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How To... Choose The Essentials

What should you take along on your next adventure? What's superfluous and can readily be left behind to lighten the load? On the other hand what's absolutely essential, and in the event of an emergency might be worth it's weight in gold?

Most people who work or play in the outdoors have heard of the "10 Essentials", a phrase coined by a group of American alpinists in the early 20th century to refer to what was then considered to be the minimal amount of equipment and supplies that should be carried in the outdoors to ensure one's comfort, safety and survival. Over the years the list has been expanded upon, as new technologies and new techniques opened the way for ever more ambitious endeavours to be undertaken, often by relatively less experienced persons.

What follows is our take on the essentials, what we will call "The SUNTRAIL Essentials". You'll notice that our list is at least twice as long as the original list of "Ten Essentials"; but even so it's probably not yet a complete list. As relatively new technologies such as GPS, PLB and weather satellite enabled cell phones become more commonplace, the list of what is considered "essential" by outdoor enthusiasts is likely to grow even longer.

So think of this list as a starting point, as a double-dozen or so suggested things that you should give serious consideration to either carrying with you personally or at least having ready access to in the event of an emergency. All of these items will fit into a small daypack or drybag, so they can easily be carried by everyone venturing into the outdoors.

Feel free to adapt the list to suit your own personal needs (or the needs of your family or group), as well as the particular requirements of your area of travel and intended activities. For example if you're touring in a sea kayak, in addition to the minimum mandatory safety gear you'll also want to include self-rescue gear such as a paddle float and stirrups, as well as flares and perhaps a VHF radio. If you'll be travelling in bear country, then consider including deterrants such as bear spray, bear bangers and air horns on your list. Similarly, if you're backcountry skiing in vertical terrain you should include avalanche gear such as beacons, probes and shovels; and if your travels involve crossing glaciers then be sure to include such essentials as ropes, harnesses, ascending devices, ice axes and crampons. Carry what you'll need, and know how to use it when needed.

Drop us a line if you have any comments or suggestions as to what other items you would add to your own list of personal essentials.

Have fun out there... but play it safe too!

And whatever you do, don't overload the van!!


"The human is the only creature who fares badly in the wilderness without tools. Yet, if he overburdens himself with equipment, he impedes his freedom to travel."
-- Calvin Rutstrum



The SUNTRAIL Essentials


Map 1. Map

Detailed topographic map(s) and/or hydrographic chart(s) of your intended area of travel, preferably made of waterproof materials such as Typar and carried in a waterproof map case.
Compass 2. Compass

Magnetic compass suitable for your intended area of travel. Check the manufacturer's detailed model information, because s ome compasses are "tuned" to function better in some parts of the world than in others, as a result of the dynamics of the earth's magnetic field. Needless to say, a compass is worse than useless if you don't know how to use it properly, so make sure that you familiarise yourself thoroughly with its operation ahead of time. Also note that a GPS unit (if available) should be seen as an adjunct to the compass and not as a replacement.
Water 3. Water

Water, sufficient for a minimum 12 hour period, carried in 2 seperate, leakproof, break resistant containers.
Filter 4. Water Filter or Purifier

Filter, purifier, or chemicals suitable for disinfecting an additional supply of water should the need arise.
Food 5. Food

Food, easy to prepare and easily digestible, to provide extra caloric input when needed.
Clothes 6. Extra clothes

Extra clothes that can provide insulation in the event that the ambient temperature drops below the comfort level. Note that it is easy to become chilled and even hypothermic at any time of the year, especially after a period of strenuous activity or in the event of fatigue or injury. A fleece sweater can preserve extra warmth for the body's core, while a warm hat, gloves and spare socks can help keep the extremities warm.
Rain Gear 7. Rain Gear

Waterproof and windproof rain gear, consisting of a light jacket (with hood) and pants, which can help keep you dry and also reduce radiant, conductive, convective and evaporative heat loss.
First Aid 8. First Aid Kit

First aid kit, appropriate for the intended activities and area of travel.
Whistle 9. Whistle

Whistles are an indispensable means of communication, and the sound carries much farther than the human voice.
Matches 10. Matches

Matches, preferably waterproof, stored in a waterproof case. Seasoned outdoor adventurers carry two, three or more such units, dispersed among their clothing and gear.
Firestarter 11. Firestarter

Firestarter, either manmade (such as alcohol paste or parafin soaked sawdust cups) or natural (such as fallen birch bark or shaved cedar bark). The stub of an old wax candle also makes an excellent firestarter.
Metal Cup 12. Metal Cup

Metal cup, such as the "Sierra Cup" shown, which can be used for preparuing hot beverages, obtaining water from seeps, digging snow caves, etc.
Light 13. Headlamp or Flashlight

Headlamp or flashlight, LED preferred (for longer life), and extra batteries.
Blanket 14. Emergency Blanket

Emergency blanket (a.k.a. "Space Blanket"). Preferably two; one for personal use and one that can be used as an emergency rain tarp.
Knife 15. Knife or Multi-Tool

Knife or multi-tool, with blades and tools appropriate to anticipated needs.
Nylon Cord 16. Nylon Cord

Fifty feet (15 m) of nylon cord, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Hat 17. Hat

Hat, preferably wide brimmed for sun protection, though even a ball style cap will be better than nothing.
Sunglasses 18. Sunglasses

Sunglasses (or goggles) for protection from wind, blowing objects, and harmful UV rays. Recommended at all times but absolutely necessary when travelling on water, snow or at higher elevation.
Sunscreen 19. Sunscreen

Sunscreen for protection from harmful UV rays.
Repellant 20. Insect Repellant

Insect repellant, natural or synthetic, in a formulation and strength suitable for your area of travel and intended activities.
Hygiene Kit 21. Hygiene Kit

Hygiene kit, consisting of a digging trowel, bathroom tissue, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and possibly some hand wipes. (Be sure to follow recommended / regulated procedures for waste disposal in your area of travel.)
Repair Kit 22. Repair Kit

Repair kit, tailored to the realistic requirements of your area of travel and intended activities. A sewing needle, thread, dental floss, cable ties, rubber bands, a bit of wire, spare pack buckles and a patch kit can easily be carried in a small zipper lock bag. Duct tape has a wealth of practical outdoor applications and can be carried as an entire roll or simply wrapped around items such as water bottles or trekking poles.
Notepad 23. Notepad and Pen or Pencil

Notepad and pen or mechanical pencil, for recording details of trails or headings taken, leaving notes, etc.
Local Currency 24. Local Currency

Local currency, in a small supply, for emergency purchases in civilised areas.
Bandana 25. Bandana

Bandana, a lightweight and versatile item which can be used as a sun shade, a facecloth, a pot-holder, a bandage, a signalling device, etc.