Not only is hiking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, and all other outdoor activities fun and exciting, they are also dangerous. The need to be prepared for the worst/or simply not good, is imperative and could potentially save your life. Why risk going into a harsh environment such as the cold, wind, ice, etc. without the essentials that could provide a potential rescue and valuable resources to help keep you alive. In my personal experience, I have been in some tough spots with friends being dehydrated, wounded needed medical attention, as well as being in the wrong place without the proper equipment. Below is a list of the top ten most important items to bring on any adventure.
1. Navigation - While it may seem all to easy to navigate a trail, things can turn quickly if you fall, lose the trail, or decide to take a different route. Having a map and compass to properly point you back in the direction you need to go to be imperative in saving your life.
2. Sun Protection - A common misconception is thinking you are safe from the sun in the winter. Not so, the winter (just like the summer) you could be exposed to the sun for prolonged amounts of time leading to sunburn, which in turn can lead to exhaustion, shock, dehydration and permanent skin damage.
3. Insulation - Maintaining your bodies natural temperature is one of the most important goals when surviving the wilderness. In the heat you will need to maintain a cool temperature with perhaps a rag or hat to keep cool water on yourself. In the winter and wind you will need layers to properly keep your body away from the cold.
4. Light - Being somewhere in the dark, lost, with not way to see, can be dangerous and best to avoid. Besides the ability to see in the dark, a flashlight, lantern or other light source can be a good way to attempt to track down a rescue team if your situation is indeed very dire.
5. First Aid - Seems like a no brainer to me, but having the proper supplies, disinfectants, tape, tweezers, etc. can help keep your body from getting nasty infections and avoid continual pain.
6. Minor Tools - Keeping a pocket knife, duct tape, rope and other small useful items with you can prove super handy in trying to build shelter, create fire, or keep valuable items (food and water) away from critters and creatures.
7. Fire - Matches, flint and steel, o other fire starting methods will be essential in making a fire that can disinfect water, provide heat for warmth, or be a signal for safety.
8. Water - Out bodies could show early signs of dehydration within hours of beginning an adventure. The first and easiest sign is when you are thirsty and your mouth is dry. It is suggested to drink between 1/2 and 1 quart of water per hour you are hiking. As your body is composed of 60% of your body weight, losing as little as 3% can lead to dehydration.
9. Nutrition - Although our bodies can go quite a while without food, if we lack proper nutrition it can lead to hallucinations, confusion, irritability and sever pain. Having enough snacks on even small hikes that could provide enough sustenance for a few days could be a life saver if ever you were in danger.
10. Emergency Shelter - In many instances you won't find yourself hiking with a whole tent, sleeping bag or tarp. But there is nifty little gadget called and emergency blanket that is a lightweight foil material. Is is reflective (also a perk to signal a rescue team) and can trap in heat from your body to keep you warm.
I hope none of you are ever in a situation where you have to use the above items in a emergency situation. But keeping them with you is never a bad plan for any outdoor adventure, it could come in handy and maybe one day save your life.