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The 10 Outdoor Essentials:
Here are the 10 things you should always take on any
outdoor adventure:
- Hydration - Take enough water to get you
where you are going with some to spare. If you take a means to treat or
filter more - ensure you will have access to water where you will be -
re-supply at every opportunity if you are unsure.
- Nutrition - Carry high energy foods even on
a short hike, on a longer hike have additional emergency supplies just in
case you are out longer than planned.
- Extra Clothing - The weather can turn cold
or wet at any time. Always have rain gear and (non cotton) layers you can
add. Ideally a polypro wicking layer, a clothing layer, a warm insulation
layer and a water / wind protection layer.
- Illumination - Carry a small
flashlight/headlight even if you expect to be back before dark - test it! & for longer trips carry spare batteries, bulbs and backups (across a group).
You can use your flashlight to signal for help too, attach a whistle as a nice
signaling addition.
- Sun Protection - Sunglasses and Sunscreen
are important anywhere - obviously in Arizona deserts but even in the
mountains in winter - especially on snow. Wear a wide brimmed hat and
consider long sleeves/pants for additional sun protection in the desert.
- Navigation - You need a map and compass and
should know how to use them. If you take a GPS system make sure you know it's use,
have spare batteries and a backup (map).
- First Aid - Create a first aid kit
appropriate for you trip - more comprehensive the further from help you are,
share across a group; but make sure at least someone in the group is first
aid trained.
- Fire Starting - Take dry matches/lighter
and fire-starting materials to start a fire for both heat and for signaling
purposes.
- Repair Tools - Many lists specify just a
pocket knife - but a small multi tool is better still, while duct tape, zip
ties and a length of cord can often be used to fix your equipment or
supplement a first aid kit. For a longer hike have supplies to repair
equipment failures (laces, straps, buckles, wire etc)
- Shelter - This could be a tent, tarp, bivvy
bag, sleeping bag, space blankets etc invaluable if you are forced to
overnight somewhere in wind/rain conditions.
We could add another overriding essential:
Use Your Common Sense! - Plan ahead, stay found, tell someone where
you're going and don't take unnecessary risks. Cell phones/radios may be useful
in an emergency & extra water, ice, food & medical supplies left in your car may
also be helpful in an emergency.
Of course 1-5 on this list are mainly individual
requirements - though you could share some in an emergency, Items 6-10 apply
more across the whole party - not every individual needs to carry all these but
its good to have some backups!
Discuss who is bringing what - and especially on major
trips make sure you have everything you might need covered and there isn't too much duplication.
This list is not really in priority order - these are
all
essentials.... prioritize the luxuries...
hACM 1/2007
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