The Ten Essentials

Wilderness Travel Course

2009

Introduction

• The Mountains are not out to get you. Deal with the real challenges, not perceived ones.

• No one intends to get into trouble. Over-confidence and in-attention cause accidents. It is rarely just One Thing that goes wrong.

If Lost – Don't Panic!

Take 15 Minutes:

– Observe

– Think

– Plan

Common Sense…

• Tools to avoid a bad situation

• Tools to make the best of an uncomfortable situation

and a Few Tools That Can't be Improvised

The Ten Essentials:

To Find Your Way:1. Map of the Area

2. Compass

3. Flashlight

For Emergencies:7. Matches

8. Fire Starter

9. Knife

10. First Aid KitFor Your Protection:4. Sunglasses & Sunscreen

5. Extra Food & Water

6. Extra Clothing

1. Map

• Topographic maps are best

• Forest service maps and

guidebooks are helpful

• Be aware of man-made

changes

2. Compass

• Oil filled

• See-thru base

• Light weight

3. Flashlight/Headlamp

• Headlamps leave hands free

• L.E.D. = Long life, camp chores

• Brighter bulbs for night travel

• Extra bulb and batteries

4. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

• Sun is more damaging at altitude

• Glasses need side shields on snow

• SPF 15 or more, waterproof

5. Extra Food …

• High calories

• No-cook food

… And Extra Water

• Containers Must Not Leak!

• Water treatment

6. Extra Clothing

• Wicking layer

• Insulating layer

• Shell – waterproof & breathable

• Shelter

7. Matches

• Waterproof container

• Include striking surface

8. Fire Starter

Must be Dry:

– Candles

– Kindling

– Vaseline and cotton balls

9. Knife

• Scissors are useful

• Not Too Big!

• Multi-tools

• Can and bottle opener

10. First Aid Kit

• Know how to use what you carry

• Take a Wilderness First Aid course

"Other Essentials"

• Toilet paper (Pack it Out!)

• Duct tape

• Shelter

• Signaling devices

• Rope or cord

The New 10 Essentials System(Freedom of the Hills, 7th Edition)

1. Navigation• Map• Compass

2. Sun Protection • Sunglasses and Sunscreen

3. Insulation (Extra Clothing) • Extra Clothing

4. Illumination • Headlamp/flashlight

5. First-aid Supplies • First-aid Kit

6. Fire• Matches• Fire Starter

7. Repair Kit and Tools • Knife

8. Nutrition • Extra Food…

9. Hydration …Extra Water

10. Emergency Shelter