The 10 Essentials
Pack this if you want to avoid sunburn or heat-related illnesses.
What is sun protection? (protective clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
Layers are important when planning what you need from this essential.
What is appropriate clothing?
Make sure to check if you can bring these companions into the backcountry.
What are dogs/pets?
What is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)?
As opposed to climate, this hazard can change day to day.
What is weather?
This should always include foot care and insect repellent.
What is a first aid kit?
Make sure to check local regulations to see if you can have an open one of these.
What is fire?
Work with relevant agencies to acquire one of these, if needed, which will allow you to travel and stay on the land.
What is a permit?
What is the US Fish & Wildlife Service?
Don't hike a 14er without planning for painful symptoms which may develop as a result of this hazard.
What is altitude?
Make sure to pack extra batteries to power this important tool at night!
Don't just stop at the tent when thinking about this essential -- sleeping setups are an important component as well.
What is shelter?
Planning your backcountry trip during these times helps limit damage to high-use areas.
What is times of high visitation?
Bears, bison, moose, raccoons, snakes, etc.
What is wildlife?
While digital forms of this are great, it's important to always have physical copies and a compass as well, especially in the backcountry.
What are navigation tools (maps)?
Make sure to pack beyond the minimum expectation and check if you need to store this essential a specific way.
What is food?
Make sure to always have one of these, who will know all details of your trip and when you are meant to be back.
What is an emergency contact/surface watch?
What is the National Park Service?
Maps are critical so you can navigate this potential hazard which can be caused by flooding, rockfall, tree fall, or lack of marking in the backcountry.
What is lack of established trail?
It's recommended to have AT LEAST one-half liter of this per hour, but you should always bring more than expected.
What is water?
This is an important part of any gear repair kit.
What is knife/multitool?
Make sure to plan how to properly dispose of this unavoidable waste product if you are on an extended trip in the backcountry.
What is human waste?
What is the US Forest Service?
Make sure to choose activities which fit the skill level of all participants so as to avoid this hazard.
What is injury/death?