The Ten Essentials
by Jesslyn Marie
Image by Jesslyn Marie.
Recreating in the outdoors is to Montanans as playwriting is to Shakespeare. They just go together. Montana hosts an abundance of opportunity in this regard and, no matter the mode, one should always be prepared. There’s a lot we could talk about but we’re going to very briefly (I mean very briefly— there are entire books on the subject!) focus on the Ten Essentials. It’s a great place to start for newcomers and an excellent reminder for veterans.
The Ten Essentials have been around since the 1930s and have slowly evolved over time, landing us where we are today. Whereas previous iterations of this checklist have included very specific items, we now refer to generalizations followed by more definitive suggestions. For example, instead of saying “Sunglasses” it now says “Sun Protection” and recommends other things as well, such as sunscreen and a hat. This allows for a broader scope of items, depending on your specific trip and what you may or may not actually need to bring along. So, let’s dig into it!
Navigation
People get lost all the time, even when they’re following trails. Some trails, especially the less traveled ones, are not well marked or obvious, or perhaps you missed a turn because you had your head down. It happens to the best of us, and it’s happened to me! The difference between getting lost and staying found is having proper navigational tools that you know how to read and use.
Map and Compass is certainly a skill that must be learned and practiced but a worthwhile investment for when you really need it. It doesn’t require batteries, either, so you don’t have to worry about not having access to a map. Plus, it’s just fun and can double as a really nerdy party trick (maybe that’s just me, but I think it’s super cool)! Even carrying just a map is better than nothing at all. GPS devices, such as a Garmin InReach, are another option, though be prepared to learn the ins and outs of those as well, and always carry extra batteries or have a way to recharge it.
Sun Protection
As discussed previously, this encompasses a few different things! Basically, anything at all that protects from the sun’s harmful rays: hats, sunglasses, SPF lip balms, sunscreen, even your clothing. Long sleeves and pants protect your skin better than any other option on here, though we know that’s not always the solution we want to go with on super hot days. A lot of folks typically think of sun protection for the summer but it’s just as applicable (if not more so!) in the winter. White reflects light, after all! Instead of the sun only beating down on you from above, all that snow is bouncing its rays back up at you from below, making for a dangerous sunburn double whammy.
Insulation
Insulation includes your clothing and your sleep system (if you’re camping/backpacking). As many Montanans know, layers are best all year round. Staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter is key to having a good time on any trip! Regardless of season, you want to regulate your body temperature as best you can while minimizing sweat. Even in the summer, sweat-soaked clothing can be dangerous in the high alpine where it can cool down to 30 degrees at night and leave you susceptible to hypothermia. Choosing proper layers that you can shed or add to keep your body happily sweat-free and comfortable will go a long way. And don’t forget your rain gear! Those afternoon mountain storms are no joke.
If you’re camping overnight, an appropriately temperature-rated sleeping bag is paramount, but of equal importance is your sleeping pad. This insulates your body from the cold ground upon which you’re sleeping, reducing conductive heat loss. There are many options to choose from, and your decision relies heavily upon applied use and personal preference. Do your research before purchasing!
Illumination
A good headlamp is the most common form of illumination you’ll see out on the trails these days. They’re small and lightweight, and they free up your hands to do other things in the dark, like using trekking poles if you get back later than you thought you would. Also, no need to awkwardly carry a flashlight in one hand while trying to dig a cat hole in the middle of the night when nature calls while you’re camping! Having a small flashlight, however, is a great backup to have on trips in case your headlamp decides to go by the wayside. As with all things that require a power source, always make sure they are fully charged before going out and bring extra batteries.
First Aid / Safety
This essential is the most vague of them all, as every trip will dictate what you actually end up bringing along. For example, I carry a much different first aid kit for a two-hour hike than a week-long group trek through the mountains. Some factors to consider when packing up a first aid kit: length of the trip, how many people in your group, potential dangers based on terrain, climate, and difficulty, as well as any special medical conditions, to name a few. Be sure to label any medications (including dosage), know how to utilize anything that you’re bringing along, and it is always strongly recommended that everyone have their own first aid kit on their person.
Hand in hand with first aid is general safety, and in Montana, that means bears. Even on popular trails, I never let my boots hit the dirt without bear spray on me. Be sure to carry it in an easily accessible location, such as on your hip belt or backpack shoulder strap (ie: NOT in your bag or anywhere on your back), as you might only have mere seconds to react if you surprise a bear; getting into your pack could take too long and drastically increases your chances of an unwanted encounter. Much like your first aid kit, be sure you know how and when to use it!
Fire
A rather self-explanatory essential— a simple set of pocket matches from a gas station, a lighter, even flint— basically, anything that will make fire if needed, though some options are superior to others. I prefer having a small batch of stormproof matches and a windproof lighter. Out in the elements, a simple breeze or drizzle could be the downfall of any attempt to light that stove for cooking a meal or getting a sheltered fire to spark when you need it most. I’ve tested them many times in one of the windiest spots of the Crazy Mountains, and they simply do not go out.
