>>1860097Car camping? Or backpacking?
1. Shelter
A tent
A tarp as well if you’re car camping
2. Insulation
A sleeping mat/pad to insulate from the hard ground
A sleeping bag or quilt for the coldest temp you expect
Rain gear, such as a jacket and pants or poncho
3. Hydration
A way to filter stream water, like a sawyer squeeze or Katadin be free
4. Nutrition
Food and a way to prepare and eat it
5. Fire
A way to start a fire. Mini bivy’s are popular. It’s nice for ambiance if nothing else
6. Repair tools
Just some duct tape and a pocket knife, really
7. Navigation
Map and compass, gps unit, geospatial PDF’s in your phone, even a simple trail map... it all depends on where you’re going.
Also directions to and from the trail head
Itinerary of where you’re going and when you’ll be back, left with a loved one
8. Illumination
Headlamp
9. First aid
Keep it simple; blister treatment is most important
10. Sun protection
A hat
Sunscreen
Buff
More important at high elevations
And of course the proper clothing, footwear, and a pack. That list is called the “Ten Essentials” and was started by a mountaineering club as the very basics everyone should carry when attempting to summit a mountain. It carries over well into hiking. It’s vague, which leaves room for the exact list to be tailored to specific needs determined by location, season, and so on.
