10 “Essentials”

"- Pocketknife
– First-aid kit
– Extra clothing
– Rain gear
– Water bottle
– Flashlight
– Trail food
– Matches and fire starters
– Sun protection
– Map and compass"

Out of that lot the only thing i carry every hike is my FAK, i do carry a fair bit of water every hike but that's in my rucksack in a water bladder rather than with a water bottle.

– Pocketknife – Only on multiday hikes, even then i haven't carried a knife all this year
– First-aid kit – As i say, every hike
– Extra clothing – Winter i'll take a rain coat and a pullover, summer i take no extra clothing
– Rain gear – Only in winter
– Water bottle – Only use water bladders
– Flashlight – Only in winter
– Trail food – Never really bother
– Matches and fire starters – carry a lighter on multi day trips as a back up for starting my gas burner stove
– Sun protection – Yep but only usually in summer
– Map and compass – Don't really bother on local hikes

". . . or splint my bunghole shut to slow down the giardia two-step enough to get back to the trailhead in under 15 bowel movements."

Sounds like you're not trying hard enough, Ian.

Of course you don't splint bungholes; that's what corks are for. Only a few extra grams and $0.79 at Home Depot.

Things I take EVERY hike, hmm. I think the BSA list could be improved by listing items by category, so I'll do mine that way. Anything with a (*) by it gets left behind on anything less than 10 miles or so.

Where I hike it is hard to be more than 5 miles or so from a road, and even country roads are far from deserted. Nor is the weather as extreme as others have to deal with. So while I can appreciate Dale's need for preparedness in the Cascades, it's just overkill for most of the hiking that's available to me.

Tools: Dermasafe and Leatherman PS4

Repair kit(*): gumbands, zip ties, and omnitape

FAK: Disinfectant wipe, Telfa pad and athletic tape

Hygiene: sunscreen, bug dope (seasonal), allergy eyedrops

Emergency: 2 minibics, tinder, whistle, headlamp

Navigation: map and compass

Misc: pen and notepad

Now the BSA list.

– Pocketknife-check
– First-aid kit-check
– Extra clothing-??? like Ken I am unsure what "extra" is supposed to mean.
– Rain gear-would this not be under "extra" clothing?
– Water bottle-not for anythung under 5 miles
– Flashlight-check
– Trail food-generally not for anything less than a full day.
– Matches and fire starters-check
– Sun protection-check
– Map and compass-check

Pee bottle – essential equipment for all my overnight hikes.

I pee in the woods like a logical, rational and sane human being.

Spelt! wrote, "Where I hike it is hard to be more than 5 miles or so from a road, and even country roads are far from deserted. Nor is the weather as extreme as others have to deal with. So while I can appreciate Dale's need for preparedness in the Cascades, it's just overkill for most of the hiking that's available to me."

That's where you are wrong. Eric Chan posted several reports of hikers lost within sight of downtown Vancouver, BC and those are good examples of how messed up you can get close to a trailhead and a major metropolitan area. One guy was out there for days and nearly died.

I'm always amazed by the descriptions of "experienced" hikers getting injured, lost, or stranded overnight and not having the basic essentials. A couple years ago, a hiker who was a Special Forces veteran and State Patrolman went on a winter hike and got himself in a real bind as he lost or left his tent behind. Even with all his military training he was unable to make an improvised shelter and a fire.

The idea is to have the items to keep yourself warm, dry, hydrated, nourished, signal for help and NOT get lost in the first place. These are simple basics that aren't terribly expensive or heavy. It's not rocket science. A category based approach is fine and the goal is identical. It makes no difference what you carry your water in as long as you have some on hand and carry more as you find it.

"That's where you are wrong. Eric Chan posted several reports of hikers lost within sight of downtown Vancouver, BC and those are good examples of how messed up you can get close to a trailhead and a major metropolitan area. One guy was out there for days and nearly died."

And there are people who get lost every year at Multnomah falls which is heavily used and has a highway right next to it.

I'm a little shocked to see so many experienced hikers so cavalier about being prepared in the back country. The 10 essentials was developed originally by experienced mountain climbers and it doesn't mean carrying 30 pounds on your back. A water bottle and a pound of gear and you have practically everything on there.

