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I’ve always liked the ten essentials. It’s just broad enough to cover the most likely what-if scenarios while also being open to interpretation, which allows people to learn what works best for them.
It says to bring illumination. Well I don’t plan on hiking at night, but it has happened. Plus every now and then you have to get up to pee in the dark or whatever the case may be. So you don’t generally plan on needing illumination but it so happens that you often do.
This is contrasted with people saying you should bring something “just in case,” but predicated on a rare hypothetical. Sure, there are scenarios where you might need something like a 6” fixed blade knife, but they’re unlikely. Still, repair tools are on the list. It’s up to the user to determine what best fits that category.
Another example is nutrition. My trips are almost always overnight hikes, but the type of food, how to prepare it, and how to store it aren’t specified. It’s something that varies from place to place. So on my personal checklist, under the nutrition section, I have not only food but my stove kit, utensils, food bag, and hang line. No where in the Ten Essentials list does it say “bring rope to hang your food so animals can’t get to it,” but it’s often a necessity.
