The Ten Essentials Updated for Modern Hiking
The Ten Essentials were first published in 1974 by The Mountaineers. The concept remains valid — carry these items on every hike, no matter how short. But the specifics deserve a modern update.
The Modern Ten Essentials
1. Navigation
Classic: Map and compass Modern addition: Smartphone with offline maps (Gaia GPS, AllTrails) + battery bank
Both are essential. Your phone provides GPS precision; the map and compass work when the phone fails.
2. Headlamp
Classic: Flashlight Modern: Rechargeable headlamp (Nitecore NU25, 1.1 oz)
Always carry a headlamp even on day hikes. Delays happen. Getting caught after dark without light is dangerous and preventable.
3. Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ broad spectrum)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses (UV400 protection)
- Sun hat
UV exposure at altitude is dramatically higher than at sea level. Sunburn can be severe and debilitating.
4. First Aid
A trail-specific kit (see our first aid guide) appropriate to your trip length, group size, and remoteness. Include:
- Wound care supplies
- Blister treatment (Leukotape)
- Medications (ibuprofen, antihistamine, personal prescriptions)
- Tweezers for ticks and splinters
5. Knife/Repair Kit
Classic: Knife Modern: Small multi-tool + Tenacious Tape + Leukotape + duct tape
Cutting, repairing, and improvising solutions to gear failures is a critical backcountry skill.
6. Fire
- Lighter (BIC — cheap and reliable)
- Waterproof matches (backup)
- Fire starter (cotton balls with petroleum jelly or commercial fire starter)
The ability to start a fire in an emergency provides warmth, water purification, signaling, and morale.
7. Emergency Shelter
Classic: Space blanket Modern: Emergency bivy (SOL Emergency Bivy, 3.8 oz) or lightweight tarp
An unplanned night out is survivable with emergency shelter. Without it, hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.
8. Extra Food
Carry at least one extra meal (energy bars, trail mix, or other calorie-dense food) beyond what you plan to eat. If your hike extends due to injury, weather, or navigation error, this food sustains you.
9. Extra Water / Water Treatment
- Carry enough water for your planned hike plus a safety margin
- Carry water treatment (filter, chemical, or UV) to access natural water sources if needed
- A Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz) turns any stream into a water source
10. Extra Clothing
- Insulation layer (lightweight puffy jacket or fleece)
- Rain/wind shell
- Warm hat and gloves (even in summer at elevation)
Weather changes quickly in the mountains. The difference between a comfortable hiker and a hypothermic one is often a single jacket.
The Unofficial 11th Essential
Communication device: A charged phone at minimum. A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach) for remote areas. The ability to call for help when needed is no longer optional.
Weight Budget
A complete Ten Essentials kit weighs 3–5 lbs depending on your choices. This is non-negotiable weight that should be in your pack on every single hike — day hike or multi-day backpacking trip.
The Bottom Line
The Ten Essentials exist because experienced hikers have learned — often the hard way — that the backcountry is unpredictable. A "quick 3-mile hike" can become an overnight survival situation through injury, weather, or navigation error. These items give you the tools to manage the unexpected.
Recommended Gear
Based on this guide's topics, here are some top-rated products to consider:
- Marmot Birdhouse 3-Shelf Hanging Tent Organizer ($34.95, 119 g)
- MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes ($29.96, 20 g)
- MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes ($48.95, 6 g)
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Backpacking Tent - Olive Green / 2 Person ($549.95, 1.2 kg)
- Snow Peak Aluminum Tarp Pole ($59.95, 1.0 kg)
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Hoody for Men - Fitz Roy Tarpon: Wispy Green X-Dye / L ($49.98, 181 g)
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Hoody for Men - Fitz Roy Tarpon: Wispy Green X-Dye / M ($49.98, 181 g)
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Hoody for Men - Fitz Roy Tarpon: Wispy Green X-Dye / XL ($49.98, 181 g)