10 Essentials

If you are a backpacker you know about the Ten Essentials. It is a list created in the 1930's which includes the ten items you should never be in the woods without. This list was updated in 2003 by the same organization that published the initial list, The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers. However what most people don't know is that there was yet another modification made my Me, just today while sitting on my couch!

I've compiled all three lists to help you plan your future backpacking trips.

Ten Essentials (1930's)

• 1. Map

  2. Compass

  3. Sunglasses and sunscreen

  4. Extra clothing

  5. Headlamp/flashlight

  6. First-aid supplies

  7. Firestarter

  8. Matches

  9. Knife

  10. Extra food

Ten Essential "Systems" (2003)

• 1. Navigation (map and compass)

  2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

  3. Insulation (extra clothing)

  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)

  5. First-aid supplies

  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

  7. Repair kit and tools

  8. Nutrition (extra food)

  9. Hydration (extra water)

  10. Emergency shelter

Essential Systems and Other Stuff that makes life better in the woods even if you don't get lost aka ESOSTMLBWEDGL if you prefer acronyms (2014)

11. Insulated and lidded cup (Keeps coffee hot and is the right size for a ziplock bag full of a hot meal to nest in.)

12. Sunscreen/bug spray pump tube (Yes, essential #2 covers this but I've spiced it up with bugspray and a pump, take that 1930's suckahs.)

13. Steri-Pen (My twist on essential #9)

14. Wipes (These should not be over used because it is best to pack them out with you. I pack enough for 1 or 2 a day for my post hike, preslumber, sleeping bag shower.)

15. Ziploc Coozie ( Made from a car sun-visor and fabric. Used instead of plates and bowls. Why make a mess when you can cook in a bag nestled in a polka dotted coozie?)

16. Utensil Set (From REI- fork, spoon, knife, spatula. Handles heat!)

17. Solar Charger (No, I don't talk on my phone, it's for my camera!)

18. Mini Toothbrushes (A stick and a breath mint work too.)

19. ?????? (coming soon)

20. ?????? (coming soon)