Understanding the 10 Essentials of Camping The 10 essentials are all about peace of mind. During a routine back country trip you may have no need for several of these items. But if something unexpected occurs, you don’t want to be caught without them- they could even save you life. Here are the components of a one-stop emergency-preparedness kit every wilderness traveler should carry, even on short trips. The original “10 Essentials” list began appearing in mountaineering literature in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, but contemporary environmental factors have prompted the addition of sunscreen and a water filter. Our list now also includes a GPS receiver as an option to consider. In recent years GPS units have emerged as worthwhile navigational tools that complement (though do not replace) a map and compass. We have also added a whistle, believing it is a crucial security item to keep handy when exploring unpredictable terrain. If you get in trouble (say you slide into a crevasse or ravine) and need to audibly signal someone, a whistle will last far longer than your vocal chords. Our last item, a food storage device (such as a bear canister), is now required in some western parks and wilderness areas and is very helpful in any area where animals are known to seek out human food. TIP: Make a printout of this list and stash it with your gear. Use it as a checklist before you head out on any excursion on wild lands. Map A topographical map should accompany you on any trip that involves anything more than an impossible-to-miss footpath or well-populated nature trail. Handout maps, the simplistic kind you pick up at visitor centers or entrance stations, do not show the kind of topographical details necessary for route finding. If you stray off the trail, or need to locate a water source, such one-dimensional maps are just about useless. In such situations, a topographic map is essential. You also need to understand how to interpret the information it presents. Compass It’s easy to get disoriented In the back country. A compass, combined with map-reading skills, can help you stay on course. Will GPS receivers make compasses obsolete? Not likely. Standard GPS units cannot indicate which direction is north, and while some high-end GPS receivers now include electronic compasses, a traditional compass weights next to nothing and does not rely on batteries. If you travel regularly in the wilderness, you should seriously consider taking a class to learn navigation techniques in details. Extra Clothing Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or frigid in the back country. It’s important to carry an additional layer (or two) of clothing in your pack. If you’re lost, extra clothing may get you through the night. A wool or fleece cap weights little and is a fine heat-retainer on cold nights. Extra socks are a true blessing if your original pair becomes soaked. Depending on conditions, consider a fleece jacket or pile sweater, a waterproof shell or even a compressible parka. Cotton items, which become useless when wet, make poor backup items. Another idea: pack an ultra light space blanket for emergencies. 
Extra Food & Water Always pack at least one extra day’s worth of food. IT can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it’s even smarter to include no-cook items: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits and jerky. The process of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it’s smart to munch some food before bunking down-but never leave animal-attracting leftovers in your tent. First-Aid Kit Pre-assembled first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building a kit on your own, although most people “personalize” such kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include moleskin (for blisters), adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper. Latex gloves also deserve consideration. Headlamp or Flashlight A good light source is invaluable in the back country. Picture yourself trying to hustle off a mountain in dwindling light, or trying to set up camp as the last bit of blue drains from the sky. It's smart to carry replacement bulbs and batteries, even a backup or flashlight. Headlamps allow you to keep your hands free during any activity and are usually a backpacker’s first choice for a light source. Keep your light in an easily accessible section of your pack; check it once in a while to see if it has become inadvertently switched on. Matches Matches headed into the back country should be the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and make an extra effort to keep them dry. Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself from frustration and tote reliable matches on. Fire Starter As the name implies, fire starter is an element that helps you jump-start a fire. The ideal fire starter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Possible candidates: dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming past; heat “nuggets’ are convenient and reliable fire-starting products. Even lint trappings found in clothes dryers can work. Knife or Multi-Tool Knives or multi-tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, and first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one foldout blade (more likely tow), one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can-opener and (though some people will call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs (if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you may want in your knife or tool. Read what information you might find for selecting knives and tools. Sunglasses Indispensable. Some medical studies suggest that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays may play a role in cataract development. Yet protection is so simple: Put on a pair of protective glasses when spending large amounts of time outdoors, particularly above tree line, to reduce your expose to UV light. Your goals; Select lenses that absorb 97-100: of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap around lenses keep light from entering the corners of your eyes and are great choices for the high country. Glacier glasses are a must for mountaineers who run the risk of snow blindness on days of bright glare. Sunscreen The Mayo Clinic recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 15 minutes before you go into the sun. The clinic also advises the use of sunscreen-fortified lip balm. If you swim or sweat a lot, use water-resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t leave the trailhead without it. Pick up up some pointers in our guide to sunscreen. Water Filter/Purifier Rushing streams and alpine lakes appear to contain the clearest, freshest water on earth. Yet sometimes, they harbor microscopic pathogens that, if you ingest them, could leave you feeling nauseous for weeks. You have three defensive strategies: boiling, chemical treatment or straining the water through a mechanical filter or purifier. Filters and purifiers do the job with minimal fuss. Whistle The sound of a whistle travels farther than you voice. Plus, blowing a whistle in an emergency won’t exhaust your vocal chords. IT’s smart to attaché lanyard to your whistle, then tie it it a D-ring or some other portion of a shoulder strap on you pack. Thus, if you fall (and perhaps pin one of your arms) you won’t have to dig far to get it up to your mouth. Bear-Resistant Food Container Black bears in some regions of the western United States, particularly the Sierra Nevada range in California, search out human food with remarkable vigor and persistence. In some areas use of a bear-resistant food container is mandatory. Even in areas where such containers are not required, wildlife managers often still recommend their use. Final Thought You need to bring one other item – knowledge – in order to benefit from the gear on this list. Just having a compass in your pack or a map in you r pocket will be of no value to you unless you understand how to use them. As one veteran – and rescue leader put it, “People talk about he 10 Essentials, but the most important essential is between your ears.”

