The 10 Essentials are the basics that should be taken on any hiking or camping trip. Learn how to use these items and it can save your life if things go wrong. http://www.adventurestrong.com/hiking/wondering-what-to-take-hiking-get-the-10-essentials

3. Learn To Use The Ten Essentials
Just having these 10 items, or categories of items, will not necessarily save your
life. If you have a map and compass but don’t know how to use them properly, you
could do more harm to yourself than good by getting even more lost or navigating
into a treacherous area. What do you do if your GPS (or phone) batteries die?
You can carry around a first aid kit all day, but if you can’t stop bleeding, close a
moderate cut, or respond to a snake bite then what good is it?
Read through this list and gather your kit. Proactivity goes a long way. So, learn
how to survive and prepare for the worst, so you can have a safe time on the trail.

4. Emergency Shelter – You must be able to survive
the elements and have a place to retreat to.

5. Extra Water – A general rule of thumb is
that more than 3 to 5 days without water
and you die.

6. Extra Food – High energy, easy to carry,
and more than you expect. A general
rule of thumb is that you can survive
about 3 weeks without food.

7. Fire – Exercise caution with fire. It can
help combat cold environments, boil
water, and cook food. Matches, lighter,
flint & steel, and/or candles.

8. First Aid – Have the knowledge and supplies
needed to survive self-treatable injuries.

9. Navigation – Have a map & compass
and/or GPS unit (plus extra batteries).

10. Sun Protection – Have and use sunscreen,
sunglasses, a hat, and/or long-sleeve t-shirt.

11. Extra Clothing – At least one extra set of
clothing in case you get wet, cold, or
sweaty.

12. Light – Avoid travelling at night to reduce the
chance of injury and getting more lost. Have
a flashlight or headlamp.

13. Knife – With a knife you multiply your ability to
create and do things – shelter, a spear, sparks for
fire, or worst case scenario – defense.

14. BONUS ESSENTIAL: Accountability Buddy – Let a friend or family member know
when and where you’re going. Let your buddy know any alternate locations you
might visit, in case you want to be spontaneous. Give them a time you will be back
and/or contact them when you’ve returned safely. This way if you’re gone too long
without checking in they can contact authorities.

15. My heartfelt thanks to these folks for sharing their art
via Creative Commons license. Your contributions to a
vibrant creative community are appreciated.
You can find more of their work on Flickr.