10 Essentials

The 10 Essentials was created to focus on scenarios on being able to respond to an accident in the wilderness and being able to spend a night outside with what’s in your pack. Below, we’re sharing descriptions of the essentials to consider when packing.

  • Food - Pack enough food for your trip, plus a little extra.

  • Water - 2-3 Liters of water are recommended for our day hikes. A water filter, like a Sawyer Squeeze, is recommended to pack as well so you can refill, if needed.

  • Emergency Shelter - A reflective space blanket a great emergency shelter that is small and will fit in any pack.

  • Extra clothes/layers - A versatile outfit is like an onion, it has layers. Be sure to check weather for the location your headed too and take into consideration the altitude change as well. Extra insulation and rain protection is always encouraged.

  • Multi-Tool or Knife - A knife an come in handy in all sorts of situations, from something as simple as opening a friend’s beer, to repairing the brakes on your bike. Wrap a few feet of duct tape around your water bottle or trekking poles, and you can likely avoid any stops to the repair shop until you’re back home.

  • Navigation - Buy or print a physical map of the area you will be visiting before you go, and bring a compass. If you don’t have access to a physical map, you can use a phone to download a map in advance in case you don’t have service, as long as you have a way to keep your device charged while on your adventure. Since a phone can lose its charge and/or break, we suggest a physical map to reduce the chance that you’ll get lost and have to stop to ask someone for help, or worse- have to call someone to rescue which can put Park Rangers and Search and Rescue personnel at risk. If you have registered for an on-trail course, you will receive links to online maps and we will have paper maps & compasses available for you as well.

  • Illumination - Have a flashlight or headlamp, and make sure to pack extra batteries to avoid last minute stops to the corner store.

  • First Aid Kit - Always carry a small first aid kit with some bandages for minor cuts and scrapes, along with antiseptic to avoid trips to the store.

  • Fire - Have an extra lighter or matches in case you need to start a fire and/or your camp stove.

  • Heat/Sun Protection - Bring your sunglasses if you wear them, and a hat to keep you cool.