Shelter
Tents, hammocks, and bivvies, oh my! There are so many options for shelters it’s almost overwhelming, but it boils down to a nice mixture of necessity and preference. Bivvies are the most versatile, as they are basically a vampire’s coffin-tent that you can throw down just about anywhere and climb into, but they are not for the claustrophobic. Tents, on the other hand, have a ton more space if the weather is crappy and you need to just hang out for a day or two, but they are bulkier and heavier. Modern technology is making leaps and bounds in this regard, however, and you can easily purchase a two-person tent that’s under two pounds (but you’re gonna pay for it… literally). Hammocks are the latest and greatest trend in camping and can be a great option for those who just cannot sleep on a pad on the ground. Trust me, I feel ya. Choose what fits your needs and wants best! A simple backup in an emergency situation can be a mylar blanket (those silvery, space looking things) and some rope/paracord. It’s a rudimentary shelter but will keep the rain and wind off of you in a pinch.
Nutrition
The most preferential essential of them all: food. We all have our likes, dislikes, metabolic needs, and dietary restrictions, so it’s completely up in the air! You know your body better than anyone else, so it’s best to trust your gut on this one (pun intended). Obviously if you’re doing more physically demanding work than usual, you might be a bit hungrier. However, the infamous “Hiker’s Hunger” where you turn into a ravenous, bottomless pit of appetite doesn’t usually kick in until about 2-3 consecutive weeks of being on a trail. Best practice is to bring a little more food than you think you’ll need, mostly for emergency situations.
Hydration
Bringing water with you is obviously important, but so is being able to acquire more. Water is life, after all! Always have a primary way to filter/purify water as well as a backup. I prefer to use some kind of pump or personal water bottle filter as my main source and the mostly fool-proof iodine tablets as my emergency backup in case my primary filter becomes compromised. Carrying a filter is a great way to reduce weight in your pack by carrying less water to start with (1 liter of water weighs a whopping 2.2 pounds— that adds up fast!), but be sure that there are abundant, reliable water sources where you’re going. A desert hike, for instance, would definitely not be a good place to rely on natural water sources for refilling, and you’d want to pack more with you in your pack to start with.
Repair / Tools
What happens if you’re camping and your rain fly tears while it’s actively raining? Or perhaps you snagged your down sleeping bag on something and there are feathers flying everywhere? Think of your repair kit as first aid for your gear. After all, your gear is what keeps you safe, dry, and warm out in the wilderness. No matter how primitive, one should always be in your pack, and they don’t always have to be fancy! Something as simple as carrying a small roll of Tenacious Tape or wrapping a length of duct tape around a water bottle for later use is considered repair in a pinch. There are more permanent fixes, such as special fabrics and sealants, but they typically require more time/care to do properly and, if the need is dire enough, you’ll be happy you had even the tape. A knife or multitool is a welcome member of your arsenal as well as they can be used in a plethora of situations. Even if not for an emergency, simply slicing into some cheese and salami at that alpine lake can be quite enjoyable.
BONUS: Hygiene
I know… eleven? I thought this was the Ten Essentials? It sure is, but I think hygiene is just as important so it’s my own little “bonus” essential which includes a couple necessities for any trip, day hike or otherwise. Say you’ve had your morning cup of coffee and an hour into the trail it’s activated your bowels and you really have to go. Carrying a trowel to dig a cathole is pretty crucial in this case! Obviously you’ll want to wash your hands afterwards, too, so a small container of biodegradable soap or wipes will come in handy (this pun also intended). I never go anywhere without a really basic toiletry kit. When backpacking or camping, however, this would also include your toothbrush and toothpaste (also of the biodegradable variety). We might not be taking showers out in the wilderness, but that doesn’t mean we abandon good hygiene altogether!
Image by Jesslyn Marie
So there you have it! The Ten Essentials (with bonus content) are what is recommended for any outing, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry a huge pack with you every time. A summer day hike, for example, might look something like this for me:
Trail Map & Compass (Navigation)
Small tube of sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Sun Protection)
Rain jacket, long-sleeve shirt (Insulation)
Headlamp (Illumination)
Bandaids, gauze, ointment, medical tape, triangular bandages, inhaler, CPR mask, splint, medications, whistle, bear spray (FirstAid)
Matches (Fire)
Mylar emergency blanket and paracord (Shelter)
Snacks (Nutrition)
2 liters water and small personal filter (Hydration)
Tenacious Tape, travel sewing kit, and pocket knife (Repair / Tools)
Trowel and wipes (Hygiene)
It might sound like a lot, but it takes up surprisingly little space in a 20-liter day pack and doesn’t weigh all that much either, with water and food taking up the bulk of that. The Ten Essentials go hand in hand with the very first principle of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, “Be Prepared and Plan Ahead,” which we’ll dive into in a later issue. They make for a safer trip altogether— if not for yourself, then for someone else who might be in need on the trail. To be cliché about it, better safe than sorry! And on that note, happy adventures, my friends!
Jesslyn Marie is a Bozeman-based photographer and avid outdoor enthusiast, combining these two passions into adventure elopements. Check out her work or get in touch with her on Instagram (@jesslynmariephoto) or visit her website for more info (www.jesslynmarie.com)
