The 10 Essentials: What To Take Hiking

STORY BY HOMECAMP
Image: Andrew Northover, Italian Alps

While there are plenty of checklists you can find online, training yourself to think about these 10 essentials before a hike or outdoor adventure will ensure you’re well equipped and prepared before setting off. 

‘The 10 essentials’ is a now-iconic system that was first published in the 1930s by the Mountaineers Club and is well-known among the outdoors community. The original list was proposed as a response to two fundamental questions a mountaineer should ask before embarking on an expedition:

  • Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency?
  • Can you safely spend a night or more outside in an emergency?

The classic 10 essentials recommended are:

  • map
  • compass
  • sunglasses and sunscreen
  • extra clothing
  • headlamp or flashlight
  • first-aid supplies
  • fire starter
  • matches
  • knife
  • nutrition

The list above has been revised several times and is now known as the ‘10 essentials system’, giving the list a more flexible and functional approach. To this day, it is still the go-to list that should form the basis of any kit you take when heading out into the wilderness, either by foot or in a vehicle. It’s also an ideal emergency kit to have in your car at all times.

Even on a day hike, it’s good practice to take at least a partial kit, as it trains you for preparedness. The 10 essentials are a good guide for adventures big and small, but do your research. Always expect the best but prepare for the worst.

Here’s how the 10 essentials system breaks down, along with some extra ideas we’ve added in.

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Image: Andrew Northover, Cathedral Ranges

1. NAVIGATION

It’s not only sensible but essential (especially in remote areas) to know where you are, where you intend to go and what the best route is.

Get into the habit of always taking a waterproof map and using a compass. Maps are fun to use and keep your senses attuned to the landscape and its features. Practise using a baseplate compass with a mirror. It doubles as a signalling device and a solar ignition if you find yourself without a lighter.

There are a variety of handheld satellite navigation devices available which are more robust than your phone and have extra battery life and better coverage in the back-country. This is a good addition to a map and compass, not a replacement.

If you’re on a multi-day hike have a printed itinerary with dates and stops and send a digital copy to friends or family before you leave.

2. SUN PROTECTION

Sun protection is drummed into us from an early age here in Australia and as a result almost everyone is sun aware. A proper wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen are essential in all hot climates as severe sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration are extremely dangerous.

3. HEADLAMP AND HIGH-POWERED TORCH

If you do much overnight hiking you’ll know that often there are very early starts and sometimes late arrivals due to unforeseen circumstances. Illumination is the key to finding your way, and each other, in the dark. A headlamp or torch is a must-have item for any emergency kit. A high lumen torch can double as a signalling device. Bring extra batteries.

Image: Andrew Northover, Lofoten Norway

4. FIRST-AID KIT AND INSECT REPELLENT

A comprehensive first-aid kit should be in every vehicle when heading into the wild. If you’re hiking you should take an extra basic first-aid kit, including painkillers, Band-aids, stretch tape and antibiotic ointment.

Keep your kit in a ziplock bag or dry pouch. In some countries (United States, Australia) you might want to consider taking extra precaution with a snake-bite kit.

5. KNIFE AND TOOLS

A Swiss Army knife or Leatherman is the perfect multitool to take on any outdoor trip. Combine this with a decent full-tang knife and you’ve covered a lot of bases. You can repair items, process wood for a fire or even make a shelter.

6. FIRE

A well-considered fire-starting kit that’ll work in any eventuality is essential. A good kit will include waterproof matches and lighters and potentially a ferro rod or fire strike as a backup device. You should keep some tinder that is guaranteed to take a spark in your kit. Stow your kit in a sealed waterproof container or dry pouch.

Image: Andrew Northover, Italian Alps

7. INSULATION

Aside from access to water, insulation is probably the most essential lifesaver, especially in bad weather. What clothes you take will vary depending on the type of terrain and time of year. A change of underwear, beanie, socks and gloves are recommended.

Also consider:

  • Hiking boots or running shoes are best. Some hikers take lightweight camp slip-ons that double as wading shoes. Also consider lightweight clogs, sandals, Crocs or neoprene socks with hard soles.
  • Lightweight vest or jacket insulated with down or synthetic material.
  • Synthetic base layers made from polypropylene and a fleece (avoid cotton).
  • Long pair of synthetic hiking pants that can convert to shorts.
  • Hard-shell raincoat with hood and rain pants made from a synthetic like Gor-Tex.
  • Breathable synthetic underwear that will dry easily and draw moisture away. Synthetics don’t tend to bunch up as much when you sweat, so reduce painful chafing.
  • Two pairs of socks. Make sure you find fit-for-purpose merino wool or synthetic-mix socks with padding. They make a huge difference to comfort and prevent bunching and blisters. A synthetic mix will also dry quickly.
  • Sleeping bag that is rated correctly for the season.
  • Sleeping pad.
  • Gloves, fleece beanie, trekking umbrella, cap.
  • Waterproof bivvy or emergency bivvy.

8. SHELTER

Even if you’re going on a day hike it’s worth taking a lightweight emergency shelter, either an emergency bivvy (basically a thermal bag made of heat-reflective polythene) or a lightweight plastic poncho or tarp. For longer trips you should research and invest in a lightweight tent, tarp or hammock set-up.

Gear stocktake. Image by Andrew Northover

9. NUTRITION

The body needs about 700gms to 1kg (1.5–2.2lb) of food a day. It makes sense to pack nutrition-dense food that provides the most energy for the least amount of weight.

It’s tempting to pack sugar-heavy foods, but food that is rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and glucose release more energy over prolonged periods of sustained activity. Carbohydrates are also the best fuel to keep warm and in cooler weather you can top up before bed for a warm night’s sleep.

You want to pack foods that don’t require much preparation. Dehydrated meats, jerky, cheese and fresh fruit, along with trail mix (dehydrated fruit and nuts), breakfast or protein bars, and chocolate are good options.

10. HYDRATION (EXTRA WATER)

Take a minimum of 2L (2qt), stored in either a couple of bottles or a bladder. Add a screw-on filter and a backup method of treating water, for example, a water purifier straw or chemical treatment.

Barring a life-threatening injury, staying warm and hydrated are the most important items on this list. Without them you could find yourself in a potentially life-threatening situation.

Images by Andrew Northover
@andrew.northover

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