 

 

 

 

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Our Locations The Great Outdoors has locations in Newport, Morrisville and Enosburg Falls, Vermont. Our sales staff is happy to assist you with your questions regarding pricing and stock availability. Feel free to visit us at any of our locations or contact us during regular store hours. Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday - 9am - 3pm

The Great Outdoors

117 Waterfront Plaza

Newport, VT  05855

Phone: 802-334-2831

 

The Great Outdoors

65 Northgate Plaza

Morrisville, VT 05661

Phone: 802-888-3718

 

The Great Outdoors

162 Main Market Place

Enosburg Falls, VT  05450

Phone: 802-933-4815

This Website is built and maintained by Digital Media Vermont
Understanding the 10 Essentials of Camping The 10 essentials are all about peace of mind. During a routine back country trip you may have no need for several of these items. But if something unexpected occurs, you don’t want to be caught without them- they could even save you life. Here are the components of a one-stop emergency-preparedness kit every wilderness traveler should carry, even on short trips. The original “10 Essentials” list began appearing in mountaineering literature in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, but contemporary environmental factors have prompted the addition of sunscreen and a water filter. Our list now also includes a GPS receiver as an option to consider. In recent years GPS units have emerged as worthwhile navigational tools that complement (though do not replace) a map and compass. We have also added a whistle, believing it is a crucial security item to keep handy when exploring unpredictable terrain. If you get in trouble (say you slide into a crevasse or ravine) and need to audibly signal someone, a whistle will last far longer than your vocal chords. Our last item, a food storage device (such as a bear canister), is now required in some western parks and wilderness areas and is very helpful in any area where animals are known to seek out human food. TIP: Make a printout of this list and stash it with your gear. Use it as a checklist before you head out on any excursion on wild lands. Map A topographical map should accompany you on any trip that involves anything more than an impossible-to-miss footpath or well-populated nature trail. Handout maps, the simplistic kind you pick up at visitor centers or entrance stations, do not show the kind of topographical details necessary for route finding. If you stray off the trail, or need to locate a water source, such one-dimensional maps are just about useless. In such situations, a topographic map is essential. You also need to understand how to interpret the information it presents. Compass It’s easy to get disoriented In the back country. A compass, combined with map-reading skills, can help you stay on course. Will GPS receivers make compasses obsolete? Not likely. Standard GPS units cannot indicate which direction is north, and while some high-end GPS receivers now include electronic compasses, a traditional compass weights next to nothing and does not rely on batteries. If you travel regularly in the wilderness, you should seriously consider taking a class to learn navigation techniques in details. Extra Clothing Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or frigid in the back country. It’s important to carry an additional layer (or two) of clothing in your pack. If you’re lost, extra clothing may get you through the night. A wool or fleece cap weights little and is a fine heat-retainer on cold nights. Extra socks are a true blessing if your original pair becomes soaked. Depending on conditions, consider a fleece jacket or pile sweater, a waterproof shell or even a compressible parka. Cotton items, which become useless when wet, make poor backup items. Another idea: pack an ultra light space blanket for emergencies. 
Extra Food & Water Always pack at least one extra day’s worth of food. IT can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it’s even smarter to include no-cook items: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits and jerky. The process of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it’s smart to munch some food before bunking down-but never leave animal-attracting leftovers in your tent. First-Aid Kit Pre-assembled first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building a kit on your own, although most people “personalize” such kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include moleskin (for blisters), adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper. Latex gloves also deserve consideration. Headlamp or Flashlight A good light source is invaluable in the back country. Picture yourself trying to hustle off a mountain in dwindling light, or trying to set up camp as the last bit of blue drains from the sky. It's smart to carry replacement bulbs and batteries, even a backup or flashlight. Headlamps allow you to keep your hands free during any activity and are usually a backpacker’s first choice for a light source. Keep your light in an easily accessible section of your pack; check it once in a while to see if it has become inadvertently switched on. Matches Matches headed into the back country should be the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and make an extra effort to keep them dry. Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself from frustration and tote reliable matches on. Fire Starter As the name implies, fire starter is an element that helps you jump-start a fire. The ideal fire starter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Possible candidates: dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming past; heat “nuggets’ are convenient and reliable fire-starting products. Even lint trappings found in clothes dryers can work. Knife or Multi-Tool Knives or multi-tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, and first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one foldout blade (more likely tow), one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can-opener and (though some people will call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs (if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you may want in your knife or tool. Read what information you might find for selecting knives and tools. Sunglasses Indispensable. Some medical studies suggest that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays may play a role in cataract development. Yet protection is so simple: Put on a pair of protective glasses when spending large amounts of time outdoors, particularly above tree line, to reduce your expose to UV light. Your goals; Select lenses that absorb 97-100: of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap around lenses keep light from entering the corners of your eyes and are great choices for the high country. Glacier glasses are a must for mountaineers who run the risk of snow blindness on days of bright glare. Sunscreen The Mayo Clinic recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 15 minutes before you go into the sun. The clinic also advises the use of sunscreen-fortified lip balm. If you swim or sweat a lot, use water-resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t leave the trailhead without it. Pick up up some pointers in our guide to sunscreen. Water Filter/Purifier Rushing streams and alpine lakes appear to contain the clearest, freshest water on earth. Yet sometimes, they harbor microscopic pathogens that, if you ingest them, could leave you feeling nauseous for weeks. You have three defensive strategies: boiling, chemical treatment or straining the water through a mechanical filter or purifier. Filters and purifiers do the job with minimal fuss. Whistle The sound of a whistle travels farther than you voice. Plus, blowing a whistle in an emergency won’t exhaust your vocal chords. IT’s smart to attaché lanyard to your whistle, then tie it it a D-ring or some other portion of a shoulder strap on you pack. Thus, if you fall (and perhaps pin one of your arms) you won’t have to dig far to get it up to your mouth. Bear-Resistant Food Container Black bears in some regions of the western United States, particularly the Sierra Nevada range in California, search out human food with remarkable vigor and persistence. In some areas use of a bear-resistant food container is mandatory. Even in areas where such containers are not required, wildlife managers often still recommend their use. Final Thought You need to bring one other item – knowledge – in order to benefit from the gear on this list. Just having a compass in your pack or a map in you r pocket will be of no value to you unless you understand how to use them. As one veteran – and rescue leader put it, “People talk about he 10 Essentials, but the most important essential is between your ears.”
Understanding the 10 Essentials of Camping The 10 essentials are all about peace of mind. During a routine back country trip you may have no need for several of these items. But if something unexpected occurs, you don’t want to be caught without them- they could even save you life. Here are the components of a one-stop emergency-preparedness kit every wilderness traveler should carry, even on short trips. The original “10 Essentials” list began appearing in mountaineering literature in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, but contemporary environmental factors have prompted the addition of sunscreen and a water filter. Our list now also includes a GPS receiver as an option to consider. In recent years GPS units have emerged as worthwhile navigational tools that complement (though do not replace) a map and compass. We have also added a whistle, believing it is a crucial security item to keep handy when exploring unpredictable terrain. If you get in trouble (say you slide into a crevasse or ravine) and need to audibly signal someone, a whistle will last far longer than your vocal chords. Our last item, a food storage device (such as a bear canister), is now required in some western parks and wilderness areas and is very helpful in any area where animals are known to seek out human food. TIP: Make a printout of this list and stash it with your gear. Use it as a checklist before you head out on any excursion on wild lands. Map A topographical map should accompany you on any trip that involves anything more than an impossible-to-miss footpath or well-populated nature trail. Handout maps, the simplistic kind you pick up at visitor centers or entrance stations, do not show the kind of topographical details necessary for route finding. If you stray off the trail, or need to locate a water source, such one-dimensional maps are just about useless. In such situations, a topographic map is essential. You also need to understand how to interpret the information it presents. Compass It’s easy to get disoriented In the back country. A compass, combined with map-reading skills, can help you stay on course. Will GPS receivers make compasses obsolete? Not likely. Standard GPS units cannot indicate which direction is north, and while some high-end GPS receivers now include electronic compasses, a traditional compass weights next to nothing and does not rely on batteries. If you travel regularly in the wilderness, you should seriously consider taking a class to learn navigation techniques in details. Extra Clothing Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or frigid in the back country. It’s important to carry an additional layer (or two) of clothing in your pack. If you’re lost, extra clothing may get you through the night. A wool or fleece cap weights little and is a fine heat-retainer on cold nights. Extra socks are a true blessing if your original pair becomes soaked. Depending on conditions, consider a fleece jacket or pile sweater, a waterproof shell or even a compressible parka. Cotton items, which become useless when wet, make poor backup items. Another idea: pack an ultra light space blanket for emergencies. 
