The (new) 10 Essentials

The Mountaineers Ten Essentials has been used since the 1930s but was formalized in 1974 when the iconic list debuted in the third edition of “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.” The list was later revised to be more categorical, and your 10 essentials kit may have more than 10 items in it. I like to keep a 10 essentials kit pre-packed in a stuff sack, so I can easily transfer it from bag to bag without missing anything. If I use anything or is broken, I am sure to replace it immediately upon returning home (you can even set an alarm so you don’t forget!)

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

1. Navigation: map, altimeter, compass, [GPS device], [PLB, satellite communicator, or satellite phone], [extra batteries or battery pack]

2. Headlamp: plus extra batteries

3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, and sunscreen

4. First aid: including foot care and insect repellent (if required)

5. Knife: plus repair kit

6. Fire: matches, lighter and tinder, or stove as appropriate

7. Shelter: carried at all times (can be a lightweight emergency bivy)

8. Extra food: beyond minimum expectation

9. Extra water: beyond minimum expectation, or the means to purify

10. Extra clothes: sufficient to survive an emergency overnight

Items within brackets [ ] can be shared by a group.