The Ten Essentials for Hiking/Backpacking

The "Ten Essentials" is a list of items that can save your life in the event of an outdoor emergency. You probably don't need these items on a Greenways walk or urban hike but we strongly urge you to carry them with you on any backcountry outing. Consider the Ten Essentials as an insurance policy against the unexpected. You will not use these items on every trip but at some point during your hiking career you will be glad you have them along.

Ten Essentials

1. Map and Compass
2. Plenty of water
3. Flashlight/headlamp (bring extra batteries that fit your model)
4. Extra food (enough for one extra day)
5. Extra Clothing (include insulating and waterproof/breatheable, even on a sunny day in August!)
6. Sun protection - Sunglasses and sunscreen
7. First aid kit (be sure it includes and emergency whistle)
8. Pocket knife or multi-tool
9. Matches/butane lighter (stored in a water tight container)
10. Fire starter (can be candles, cotton balls, magnesium fire starter)

Backcountry Apparel

Cotton? Never. Not only is cotton a very heavy material, but it retains moisture; instead wear clothing made of merino wool or various synthetic materials.

Layer, Layer, Layer. Several fitted clothing layers are more effective than one bulky article of clothing. Wearing multiple layers of clothing is not only the most comfortable way to travel in the backcountry, but it allows maximizes the versatility of the clothing you purchase throughout the year. Packing a next-to-skin (baselayer), insulating layer such as a fleece or merino wool pullover/jacket, and finally a waterproof/breatheable (think GoreTex) shell jacket to keep out the elements is a time-tested way to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout your adventures. This method also allows you to use that same shell waterproof/breatheable jacket during your urban adventures in the spring as well as your backcountry adventures in the dead of winter.

Hat Hair. An uncovered head accounts for the majority of body heat loss -- always pack a warm hat.

Just say "no" to frost bite. Use thin, synthetic gloves for quick warmth without sacrificing dexterity.

Go speed racer, go! To save energy and move faster when you are not packing a large load on snow-free terrain, consider wearing trail running or hiking shoes (instead of hiking boots).

Acid Rain? Well, maybe not acid rain, but still...always take rain gear into the backcountry. You never know when you might need it.

Trekking Poles

Each pole, when planted, reduces weight on the legs and back by at least that of the arm ( 9 - 13lb). Applying pressure to the poles can easily raise this number to 15 - 25 lbs. per step! Anyone who does not believe this should try hiking with a 40 lbs. pack for 30 minutes while effectively using hiking poles, then continue without the poles for a few minutes. They will notice the difference -- It is major! Effectively using two trekking poles reduces fatigue, increases speed (level, uphill and downhill), provides excellent stability, increases the distance that can be comfortably traveled in a day, and reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back by an estimated 31,500+ lb. per mile.