~*~ 10 Essentials of
Survival ~*~
There
are many things we can take with us on a backpacking trip. It all depends on
your comfort level and what you are willing to carry on your back for the
amount of time you will be out there.
BUT…there are 10 things that no hiker, generally, should ever be
without. Lists can vary slightly depending on which source you look, but for
the most part they are consistent. Also note: you
will want to customize your own list; this is by no means the end all, be all
of surviving in the wilderness. I would like to add number 11 to the
list ~ it’s my own, and I never travel without it. Neither should you. They are
as follows:
1.
Navigation
3.
Pocket Knife
5.
Insulation
6.
Fire!
7.
Lighting
8.
First Aid
9.
Shelter
10. Whistle
11. Sense of Humor
1. NAVIGATION ~ A map of the area you will be
hiking or backpacking should be detailed enough so that you can find man-made
items like trails, unimproved roads, power lines, etc., and natural features
such as rivers, streams, hills and other terrain land marks that will guide
you. Do not think that just because you have hiked a certain location before,
you do not need to bring navigational tools! A U.S Geological Survey
Topographical map has all of these features and more. A map without a compass is almost useless unless you possess a
sixth sense in direction finding. With both map and compass you should be able
to "orient" the map by lining up magnetic north on the compass with
the magnetic north arrow printed on the map. Once you do this, you'll be able
to identify terrain features and plot your course. (back to top)
2. HYDRATION &
NUTRITION ~ The amount of food and water
you bring should ultimately be determined by the length of the trip, the temperature
and terrain (which will effect the physical demand on
your body). You should be drinking water every 15-20 minutes to stay hydrated.
It is important to purify as well, using either a filtration system or chemical
treatment. If your body needs water, it needs it now not three hours from now!
Normal trail foods (dried fruits, nuts, and granola) should be eaten at regular
intervals to resupply the body with energy. You might throw in a couple of
energy bars (Clif Bar or Powerbar)
just in case. (back to top)
3. POCKET KNIFE ~
This is perhaps the most important of the 10 essentials items. Among other
things it helps in first aid, food preparation, and fire building. As long as
you have a knife you can make fire. Striking steel on any flint-like rock will
produce sparks that can catch fire in carefully prepared tinder and kindling -
materials you have gathered and prepared using the knife. More elaborate
versions of pocket knives contain a treasure chest of useful tools: saws,
tweezers, scissors, screwdrivers, awls, toothpicks, can openers, etc. I used to
carry a Swiss Army knife that did everything but dishes. I have since pared
back to a simple pocket knife, finding that’s all I ever need. (back
to top)
4. SUN PROTECTION ~ If you have ever hiked above
tree-line, or are fair-skinned and susceptible to burning, than you already
know the value of sun protection. Carrying sunscreen and sunglasses is a
necessity, not a luxury. Did you know you can go “snowblind”
when the sun is glaring off of snow-ridden peaks and glaciers? Choose an SPF
that works best for you, and be sure to reapply it when you are sweating or
have been swimming. Many retailers are now selling shirts/pants/hats with UV
protection. I personally like the Outdoor Research Sun Bucket hat. (back
to top)
5. INSULATION ~ The clothing that you bring
will be determined by the time of the year and the weather. A hike in the
summer may require only rain protection (which can be used for wind protection
as well) and a long sleeve shirt for chilly times (no cotton!). A day snow hike
gets more complicated. An extra jacket or sweater may be enough but in this
case I would consider bringing an emergency blanket as well. Clothes that wick
and using a layering system is the best way to go. In the event that you are
wet, you still want to be dry! I always carry a spare set of “camp clothes” for
colder weather because I like having something warm and dry to put on (fleece
pants, down jacket). (back to top)
6. FIRE! ~ I have never had much luck with waterproof
matches. Instead I prefer to take a long just a regular cheapo plastic
cigarette lighter that you buy in the gas station. Some colors (such as white)
are good for being able to tell when the fuel level is low. Firestarters
can be easily made at home with dryer lint and petroleum jelly. Stuff a few in
a 35mm film canister and you are good to go. If you are hiking in an area where
birch trees are around, birch bark is the best fire starter there is, even when
wet. Just do not peel it off the tree! There is plenty on the ground and a
small piece will be sufficient. (back to top)
7. LIGHTING ~ It can get dark really quickly
in the woods, when you aren’t expecting it. While some people may opt to carry
a flashlight, like the mini Mag-Light, I prefer a
headlamp. This offers the right amount of light, always directed where I need
it and where I’m looking and is hands free! No fumbling with a flashlight while
trying to do something else with your other hand. Added bonus is that headlamps
are very lightweight in comparison to flashlights. I always carry my headlamp ~
even when I’m just stepping away from camp for a minute. (back to top)
8. FIRST AID ~
This is something you can customize yourself. I started with a pre-packed kit
from an outfitter and quickly realized I never used 90% off what was in it. Now
I toss what I use most frequently into a Ziploc bag. I carry a few bandaids, a needle (for splinter extraction), small tube of
Neosporin, a few Advil and a small tube of Benadryl. I used to carry moleskin
for blisters but have since found duct tape much more useful in this department
~ and it’s something I always carry. Depending on your needs, you might also
need prescription meds, immodium, et cetera. Best to see what works for you and make your own kit. (back
to top)
9. SHELTER ~ Whether it’s an emergency
space blanket, tent, hammock or bivouac…you are going to want something to use
if you are staying out for the night. Shelters can be built with a number of
items (blanket and poncho could make an easy tarp like shelter). There are
folks who prefer to “cowboy camp” under the stars, but that won’t work for me
on a bug-infested evening or in bad weather. It’s better to be prepared with
something that will shelter you from the elements. (back to top)
10. WHISTLE ~ Communication in the woods is
important, especially if you are solo. I carry a small yellow rescue whistle in
the event that I need to get somebody’s attention. They should NOT be used for
non-emergency situations, however. The sound can carry up to a mile, three
short whistles is the universal distress signal. Remember, a whistle will carry
sound much further than a yelling voice. (back to top)
11. SENSE
OF HUMOR ~ Things
most certainly do not always go as planned and it’s important that you have a
sense of humor and positive attitude at these times; If for nothing else, to
keep your sanity. Remaining calm and level-headed is important in a serious
situation and being able to laugh it off later is just as important. That which
does not kill us makes us stronger, right? The best part of this is that there
is no added weight in your pack and while it can be easily lost, it can just as
easily be found! (back to top)
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