The 10 Essentials

I recently had a conversation with a fellow hiker and was surprised to learn they had never heard of the 10 essentials. You see, this person is a leader in the Los Angeles hiking community, so I just assumed it was a given. But then again, you know what they say about assumptions…. <insert peach emoji here>. So rather than feel like an ass, I’d rather educate, and one of the first rules of trail safety are the essentials.

I know what you’re thinking; “But I’m not a backpacking, backcountry hiking, mountain climbing kind of hiker. I’m a day hiker.” Well, the 10 Essentials are essential on any hike. Take into account the 140+ people stranded in Oregon after doing what they thought was just a leisurely 1.5 mile round trip out and back. Their hike turned into a 20+ mile overnight stay in the Oregon wilderness due to a wildfire that cut off their way back to the parking lot. As one of those stranded hikers pointed out, you never know how essential they are until you pull them out of your pack and put them to good use.

So what exactly are the 10 Essentials and where did they come from? The Mountaineers, a mountain safety organization out of the Seattle area, created the original list in the ’30s. It has since been updated and bloggers even take to making updates as well. But, for reasons of ease, we’re going to stick with the updated Mountaineers essentials. Feel free to google what others have to say about additions to the list though!

1. Navigation
   1. A map and compass will never fail you, but you can also get fancy GPS gadgets like Garmin or use phone apps like AllTrails
2. Sun protection
   1. I mean you think this would be a given, but sunscreen, glasses and a hat are must haves in the SoCal heat
3. Insulation
   1. Just pack some extra clothes in case you get stuck overnight or out in an unexpected storm
4. Illumination
   1. Headlamps are amazing, but if you want to keep it cheaper, a flashlight will do too
5. First-aid supplies
   1. REI has some great hiker specific kits, but any kit will do
6. Fire
   1. Invest the couple dollars in some waterproof matches
7. Repair kit and tools
   1. Duct tape, duct tape, duct tape. You can get the fancy stuff, but DT works in a pinch. Also, a multi-use knife!
8. Nutrition
   1. There are two things I always overpack; snacks AND…
9. Hydration
   1. …water. Carry more water than you think you’ll need plus electrolytes and a water filter
10. Emergency shelter
    1. You can get a mylar shelter on Amazon for less than $15!

Looking to purchase all of the essentials? Click on the links below for some of my favorites! (some products below contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of them, you’ll be helping to support this blog).

1. Garmin InReach Explorer+ and AllTrails
2. A “Hiker Hat,” Sunnies and Sunscreen
3. My favorite fleece
4. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
5. Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
6. Waterproof Matches
7. Leatherman Multi-tool and Fabric Repair Tape
8. My go-to trail snack; PROBAR
9. Sawyer Mini Water Filter and Bolts
10. Mylar Shelter

If you have any questions about the 10 Essentials, please do not hesitate to reach out. Feel free to leave a comment below or find me on Instagram: @michahastattoos.