November 29, 2019

Hiking - the ten essentials

Back around 1969 or so, I participated in a class called "BMTC" (Basic Mountaineering Training Course) sponsored by the Sierra Club in Southern California. The book "Freedom of the Hills" was the text for the course. Among many other things, the concept of the "ten essentials" was introduced.
As I remember, this was the list: More than 40 years later, I have a hard time arguing with any of this.

Good old "Adventure Alan" published his own list of "13 essentials" that he describes as an "update for the modern hiker".

He lumps matches and firestarter, just as I would (I just carry a lighter when I carry anything at all). He adds shelter, which is a redundant addtion on a multiday trip, and questionable on a day trip (though it would have its place on some day trips with uncertain outcomes). Like him, I have never needed to start a fire in an emergency situation, but a lighter hardly weighs anything.

He lumps map and compass as "navigational tools". In my case I never carry a compass and am unlikely to start. Where I go, topography along with the ability to read a map does just fine. If I was in the bush in Canada where you never get long views and everything looks much the same, a compass would make sense, but a GPS would be even better. Note though that a map and compass never need batteries. I have never carried a traditional GPS unit and am unlikely to start. The maps suck. My cell phone in airplane mode goes a week, has a fantastic GPS, and carries the 7.5 minute topo maps for the 6 states I hike in.

I don't really think a trip plan and staying found belong on the list. Both are entirely valid, but the "essentials" are supposed to be tangible objects to stuff in your pack.

I am unsure about the SOS device. On one hand it makes sense for the intelligent experienced hiker, especially the one who goes solo into remote areas. The ugly issue though is the epidemic of nitwits who carry and abuse them (I have had long talks with backcountry rangers). This abuse doesn't negate the sense of a person carrying one who will make the right choice of when to use it, so I agree here, having used this opportunity to grind an axe.

Water is always a good idea, the most vital thing here though is between your ears -- knowing your requirements relative to the weather and the area you are hiking in. Nutrition makes sense as far as being well fueled in order to do whatever it is your orignal plan entails. As far as something to carry for an emergency -- I think this is bad logic. Anyone can go a day or two without food if needed and carrying a pound or two of extra food on every trip "just in case" is something I cannot justify.

My list

I'll note that a knife is missing on both his list and mine. I often carry a knife, but have never found it "essential" and have a hard time imagining when and how it would be.
Have any comments? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's backpacking pages / [email protected]