a note about….

Preface:  In looking for a list of The 10 Essentials, we found several different lists.  The purpose of carrying these items is to be able to survive if you are separated from your group.  So with this in mind, here is our list of The 10+ Essentials.

First of all, if you keep most of these items in a gallon size plastic zip-lock bag, easily accessible and ready to go, you are more likely to take them with you when you hike.

In a zip-lock bag put:

1.  WATER  Keep a sealed plastic bottle of water and don't use it unless it is an emergency.  This is in addition to the water you bring and expect to use on your hike.

2.  FOOD  High energy bars that won’t melt and have a long shelf life are good.  Again, this is not your snack for the trip, it is for emergency use only.

3.  COMPASS and MAP  The main purpose of this, at your current skill level, would be to keep you from going in circles if you know the direction of the nearest road and decided to walk there.  For now, one map for the group is sufficient.  You will learn over time to read topo maps, also.

4.  FLASHLIGHT   You can get a mini-mag light to keep in your bag all the time.  It takes up very little space and will not get left behind by mistake.

5.  KNIFE   This can be your regular pocket knife.  Just remember to keep it in your bag when it is not in your pocket.

6.   FIRST AID KIT  The Troop carries a large first aid kit.   But you should keep a little baggie with a few band-aids, antiseptic wipes and some mole skin.  Also, a couple maxi pads can be very useful for larger wounds in addition to their original use.

7.   EXTRA CLOTHING  It is not recommend to put any clothing into the zip-lock bag. At the time of a hike, add a sweatshirt/poncho depending on the weather to your backpack, along with your “10+ essentials bag.”  In the zip-lock bag, put a large heavy duty trash bag, folded and rolled up like a hot dog and secured with a hair band.  The trash bag can be cut to form an emergency poncho when hiking.  It can also form an emergency shelter by cutting a single slit in the side near the bottom of the bag for the face to stick through, covering a squatting person and holding in teh body heat.  In addition to the trash bag, you can add one or two emergency blankets that can be purchased for a few dollars at Target, Smart and Final, REI, etc..  They are somewhat like mylar, take up very little space, and can be used to make a very comfortable shelter.

8.  MATCHES  Dip some wooden matches in nail polish or melted wax to waterproof them.  Store them in a small plastic ocontainer, like a pill bottle.

9.  SUNSCREEN/SUNGLASSES   Put a chap stick with SPF and a small “stick” sunscreen in your zip-lock bag.  If you have old sunglasses, add them also.

10.  WHISTLE   Any loud whistle will do.  If you are lost, you will lose your voice if you try to call for help, but you can blow a whistle for a long time.  Remember the international distress signal.

11.  UNBREAKABLE MIRROR  This can be used to signal help from a great distance.  You can buy one that is the size of a credit card for a few dollars at Target, REI, etc.

12.  A PERSONAL PACK OF KLEENEX IN A SMALL ZIP-LOCK BAGGIE  This can be used for toilet needs as well as the original intended use.  The baggie is so you don’t litter.  An alternative would be a  length of toilet paper, folded and stored in the baggie.