The TEN ESSENTIALS: What are They?

Over the years, the “ten essentials” for outdoor survival and preparedness have slightly evolved from their original conceptualization by the Mountaineers in the 1930’s.  Not only have they been modified based on decades of survival and rescue efforts, there are varying opinions about what items make the top ten.  We decided to review some of the top lists, both modern and traditional, and find out who says what when it comes to the ten essentials.                                    

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Some of our thoughts and impressions: 

• The original Mountaineers list doesn’t specifically mention water/water purification, however their new systems list includes hydration. Backpacker’s list doesn’t contain hydration, but their top 10 is centered on what should be in a “survival kit” configuration.  Regardless of how you want to categorize hydration, you should always take water when you head outdoors.
• UST likes the extra considerations (10+2) on Base Gear’s list.  We believe the ability to signal for help is essential (see our post on Avalanche Survival) and you need alternative methods including a mirror and whistle.  Signaling is not in the Mountaineers new systems list, but Backpacker Magazine has it in their top ten.
• Here are the items all lists below have in common: 
  -  First Aid
  - Navigation tools
  - Light source
  - Fire source
  - Knife or cutting device
  - Some sort of provision for warmth (i.e. clothing or space blanket)

THE LISTS:

1.       The Mountaineers:

Ten Essentials, The Classic List:

• Map
• Compass
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Extra clothing
• Headlamp/flashlight
• First-aid supplies
• Firestarter
• Matches
• Knife
• Extra food

 Ten Essential Systems:

• Navigation (map & compass)
• Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
• Insulation (extra clothing)
• Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
• First-aid supplies
• Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
• Repair kit and tools
• Nutrition (extra food)
• Hydration (extra water)
• Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)

 

2.       Backpacker Magazine:  In their most recent Gear Guide, Backpacker posted the following for updating your kit for 2010:

 

3.       WA Trails Association: 

• Map
• Compass
• Water and a Way to Purify It
• Extra Food
• Rain Gear and Extra Clothing
• Firestarter and Matches
• First Aid Kit
• Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Sun screen and sun glasses

 

4.       National Parks Service:

• A map of the area
• A compass
• A flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
• Extra food
• Extra clothing, including rain gear
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A pocket knife
• Matches in a waterproof container
• A candle or other fire starter
• A first aid kit

 

 5.       Base Gear:

•  Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Water
• Compass
• Flashlight (with batteries)
• First aid kit
• Emergency space blanket
• Matches
• Sun protection
• Map
• Extra food

Also consider:

• Whistle & signal mirror
• Nylon cord  

 

Notice:  This article is not intended to provide training or professional instruction.  It is an information-based review of various opinions for developing a comprehensive survival package for outdoor adventures.