The Ten Essentials
This traditional navigation tool is usually the first item on the Ten Essentials list
What is a map?
When wet, this common fabric loses almost all of its insulating power, making it unsuitable for backpacking.
What is cotton?
This piece of gear is rated by temperature and designed to keep you warm by trapping air around your body at night.
What is a sleeping bag?
What is the chemical name for the critical liquid needed to survive?
What is dihydrogen monoxide?
For balance and comfort, your heaviest items should be placed in this part of your backpack.
Where is close to your back?
Alongside a map, this device is a crucial navigational tool for the trail.
What is a compass?
The strategy of wearing multiple garments that can be added or removed to adapt to changing temperatures.
What is layering (or layers)?
On a sleeping bag, this number tells you the lowest temperature at which it's designed to keep an average person comfortable.
What is a temperature rating?
Backpacking meals often feature these types of foods due to their light weight and high density of calories.
What are freeze-dried foods?
These external straps help secure your pack's contents, keeping gear from shifting and making your load more stable.
What are compression straps?
If you're out after dark, you'll need this item and its spares from your pack.
What is a headlamp (or flashlight)?
The three main parts of an effective outdoor clothing system are the base, mid, and this outermost layer.
What is a shell?
Besides providing comfort, the primary role of a sleeping pad is to do this for you from the cold ground.
Using a filter, chemical tablets, or UV light are all methods for doing this to water.
What is purifying water?
Your rain gear, snacks, or a first-aid kit should typically be placed in this easily accessible part of your pack.
What is an external or top pocket?
Whether for cutting rope, repairing gear, or even preparing kindling, this tool is a fundamental component of the Ten Essentials.
What is a pocket knife?
For its superior warmth, low weight and compressibility, this natural insulation is often preferred over synthetics in dry conditions.
What is down?
This value indicates how well a sleeping pad insulates you from the cold ground.
What is an R-value?
When seeking water while backpacking, you should always prioritize this type of natural source over stagnant pools, as it generally carries a lower risk of contaminants.
What is flowing water?
You should always pack items tightly and avoid leaving large amounts of this inside your backpack.
What is empty space?
This essential item, which could be a lightweight tarp or even a large trash bag, is crucial for protecting yourself from exposure in an unexpected emergency.
What is an emergency shelter?
A synthetic or wool base layer is crucial because it performs this vital function to keep you dry and warm by moving moisture away from your skin.
What is wicking?
Tents, tarps, and hammocks with rainflies are all examples of this essential backpacking category.
What are shelters?
While invisible to the naked eye, these microscopic organisms commonly found in untreated water are the primary reason for the need of filtration.
What are bacteria and viruses?
While useful for quick access, attaching too many bulky or floppy items externally to your pack can catch on obstacles, and negatively impact this.
What is your balance?