The Ten Essentials (|Wanderung| Newsletter)

The Ten Essentials

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Yeah we all know what these are, right? If you don't,check out this article from North Shore Rescue and then read on:

https://www.northshorerescue.com/education/what-to-bring/

It's vital to carry these essentials on every tripyear-round (even short ones), but now with worse weather, shorter days, andcolder temperatures, it's even more important that you have them in your pack.

Now, we would hope that everyone carries all ten on everyhike (even short ones), but are there any items that are absolutely must-haves?Outside Magazine asked this question of a team member from King County searchand rescue just across the border in Washington (so their recommendations areapplicable to BC). Here's what they recommended:

https://www.outsideonline.com/2404479/backcountry-safety-gear-search-rescue-workers

What's the best way to remember to bring those essentialitems? Have a checklist and keep as many of them in your day pack as possibleso you're ready to go. Paul Magnanti is a Utah-based (ultralight) backpackerand these are his suggestions:

https://pmags.com/my-day-pack-what-i-have-prepacked

(Just be sure to modify any ideas for BC hikingconditions.)

And a basic kit needn't be heavy and bulky. Localultra-runner Gary Robbins put together this 15-minute video with somesuggestions for a good and lightweight essentials kit:

http://garyrobbinsrun.com/blog/2016/7/video-the-ten-essentials-for-safe-backcountry-adventures-trail-runner-style

What if you don't yet have all of the ten essentials?Well, you could drop a few hints to friends and family if they need gift ideasfor you...