Learn To Use The Ten Essentials

Just having these 10 items, or categories of items, will not necessarily save your

life. If you have a map and compass but don’t know how to use them properly, you

could do more harm to yourself than good by getting even more lost or navigating

into a treacherous area. What do you do if your GPS (or phone) batteries die?

You can carry around a first aid kit all day, but if you can’t stop bleeding, close a

moderate cut, or respond to a snake bite then what good is it?

Read through this list and gather your kit. Proactivity goes a long way. So, learn

how to survive and prepare for the worst, so you can have a safe time on the trail.

Emergency Shelter – You must be able to survive

the elements and have a place to retreat to.

Extra Water – A general rule of thumb is

that more than 3 to 5 days without water

and you die.

Extra Food – High energy, easy to carry,

and more than you expect. A general

rule of thumb is that you can survive

about 3 weeks without food.

Fire – Exercise caution with fire. It can

help combat cold environments, boil

water, and cook food. Matches, lighter,

flint & steel, and/or candles.

First Aid – Have the knowledge and supplies

needed to survive self-treatable injuries.

Navigation – Have a map & compass

and/or GPS unit (plus extra batteries).

Sun Protection – Have and use sunscreen,

sunglasses, a hat, and/or long-sleeve t-shirt.

Extra Clothing – At least one extra set of

clothing in case you get wet, cold, or

sweaty.

Light – Avoid travelling at night to reduce the

chance of injury and getting more lost. Have

a flashlight or headlamp.

Knife – With a knife you multiply your ability to

create and do things – shelter, a spear, sparks for

fire, or worst case scenario – defense.

BONUS ESSENTIAL: Accountability Buddy – Let a friend or family member know

when and where you’re going. Let your buddy know any alternate locations you

might visit, in case you want to be spontaneous. Give them a time you will be back

and/or contact them when you’ve returned safely. This way if you’re gone too long

without checking in they can contact authorities.

My heartfelt thanks to these folks for sharing their art via Creative Commons license. Your contributions to a

vibrant creative community are appreciated.

You can find more of their work on Flickr.