And to the old timers who say you don't need water…wow. I thought this site was about going light so your hike would be an enjoyable one. Staying hydrated is worth the weight and may make your hike a lot more comfortable than foregoing that weight. If you're thirsty, you've BEEN dehydrated for a while. Read up on it. These young kiddos have a good bit of science telling them that it only makes sense to stay hydrated. A hydrated body is a happy body.

I don't care what you guys do but I consider a lot of what you guys are advocating as "stupid light." That's fine if that's how you roll but don't go around telling new hikers not to carry emergency items and certainly don't tell them not to carry water. I've been stopped on trails and asked for water by people who didn't think it was wise to grab some for their hike.

Dale, I gave you credit for knowing the environment YOU need to prepare for, and I'd hoped for the same in return, but this being your hobbyhorse I'm not surprised.

These young kiddos have a good bit of science telling them that it only makes sense to stay hydrated. A hydrated body is a happy body.

Or a dead one; after heart attacks hyponatremia is the second most common cause of death at marathons (heat stroke comes in third). Yes, hydration is important, but people over-hydrate far too often. Drinking when thirsty is still optimal; your brain knows what it’s doing and a bit of mild dehydration isn’t going to hurt you.

My favorite bit from the Army Times article below:
“Noakes says much of the current conventional wisdom on hydration got its start in the U.S. military about 30 years ago: “A single individual working for the U.S. military literally came up with this idea that water could be used as a tactical weapon.”

By 1998, officials cut those guidelines in half, to maximums of 0.9 liters per hour and 11 liters a day, which Noakes says “is pretty good for a hot environment.”

ref:
http://www.outsideonline.com/blog/outdoor-adventure/tim-noakes-on-the-serious-problem-of-overhydration-in-endurance-sports.html
http://www.armytimes.com/article/20120808/NEWS/208080320/Everything-you-know-about-hydration-debunked
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/dehydration-and-hyponatremia-how-common-how-dangerous

Good links Jeremy,

"By 1998, officials cut those guidelines in half, to maximums of 0.9 liters per hour and 11 liters a day, which Noakes says "is pretty good for a hot environment."

11 liters is dang near three gallons per day. My understanding is that the two candidates who died of water toxicity/hyponatremia in SFAS (mid '90s) were drinking upwards of five gallons of water per day. Even in the desert and in the jungle, I can't remember drinking more than two gallons on the hottest day. the most we ever carried was six quarts at a time and daily resupplies weren't guaranteed.

I only read the Army Times article and am not sure if it was covered in the other two but many of these studies were done at Ft. Benning (home of the Infantry at the time) during the 1990s. During much of basic training, soldiers have almost unlimited access to water so I could see how it could happen there.

Spelt wrote, "Dale, I gave you credit for knowing the environment YOU need to prepare for, and I'd hoped for the same in return, but this being your hobbyhorse I'm not surprised."

The environment might call for tweaking the level of insulation and the quantity of water, but all the other essentials are pretty much universal.

Hike you own hike, but at least carry some ID so we know where to send your remains :)

I see people day hiking in cotton clothes, flip flops, and totally empty handed. SAR picks 'em like ripe pears any summer weekend.

"I see people day hiking in cotton clothes, flip flops, and totally empty handed. SAR picks 'em like ripe pears any summer weekend."

It's always tough giving out very general info, sweeping statements are rarely accurate.

I do agree that people die each year while out hiking, it does need to be put into perspective though and compared to the amount of people that die while carrying out basic tasks like driving, driving in areas that are often highly populated.

There is absolutely no point in taking spare clothes or a shelter on a hike in my area of Greece at this time of year, rain is unlikely and even if it does the temp doesn't drop below 25c for the next few months.

A water filter is pointless as there are no water sources at this time of year on the mountain i hike the most on.

If i set out at 07:00 it will easily hit 30c to 35c before i complete the hike, after trying every type of fabric i could get my hands on i find that cotton clothing is by far the best solution in these temps.
I don't hike in flip flops but i have hiked in sandals.

So i think that as adults it's up to each of us to analyse our activity, weigh up the risks and threats and make our own judgement calls.
Broad sweeping lists and statements are pretty pointless especially on a forum with such a geographically diverse membership.

Spare clothing simply means your typical layering. For me, on a warm summer day hike, that means a light vest, a beanie, some liner gloves— just enough for warmth overnight to layer up with my windshirt. I normally carry a poncho and an AMK Heatsheets bivy for rain gear and makeshift shelter.

