The Ten Essentials for Backpacking and Camping

Place these basic items in your day pack or backpack, and you've taken a responsible first step toward ensuring a safe journey into the wilderness. There are no guarantees, of course (that's adventure!), but these Ten Essentials, as they're commonly known, always tip the odds in your favor. Don't forget to always tell someone where you're going.

• RAIN GEAR Weather can change swiftly in the mountains. Wet skin and clothing, combined with falling temperatures and wind, can speed the onset of a life-threatening condition called hypothermia. Protecting the core temperature of the body's torso and head are most critical.
• WHISTLE The best way to attract help when lost or stranded (a shout doesn't carry far, and you soon grow hoarse). Three short blasts is the universal distress call.
• WATER BOTTLE Dehydration occurs quickly, especially during strenuous activity at higher altitudes. Take a full quart at a minimum. On a hot day, or if there is not a ready water source, take two or more.
• FIRST-AID KIT It can take hours, perhaps days, to get back to civilization and professional medical attention. Immediate treatment of even minor problems (i.e. blisters, cuts, or burns) can prevent serious conditions from developing.
• FLASHLIGHT To find your way or signal for help. Be sure batteries and bulb are fresh, and carry extras of each.
• MAP AND COMPASS To find your way. Know how to use both.
• EMERGENCY BLANKET As temperatures drop, your body quickly loses heat (especially from the head). Made of super lightweight, heat-reflective Mylar (CK), a blanket can help you ride out the cold until help comes. Take extra clothing and, at a minimum, a billed hat. Shade from a blanket and hat are also useful in an equally dangerous hyperthermia situation.
• MATCHES/MATCH CONTAINER Starting a contained campfire may be necessary in the face of life-threatening cold and/or wet weather. Bring long wood-stem "strike anywhere" matches and/or "waterproof" matches (they give you extra time to ignite kindling), and keep them dry in a waterproof container. A reliable lighter is another option.
• EXTRA FOOD - A high-calorie/high-nutrient snack can refuel body and brain. At a minimum, carry hard, clear candy.

OTHER RECOMMENDED ITEMS Each of these items is a potentially useful addition to your basic kit, if you have room in your pack.

• Signal Mirror - A classic, sunny-day way to signal "Here I am!"
• Cord - Always useful: erect a shelter, repair gear, tie a splint, lash a stretcher.
• Water Purification - Chemical treatment or filtration ensures safe consumption.
• Candle - Use as a fire starter in wet and windy conditions.
• Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher.
• Knife - Always useful.