One of my favorite quotes that comes to mind when thinking about the 10 essentials is, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. So, what are they?

The 10 essentials are navigation, sun protection, lights, first aid kit, shelter, repair kit & tools, fire, nutrition, hydration and additional clothing. These are commonly agreed upon categories within the outdoor industry that should be with you on all adventures. There are countless YouTube videos going over these and I recommend doing some research and seeing what works for you. Here is what I have to fill these categories as well as some other things i consider essential. As I have mentioned in the past I am always trying to improve and be more efficient, so this is an ever-evolving process.

Possibles pouch-Shelter, Repair & Tools, Fire, Hydration, Lighting and Nutrition. There is a separate post about this kit that goes more in depth.

Extra layers kit- In this kit I have a pair of gloves, a beanie, a collapsible ballcap, an extra pair socks and a rain jacket. I used to keep these medium Patagonia blackhole cube, but I chose to put them in a 3L osprey dry bag because this bag is more compressible, weighs less and it is completely waterproof. That is important to consider if you are in a wet area and don’t want your layers to get cold.

First Aid Kit- I have a small but comprehensive kit that comes with me on all my adventures however I have a bigger kit in my car and is an extension of this kit. I do not store my tourniquet in my first aid because I don’t have space in my kit and it is a lifesaving device and should readily accessible, so I keep it in a holder along with shears on my backpack straps. An important note for this category is to build this kit for YOU and if you get hurt YOU pull from this kit, everyone in your group should have their own IFAK or individual first aid kit. Everyone is different and may require different supplies in their kit. As well as if I use my life saving gear on someone else and I find myself in a similar situation I won’t be able to help myself any longer. I also want to make sure I am able to keep myself going to help others when needed. Something I refer to a lot when explaining this is when you are on a flight and the stewardess goes over safety. They always say to put your oxygen mask on before you put on anyone else’s. Some kind of thinking here.

Navigation- I have a Garmin Inreach Mini 2 with a carabiner that can be attached to anything. Most commonly I store it on my backpack strap., where it is easily accessible and can connect to satellite easier. I also have my phone with downloaded maps of the area. One of my goals this year is to learn how to navigate the “old fashioned” way with a map and compass but so far, the phone and Garmin have worked well.

Toiletry Kit- In this kit I have a little of everything, ChapStick because my lips get chapped so easy especially at higher elevations. A small tube of lotion is perfect for a little extra moisturization. Something I just recently added and can’t believe I didn’t have it before is an on-the-go facial tissue pack. Especially in the winter my nose tends to run more in colder temperatures. I also have a Nite Ize S biner with some extra ties to put up my hair and extras to loan out. No matter how many I buy, they disappear! One-minute there’s one on my wrist and the next time I look down its gone! I also carry a small hairbrush with a mirror. (have to look good on those summit selfies) I also carry a small travel sunscreen to reapply while out on trial (I typically apply at the car before heading out). Finally, I keep a small bottle of Picardian lotion to repel insects.

These have worked for me thus far and as I change and my adventures change these may as well so stay tuned for an updated post later on!