Spare food is just a bit more than my planned meals, like a granola bar.

I can't imagine going without a liter of water, maybe two for a hot hike with no water sources. No more than that.

The rest all fits in a one liter stuff sack with room to spare: first aid kit, fire starters, compass with mirror, map, whistle, knife, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, chlorine dioxide tablets, some small line, a little duct tape, headlamp and one spare battery. That stuff sack is easily transferred from day pack to multi-day and I know whatcis there and where to find it.

"Spare clothing simply means your typical layering. For me, on a warm summer day hike, that means a light vest, a beanie, some liner gloves— just enough for warmth overnight to layer up with my windshirt. I normally carry a poncho and an AMK Heatsheets bivy for rain gear and makeshift shelter.

Spare food is just a bit more than my planned meals, like a granola bar.

I can't imagine going without a liter of water, maybe two for a hot hike with no water sources. No more than that.

The rest all fits in a one liter stuff sack with room to spare: first aid kit, fire starters, compass with mirror, map, whistle, knife, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, chlorine dioxide tablets, some small line, a little duct tape, headlamp and one spare battery. That stuff sack is easily transferred from day pack to multi-day and I know whatcis there and where to find it."

Again though Dale it really depends on where you are and at what time of the year.

It's about 36c here right now, tonight it will drop just below 30c.
At home i've had the AC on every night for the last 6 weeks.

So my layering for hikes is a cotton teeshirt and cotton shorts or for longer hikes thin trousers.
There really is no need for any other clothing here at this time of year.

Gloves, beanie, windshirt, rain gear, poncho and a bivy would be absolutely pointless, as even on a night swim it's still warm in shorts and teeshirt.

Because of the heat water is a big worry, i've carried 12 litres on a 4 day hike simply because there was not 1 water source over the 4 days.
For a day hike i usually fill up my bladder with around 2 litres, that's for both the dog and myself.

FAK i take

Fire starting kit is out, if your caught in a national park with a fire starting kit at this time of year at best you'll be in a for night in a cell.
Starting fires in Greek national parks is a BIG no no, in summer it's downright stupid.

As i say i think sweeping statements and cover all possibility lists is pointless, what might work where you hike won't necessarily work where i hike.

I wouldn't wander off in a Alaskan winter without a lot of kit your describe, here in Greece at this time of year though it's a whole different ball game.

another rescue … from a trail that is about an hour from a residential neighbourhood …

At 20:00 on Sunday, May 11th, 2014, Coquitlam SAR was activated to search for two lost hikers on Burke Mountain.

This rescue is the fourth time in the last three weeks that the team has been activated – making a very busy start to the summer hiking season.

http://www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca/2014/05/rescue-burke-mountain/

here is a VERY popular area that quite a few rescues are taking place

as you can see its exceptionally close to civilization

http://www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca/about-us/search-area/buntzen-lake/

a few recent rescues …

Following are some recent task reports from Buntzen Lake.

Diez Vistas and Eagle Ridge Rescues – Coquitlam SAR has been called on rescues twice in the past week, leading up to the Canada Day long weekend, the busiest SAR weekend of the year. On Sunday June 23rd around 15:00, the team was called to rescue a hiker with a badly sprained ankle on the Diez Vistas trail. The team used the […]

what they recommend …

Cautions

-Do not rely on cell phone contact
-Do not underestimate the length or ruggedness of the Diez Vista Trail
-Many rescues on Eagle Ridge are because hikers lost the trail in snow, were unprepared for severe weather such as snow and cold temperatures, and did not allow enough time. This trail is a high elevation mountain trail with significant hazard, and is difficult to escape from.
-Anyone taking transit to this area is cautioned to leave a trip plan. If you are reported missing and we do not know where to search, the very complex and difficult to access wilderness in this area will make it very hard for us to find you.

Maybe it's just the boy scout training coming through, but I always carry the 10 essentials if I'm going to be out more than an hour or so. I usually carry some extras too if I'm with a group. A few weeks ago I was rock climbing with some friends at Holcomb Valley and it started raining. Almost nobody preps for rain in Southern California, but I had a driducks jacket, a disposable poncho, and an emergency blanket so we were all covered.

