I'm with you on this. Just need to worry about earth shakers if you go too far.
I'm with you on this. Just need to worry about earth shakers if you go too far.
Blackheart
How far do the majority of hikers get into the remote "backcountry" on a day hike anyway? Is it REALLY all that backcountry most day hikers get into? C'mon. IMO the vast majority of day hikers dont veer more than 10 miles from a TH or their car or a road(sometimes major well traveled one) or from a NP lodge, etc for a RT 20 miler. I'd muse the vast majority of day hikers dont even go 20 miles RT! The safety essentials should mirror the situation, trip, and one's abilities. OMG more FAK's with more stuff most folks dont know how to use as they dont have the knowledge. How much/how often do conditions dictate that a party needs a SAT or PLB in such day hike situations? Going solo to truly remote sites or encountering dangerous situations like The Maze or canyoneering on perhaps longer distance off trail day hikes the stakes are raised. How many day hikes does that include among all those doing day hikes?
If you are out by yourself I believe you should be prepared whether it is 5 miles or 50 miles back to the trailhead. I have never been in a car crash were I needed a seat belt but I won't drive without one on. Just because I haven't needed it doesn't mean I won't someday. I have the same attitude about the 10 essentials. Serious, what is the penalty for carrying the 10 essentials? I just don't get it.
If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Because, for many of us, the ten essentials are not the same for each trip. So, why not just cary what you need for each trip. From one trip to the next I may want a more or less complex first aid kit. I may want a rain coat one day and a poncho the next. For a remote winter trip I may want a significantly more substantial shelter than I would carry on a short summer jaunt. I may not feel like taking the time to find and print out a map or an area I'm familiar with while I may want detailed maps on another trip. Why carry and empty water bottle if I have plenty of water along route and will treat and drink (or not treat) as appropriate along the trail. Frankly, I rarely give a rip about whether or not I have the ability to start a fire, so why bother carrying matches and fire starter for above treeline or in mid summer when nights get down to 60 degrees at most.
Since I tune my gear for each trip, I don't have a static bag of gear that I take each time. Since I'm going through and figuring out what I need for each trip and some trips don't need some of the ten essentials, why would I put them in my bag and add useless weight and bulk.
Seriously, what is the penalty for tuning your gear for each trip? I just don't get it.
I'm not lost. I'm exploring.
You bring up some valid points about tuning gear for each trip. I wonder how many "rookie" or lightly experienced hiker packed gear to handle a hurricane. More experienced hikers "know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em" so to speak. I see a lot of posts from members about "I'm going to do a weekend or two week hike thru so and so, should I be worried about the weather?" This is the penalty for not carrying the 10 essentials and not properly planning your trip. Until they start selling crystal balls at REI I'm going to pack all ten essentials.
Blackheart
To quote the Mountaineers Blog directly addressing the origin of the 10 essentials in their book "Freedom of the Hills" . . .
"The Ten Essentials is a guide that should be tailored to the nature of the trip. Weather, remoteness from help, and complexity should be factored into the selected essentials."
Why do we have such a tendency to turn good advice and guidelines into absolute dogma? I think we should treat the ten essentials an a gift of wisdom, not a club of law. A birthday dinner is a beautiful thing, but if I am allergic to dairy, it's best I leave the icecream for others to eat, and if the portions are extra
I'm not lost. I'm exploring.
Good post. Nothing replaces some common sense and experience. Experience has taught me that I can survive just fine when I run out of food, fuel, or water, or forget to pack my shelter, headlamp, fire-making supplies, knife, whistle, maps, communication device, rain clothes, socks, hat...
If a hiker needs to plan for every contingency in order enjoy the outdoors, go for it. People just need to get outside and go for a walk, no matter how they do it.
Fix test.
<b>Here</b>
Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.
Woo
I always keep the following safety items while camping:
First Aid Kit: My kit consists of basic painkillers, ointments, bandage tapes etc.
Survival Knife: It is not enough good for fishing and hunting but could also be a great tool for self-defence.
Trash Bags: These are being used on regular basis but most of the campers neglect its importance.
Security Items for Wild Campings: I always keep a sharp small knife, a gun, a flashlight and a good plate carrier whenever I go for hunting in wild areas with my husband.
Pest Sprays and Repellents: Yes, these are also necessary.
Other things: GPS devices, maps, water, food, water proof clothes and fire burning stuff.
The Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter ~ Cam "Swami" Honan of OZ
My bic lighter has worked after I have accidentally put it through the washer and dryer.
Holy cow! I think a lot has changed since AliciaG wrote this article in 2015. I would remark what my grandpa taught me at age six...it is always BETTER to have multiple devices for starting fire. I have two fire starters and one Bic lighter, but can make my own fire out of the forest resources, if needed. That first aid pack is not necessary during a thru-hike or hiking multiple days in the backcountry. It's too bulky. In wilderness first aid, you learn to improvise and use the things you already have. A lot of people don't think of about this but you can source rain water if you can't find any viable water source. I would definitely filter it first. ATStrong