The Ten Essentials Wilderness Travel Course 2009
Introduction The Mountains are not out to get you. Deal with the real challenges, not perceived ones. No one intends to get into trouble. Over-confidence and in-attention cause accidents. It is rarely just One Thing that goes wrong.
If Lost – Don't Panic! Take 15 Minutes: –Observe –Think –Plan
Common Sense… Tools to avoid a bad situation Tools to make the best of an uncomfortable situation and a Few Tools That Can't be Improvised
The Ten Essentials: To Find Your Way: 1.Map of the Area 2.Compass 3.Flashlight For Emergencies: 7.Matches 8.Fire Starter 9.Knife 10.First Aid Kit For Your Protection: 4. Sunglasses & Sunscreen 5. Extra Food & Water 6. Extra Clothing
1. Map Topographic maps are best Forest service maps and guidebooks are helpful Be aware of man-made changes
2. Compass Oil filled See-thru base Light weight
3. Flashlight/Headlamp Headlamps leave hands free L.E.D. = Long life, camp chores Brighter bulbs for night travel Extra bulb and batteries
4. Sunglasses and Sunscreen Sun is more damaging at altitude Glasses need side shields on snow SPF 15 or more, waterproof
5. Extra Food … High calories No-cook food
… And Extra Water Containers Must Not Leak! Water treatment
6. Extra Clothing Wicking layer Insulating layer Shell – waterproof & breathable Shelter
7. Matches Waterproof container Include striking surface
8. Fire Starter Must be Dry: –Candles –Kindling –Vaseline and cotton balls
9. Knife Scissors are useful Not Too Big! Multi-tools Can and bottle opener
10. First Aid Kit Know how to use what you carry Take a Wilderness First Aid course
"Other Essentials" Toilet paper (Pack it Out!) Duct tape Shelter Signaling devices Rope or cord
The New 10 Essentials System (Freedom of the Hills, 7th Edition) 1.Navigation Map Compass 2.Sun Protection Sunglasses and Sunscreen 3.Insulation (Extra Clothing) Extra Clothing 4.Illumination Headlamp/flashlight 5.First-aid Supplies First-aid Kit 6.Fire Matches Fire Starter 7.Repair Kit and Tools Knife 8.Nutrition Extra Food… 9.Hydration…Extra Water 10.Emergency Shelter