When I hike with a group in the desert, I tend to carry at least an extra liter of water beyond what I need. Even if I emphasize the need to bring lots of water, there's always somebody who shows up unprepared.

Another hiker lost in the Columbia Gorge:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/07/missing_hiker_found_on_multnom.html

I can't remember a time when I was on one of the popular Gorge trails and I didn't encounter someone who was carrying very little, often not even a water bottle.

PLEASE NOTE: the salient details of this story for this thread is the Florida hiker who was not prepared to hike in the gorge. This story is also about a SAR member who had a "medical emergency" while searching for the FL hiker. I don't personally feel the FL hiker is responsible for that, others might come to a different reasonable conclusion.

World's hardest terrain, world's highest concentration of stupid hikers, or both?

overconfidence …. and false sense of security

the greater vancouver/squamish region has tons of "walks" (i wont even call em hikes) where you are within a few hours of urban areas

tons of folks run out and think that its like walking around the park on somewhere nice, flat and warm … then they get rained on, lost or sprain an ankle in the somewhat more rugged terrain

out here unless if the forecast calls for weeks of absolutely no chance of rain, you ALWAYS carry a piece of rain gear, and a headlamp … even in the summer you can have days of constant rain (as im typing this we just had a massive rain storm where everything is soaking within a few minutes of walking outside and the streets are starting to flood a bit)

the other thing is that while it might be nice and sunny and warm in vancouver itself … go up that peak a few miles away that has 1000m of elevation and your trundling in the snow, even in june/july

our typical PNW coastal rain forest terrain …

from a rescue a few days ago …

15 members of Coquitlam SAR and two Coquitlam RCMP members spent the evening at Buntzen Lake last night rescuing two lost hikers on the Swan Falls trail. The pair, both young males, had set off at 2:30pm from the parking lot after researching the trail online. They ran out of water, and after summiting the 1200m peak, were caught by nightfall on the way down.

http://www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca/2014/07/swan-falls-rescue/

The Seattle metro area has a couple million people within 50 miles of the PCT and dozens of trails between. You don't have to shake the tree hard to find enough idiots to keep a healthy SAR organization busy. There's been a lot of population growth with inexperienced outlanders moving in. Do the math!

Lecturing to people who didn't sign up for a class rarely yields desirable results.

Here's the weight penalty of the 10 essentials I took on my last backpacking trip as they pair up with the OP's list. This is the gear I bring on trips where temperature is anticipated to remain above 32*F and precipitation is likely:

– Pocketknife / Leatherman PS4 – 2oz

– First-aid kit / 2.4 oz

– Extra clothing / Silk weight uppers & lowers 13.1 oz, possum down gloves 1.4oz , watch cap 1.6 oz, extra hiking socks 1 oz, sleep socks 2.8 oz, and buff 1.3 oz. I'm not adding the weight here but I could also wrap up in my sleeping bag in an emergency. As it was, even when the weather was at its worst and I was soaking wet at 40* before windchill, I never felt cold.

– Rain gear / Marmot shell 9.9 oz

– Water bottle / Smart Water bottle 1.2 oz, Evernew 2L bladder 1.6 oz, Sawyer Mini 1.8 oz, Mountain House Pro Pak repurposed as my water scoop .5 oz and bottle of iodine tablets 1.1 oz.

– Flashlight / Ptec Byte w/ 2 x AAA batteries 2.2 oz

– Trail food / 2 lbs per day

– Matches and fire starters / mini bic lighter .4 oz and one esbit tablet per day plus one extra for total of four 2 oz.

– Sun protection / Sunblock .8oz plus wore long sleeved shirt and long pants.

– Map and compass / Maps in ziplock bag 1 oz, and Suunto MC-2 2.6oz

Total Weight 3.3 lbs and there are many items on here, like the Suunto and Leatherman, which clearly aren't the lightest in their category but they are the best for me and will remain in my kit. The only items not used were the compass and iodine tablets so less than 7% of the 10 essentials total weight. Edit: 3.3 lbs is before food weight.

The 10 essentials I'd bring for a day hike would easily weigh a pound less and maybe more depending on the weather forecast and the trail.

One way of looking at essentials is to equate them with bicycle helmets, automobile seat belts or air bags. They can be expensive (weight is an "expense" for UL) and can be a nuisance, but they make a lot of sense when you need them.