Extra Food & Water Always pack at least one extra day’s worth of food. IT can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it’s even smarter to include no-cook items: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits and jerky. The process of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it’s smart to munch some food before bunking down-but never leave animal-attracting leftovers in your tent. First-Aid Kit Pre-assembled first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building a kit on your own, although most people “personalize” such kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include moleskin (for blisters), adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper. Latex gloves also deserve consideration. Headlamp or Flashlight A good light source is invaluable in the back country. Picture yourself trying to hustle off a mountain in dwindling light, or trying to set up camp as the last bit of blue drains from the sky. It's smart to carry replacement bulbs and batteries, even a backup or flashlight. Headlamps allow you to keep your hands free during any activity and are usually a backpacker’s first choice for a light source. Keep your light in an easily accessible section of your pack; check it once in a while to see if it has become inadvertently switched on. Matches Matches headed into the back country should be the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and make an extra effort to keep them dry. Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself from frustration and tote reliable matches on. Fire Starter As the name implies, fire starter is an element that helps you jump-start a fire. The ideal fire starter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Possible candidates: dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming past; heat “nuggets’ are convenient and reliable fire-starting products. Even lint trappings found in clothes dryers can work. Knife or Multi-Tool Knives or multi-tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, and first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one foldout blade (more likely tow), one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can-opener and (though some people will call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs (if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you may want in your knife or tool. Read what information you might find for selecting knives and tools. Sunglasses Indispensable. Some medical studies suggest that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays may play a role in cataract development. Yet protection is so simple: Put on a pair of protective glasses when spending large amounts of time outdoors, particularly above tree line, to reduce your expose to UV light. Your goals; Select lenses that absorb 97-100: of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap around lenses keep light from entering the corners of your eyes and are great choices for the high country. Glacier glasses are a must for mountaineers who run the risk of snow blindness on days of bright glare. Sunscreen The Mayo Clinic recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 15 minutes before you go into the sun. The clinic also advises the use of sunscreen-fortified lip balm. If you swim or sweat a lot, use water-resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t leave the trailhead without it. Pick up up some pointers in our guide to sunscreen. Water Filter/Purifier Rushing streams and alpine lakes appear to contain the clearest, freshest water on earth. Yet sometimes, they harbor microscopic pathogens that, if you ingest them, could leave you feeling nauseous for weeks. You have three defensive strategies: boiling, chemical treatment or straining the water through a mechanical filter or purifier. Filters and purifiers do the job with minimal fuss. Whistle The sound of a whistle travels farther than you voice. Plus, blowing a whistle in an emergency won’t exhaust your vocal chords. IT’s smart to attaché lanyard to your whistle, then tie it it a D-ring or some other portion of a shoulder strap on you pack. Thus, if you fall (and perhaps pin one of your arms) you won’t have to dig far to get it up to your mouth. Bear-Resistant Food Container Black bears in some regions of the western United States, particularly the Sierra Nevada range in California, search out human food with remarkable vigor and persistence. In some areas use of a bear-resistant food container is mandatory. Even in areas where such containers are not required, wildlife managers often still recommend their use. Final Thought You need to bring one other item – knowledge – in order to benefit from the gear on this list. Just having a compass in your pack or a map in you r pocket will be of no value to you unless you understand how to use them. As one veteran – and rescue leader put it, “People talk about he 10 Essentials, but the most important essential is between your ears.”
Our Locations The Great Outdoors has locations in Newport, Morrisville and Enosburg Falls, Vermont. Our sales staff is happy to assist you with your questions regarding pricing and stock availability. Feel free to visit us at any of our locations or contact us during regular store hours. Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday - 9am - 3pm