use. Replace expired medication, used dressings, weak batteries, damaged shelters, and degraded repair materials.