Safety First! The Ten Essentials

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The Ten Essentials:  Every hiker has heard about them, and most of us would assume we know what they are.  However, it seems that everyone has a different version of what the Ten Essentials comprise.  Factors like weather, terrain, experience, time and distance all have a say in what should be included in your Ten Essentials list. Based on personal research and to maximize personal safety, here are Ten Essentials for the Florida Trail.

1. Water & Water Treatment
This should always be at the top of anyone’s list.  The body cannot survive more than a few days without water, and the debilitating effects of dehydration start way before that.  Even as little as 5% dehydration can begin to affect decision making capabilities, increasing your chances of getting lost, or injured.  OPTIONS: Water Filter, Chlorine Tablets, Iodine Tablets, Steri-pen UV purifier.

2. Food
The body requires fuel to function properly.  While it is possible to survive for weeks without food, lack of food will affect decision making capabilities.  Having food as fuel for the body will keep your mind clearer, and your body stronger. OPTIONS: Unlimited, but energy bars, fruit, trail mix, or a packed lunch are good.

3. Whistle
If you get lost, being able to signal while rescuers are doing their job can mean the difference between life and death.  International signal for help is 3 short blasts on the whistle. OPTIONS:  Whistles come in many varieties these days.  Metal, plastic, as part of a larger survival tool, and even built into some buckles on newer packs.  Just make sure it works.

4. Fire starter
Even in the great state of Florida, it gets cold, and being able to start a fire can mean not getting hypothermia.  Fires can also be used for signaling.  Unless you’ve been trained, the “rubbing two sticks together” method is quite difficult.  I recommend taking something to help get your fire going.  Include in that fire starter kit some steel wool or dryer lint; both are good starter fuel.  A 9-volt battery and steel wool work well together.  If it’s sunny, a magnifying glass will work as well. OPTIONS: Waterproof matches, windproof lighter, flint & steel.

5. Knife/Multi-tool
Use these for cutting bandages, cutting rope lengths, building a shelter, repairing gear and on and on. OPTIONS: Swiss Army, multi-tools, survival knifes, and locking blade knifes, to name just a few.

6. Rope/Line
Rope is one of the most useful and versatile things in any pack.  It can be used to fix other gear, build a shelter, make a splint or a sling, among other things. OPTIONS: Polyester line, climbing rope or line, braided, etc.

7. Map & Compass
Having a map and compass and knowing how to use them together (known as orienteering) is one of the most important skills anyone going into the woods should learn.  Make sure you have the correct map for the area, know the declination of the area you’ll be in, and practice in town before relying on your skills once lost. OPTIONS: Silva and Suunto brands of any style, lensatic compass, GPS with spare batteries and your starting point marked as a waypoint.

8. First Aid Kit 
Even a basic first aid kit can keep little problems from becoming life-threatening.  An open wound in the backcountry is subject to all kinds of infections, but a little triple antibiotic ointment and a bandage will keep you healthy and happy.  While not entirely necessary, I recommend taking at lead a Standard First Aid and CPR course. OPTIONS: The size of your kit will depend on your training and comfort level.  At a minimum the kit should include, pain relief, bandages, and alcohol pads.

9. Flashlight/headlamp w/ extra batteries
Though not for continuous use in the nighttime hours, having a flashlight or headlamp to assist with tasks when the sun goes down is essential.  You may need to change bandages, repair a shelter, or find another object; all very hard to do in the dark. OPTIONS: LED or Halogen bulbs, headlamp, flashlight, lantern.

10. Proper & extra clothing  
Rain gear is crucial, but plan for other types of weather also. In the hot times of the year, you may prefer cotton; in the chillier months, polypropylene and fleece are smart choices.  Hat or not?  Boots or sandals?  Spare socks? It’s your choice. Whatever the weather wear the right clothing and bring a bit extra. OPTIONS: Too many to list, but function over form would be the way to go.

And don’t forget the most important essential: your common sense. Safety first, and have fun hiking.

 

Deb Blick @ January 1, 2006